2011 Mercedes-Benz GL vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | GL | 520 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5500 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 382 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5098 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1989 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1839 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3076 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
