X5 E70 vs GL / GLS X164 (GL): which is better?
BMW X5 E70 (2006–2013) vs Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X164 (GL) (2006–2012): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW X5 E70Specifications
| BMW X5 E70 | Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X164 (GL) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2006–2013 | 2006–2012 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.0 (xDrive30i) | 4.7 V8 (GL450) |
| Power, up to | 272 hp | 340 hp |
| Torque, up to | 315 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 854 mm | 5 088 mm |
| Width | 1 933 mm | 1 920 mm |
| Height | 1 766 mm | 1 840 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 933 mm | 3 075 mm |
| Fuel tank | 85 L | 100 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 510 925 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW X5 E70
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 272 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 85 L
Cons
- Engine BMW N52 (3.0): hydraulic lifter ticking
- Gearbox ZF 5HP/6HP: bushing and mechatronics wear
Engine (BMW N52 (3.0)): hydraulic lifter tapping; valve cover gasket and filter housing leaks; electric water pump failure.
Gearbox (ZF 5HP/6HP): bushing and mechatronic wear; shift shocks.
Mercedes-Benz GL / GLS X164 (GL)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 340 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 100 L
Cons
- Gearbox Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9): control board failure (speed sensors)
Gearbox (Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9)): control board failure (speed sensors); valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- X5 E70 — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- GL / GLS X164 (GL) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: X5 E70 or GL / GLS X164 (GL)?
X5 E70: up to 272 hp, GL / GLS X164 (GL): up to 340 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: X5 E70 — about 42 425 ₸, GL / GLS X164 (GL) — about 510 925 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.