Two heavily disguised German SUV prototypes have been seen together in Munich, and the contrast is hard to miss.
The upcoming BMW X5 M looks broad and imposing beside Mercedes’ smaller G-Class test vehicle, a pairing that neatly frames where the performance SUV market is heading.
One is expected to push BMW M deeper into high-output electrified performance, while the other brings the G-Class shape into a more compact package.
At a glance
- Camouflaged prototypes of the 2027 BMW X5 M and the smaller Mercedes G-Class were seen together in Munich.
- The BMW appears considerably larger, while the Mercedes keeps the upright, boxy G-Class visual language.
- The X5 M is expected to target 800 to 900 hp, while the electric smaller G-Class may use an 85 kWh battery and dual motors.
A rare side-by-side look at two German SUV directions
Prototype sightings usually tell part of the story, but seeing these two vehicles stopped together gives the size difference real context.
The BMW X5 M prototype sits with the visual mass expected of a full-size performance SUV, even under heavy camouflage.
The smaller Mercedes G-Class, by contrast, appears more compact but keeps the familiar upright stance that makes the G-Wagen instantly recognisable.
That contrast matters because both vehicles are chasing different buyers with very different ideas of what a luxury SUV should be.
The BMW leans into power, road presence and M division aggression, while the Mercedes trades on iconography, packaging and electric-era reinvention.
BMW X5 M aims for a more aggressive electric-era identity
The 2027 BMW X5 M is expected to bring a more upright interpretation of BMW’s kidney grille, with a three-dimensional treatment rather than a flatter front-end graphic.
The prototype is also expected to feature larger air intakes and additional front bumper venting, both of which suit the M car brief.
The biggest talking point is the expected powertrain direction.
The SUV may use four electric motors, with one motor at each wheel, and output is expected to sit between 800 and 900 hp.
If that layout reaches production, it would give BMW M more precise torque control at each corner and move the X5 M into a very different technical space from today’s high-performance combustion SUVs.
Mercedes gives the G-Class formula a smaller footprint
The smaller Mercedes G-Class prototype follows the same basic design language as the larger G-Wagen, including the squared-off body and upright rear profile.
Visible details are expected to include a spare wheel mounted on the tailgate, alloy wheels, LED tail lamps and a high-mounted stop lamp.
The electric version is expected to use an 85 kWh battery pack paired with dual motors.
Targeted driving range is said to be up to 450 miles, which would make the smaller G-Class more than a style-led urban SUV if Mercedes can deliver that figure in production form.
Its appeal will likely come from offering the G-Class look in a more accessible and city-friendly size, without abandoning the visual cues that buyers associate with the nameplate.
Details & Specifications
| Vehicle | 2027 BMW X5 M prototype |
|---|---|
| Observed location | Munich, Germany |
| Body style | Performance SUV |
| Expected front-end changes | More upright three-dimensional kidney grille, larger air intakes and extra front bumper vents |
| Expected powertrain | Four electric motors, one at each wheel |
| Expected output | 800 to 900 hp |
| Vehicle | Smaller Mercedes G-Class prototype |
| Body style | Compact G-Class-style SUV |
| Expected design cues | Boxy body, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, alloy wheels, LED tail lamps and high-mounted stop lamp |
| Expected electric battery | 85 kWh |
| Expected electric drive | Dual-motor setup |
| Targeted electric range | Up to 450 miles |
The Munich sighting is a useful snapshot of two important SUV projects before the camouflage comes off.
BMW appears to be preparing a more powerful, more technically ambitious X5 M, while Mercedes is shaping a smaller G-Class that could broaden one of its most recognisable model lines.
