Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV vs BMW iX vs Tesla Model X
Real out-the-door prices, every trim, every spec, and an honest verdict on each.
Choose your shortlist
The verdict
Photo finish
The 2026 Tesla Model X edges ahead by just 4.8 points — inside our margin for calling it, so there's no clear winner on the numbers. Let your priorities pick: the cheapest, the most efficient, or the one owners rave about below.
2026 Tesla Model X
48
2026 BMW iX
43.2
2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
36.099999999999994
How the winner is called: price up to 20 pts, fuel economy up to 15, owner evidence up to 15, editor verdict up to 12, driving impressions up to 10, power up to 8, seats up to 5, safety awards up to 5. A category only counts when every compared car has that data, the category leader always earns its full weight, and a winner is only declared when the lead is 8+ points. Computed live from stored specs and sourced owner quotes — no opinions.
The Scoreboard
No feelings, just receipts — each point below is computed straight from the spec sheet.
2026 Tesla Model X
$81,380 incl. destination — $7,045 less than the runner-up
2026 Tesla Model X
670 hp
The bottom line
Early points to the 2026 Tesla Model X and the 2026 Tesla Model X. Start with the 2026 Tesla Model X at $81,380 if the monthly payment decides, then read the spec sheet below — every point above comes straight from it.
Mercedes-Benz · Full-Size Electric SUV
2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
“Exceptional cabin materials and build quality”
See the full reviewTrim-Level Comparison
Pick a specific trim for each model to compare exact equipment and features side-by-side.
Trim Price (incl. dest.)
- EQS SUV$113,600
- iX$112,675
- Model X$96,380
Est. Monthly, Brand Financing (60 mo)
- EQS SUV$2,249/mo
- iX$2,231/mo
- Model X$1,908/mo
vs. Base Trim
- EQS SUV+$22,500
- iX+$24,250
- Model X+$15,000
| EQS SUV EQS 550 4MATIC SUV | iX M60 | Model X Plaid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trim Price (incl. dest.) | $113,600 | $112,675 | $96,380 |
| Est. Monthly, Brand Financing (60 mo) | $2,249/mo | $2,231/mo | $1,908/mo |
| vs. Base Trim | +$22,500 | +$24,250 | +$15,000 |
10 of 10 features shown
EQS SUViXModel X
MBUX Hyperscreen
Included Not included Not included
10-Degree Rear Axle Steering
Included Not included Not included
536-hp Dual Motors
Included Not included Not included
Nappa Leather Upholstery
Included Not included Not included
Dual All-Electric Motors
Not included Included Not included
Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof
Not included Included Not included
M Sport Brakes and Suspension
Not included Included Not included
5-Seat Configuration
Not included Not included Included
1,020 HP Tri-Motor
Not included Not included Included
6-Seat Interior
Not included Not included Included
| MBUX Hyperscreen | Included | Not included | Not included |
| 10-Degree Rear Axle Steering | Included | Not included | Not included |
| 536-hp Dual Motors | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Nappa Leather Upholstery | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Dual All-Electric Motors | Not included | Included | Not included |
| Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof | Not included | Included | Not included |
| M Sport Brakes and Suspension | Not included | Included | Not included |
| 5-Seat Configuration | Not included | Not included | Included |
| 1,020 HP Tri-Motor | Not included | Not included | Included |
| 6-Seat Interior | Not included | Not included | Included |
Feature lists reflect cumulative standard equipment for each trim, a trim includes everything from lower trims plus its own additions. The monthly figure is the trim price over 60 months at an assumed 7% markup with $0 down, an estimate for financing through the brand's own financial company. That markup is profit on a cost-plus sale, not the Loan Excess, because the financier owns the car it sells. The 7% is an assumption for illustration, not a rate anyone is quoted.
Full Spec Sheet
Every detail side by side: pricing, power, efficiency, seating, where each car is built, safety recognition, and the honest verdict on each.
Pricing & Financing
Base MSRP
- EQS SUV$89,950
- iX$87,250
- Model X$79,990
Est. dealer invoice
- EQS SUV$84,553
- iX$82,015
- Model X$79,990
Destination fee
- EQS SUV$1,150
- iX$1,175
- Model X$1,390
Total base price (incl. dest.)
- EQS SUV$91,100
- iX$88,425
- Model X$81,380
Est. monthly, brand financing (60 mo)
- EQS SUV$1,804/mo
- iX$1,751/mo
- Model X$1,611/mo
Trims offered
- EQS SUV2 (from $89,950)
- iX2 (from $87,250)
- Model X2 (from $79,990)
Powertrain & Efficiency
Powertrain options
- EQS SUVDual-Motor Electric (AWD)
- iXDual Motor AWD
- Model XDual Motor All-Wheel Drive, Tri-Motor All-Wheel Drive
Horsepower
- EQS SUV355 hp
- iX516 hp
- Model X670 - 1,020 hp
Fuel economy
- EQS SUV312 mi range
- iX307 mi range
- Model X102 MPGe
Seating
- EQS SUV7 seats
- iX5 seats
- Model X7 seats
Build & Safety
Body type
- EQS SUVFull-Size Electric SUV
- iXMid-Size SUV
- Model XSUV
Assembly location
- EQS SUVTuscaloosa, AL, USA
- iXDingolfing, Germany
- Model XFremont, CA, USA
Safety awards & ratings
- EQS SUVIIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2025)
- iXIIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2024)
- Model XNHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating (2024)
Honest Verdict
Recommended trim
- EQS SUVEQS 400 4MATIC SUV
- iXxDrive50
- Model XDual Motor All-Wheel Drive
Trim to skip
- EQS SUVEQS 550 4MATIC SUV
- iXM60
- Model XPlaid
Key rivals
- EQS SUVTesla Model X, BMW iX, Rivian R1S
- iXAudi Q8 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Tesla Model X
- Model XRivian R1S, BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
| |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing & Financing | |||
| Base MSRP | $89,950 | $87,250 | $79,990 |
| Est. dealer invoice | $84,553 | $82,015 | $79,990 |
| Destination fee | $1,150 | $1,175 | $1,390 |
| Total base price (incl. dest.) | $91,100 | $88,425 | $81,380 |
| Est. monthly, brand financing (60 mo) | $1,804/mo | $1,751/mo | $1,611/mo |
| Trims offered | 2 (from $89,950) | 2 (from $87,250) | 2 (from $79,990) |
| Powertrain & Efficiency | |||
| Powertrain options | Dual-Motor Electric (AWD) | Dual Motor AWD | Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive, Tri-Motor All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 355 hp | 516 hp | 670 - 1,020 hp |
| Fuel economy | 312 mi range | 307 mi range | 102 MPGe |
| Seating | 7 seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Build & Safety | |||
| Body type | Full-Size Electric SUV | Mid-Size SUV | SUV |
| Assembly location | Tuscaloosa, AL, USA | Dingolfing, Germany | Fremont, CA, USA |
| Safety awards & ratings | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2025) | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2024) | NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating (2024) |
| Honest Verdict | |||
| Recommended trim | EQS 400 4MATIC SUV | xDrive50 | Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive |
| Trim to skip | EQS 550 4MATIC SUV | M60 | Plaid |
| Key rivals | Tesla Model X, BMW iX, Rivian R1S | Audi Q8 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Tesla Model X | Rivian R1S, BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV |
Dealer invoice is an estimate from MSRP minus typical brand holdback and advertising fees when the exact figure isn't published. Monthly is the total base price over 60 months at an assumed 7% markup, $0 down — an illustration for financing through the brand's own financial company, not a quoted rate.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Honest verdicts side by side to help you decide.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
Full-Size Electric SUV
Pros
- Exceptional cabin materials and build quality
- Standard rear-axle steering improves daily usability
- Ultra-quiet and refined driving environment
Cons
- Polarizing exterior styling that lacks traditional SUV presence
- Third row is quite tight for a full-size vehicle
BMW iX
Mid-Size SUV
Pros
- World-class interior materials and design
- Competitive 307-mile electric range
- Quiet and refined driving dynamics
Cons
- Polarizing exterior styling
- Expensive options list can quickly inflate the price
Tesla Model X
SUV
Pros
- Industry-leading Supercharger network access
- Stunning high-tech aesthetic and interior space
- Exceptional efficiency for a 7-passenger SUV
Cons
- Falcon Wing doors can be problematic in low-clearance areas
- Reliance on touchscreen for all controls is distracting
How They Drive
Real driving impressions: what each car does well and where it falls short.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
Performance
- Smooth and linear power delivery from the dual-motor system
- Ample torque for confident highway merging
- 355 hp feels adequate but lacks the punch of some electric rivals
- Vehicle weight is noticeable during heavy braking
Handling
- Rear-axle steering makes it incredibly maneuverable in tight spaces
- Stable and planted feel at highway speeds
- Steering feedback is muted and lacks a sporty connection
- Significant body roll if pushed hard into corners
Comfort
- Near-silent cabin even at high speeds
- Air suspension provides a cloud-like ride quality
- The brake pedal feel can be somewhat soft or 'mushy'
- Third-row seating is cramped for adult passengers
BMW iX
Performance
- Effortless 516 hp delivery
- Dual-motor AWD provides excellent all-weather traction
- Substantial curb weight is noticeable under heavy braking
Handling
- Low center of gravity reduces body roll
- Light and accurate steering for urban maneuvering
- Steering lacks the mechanical feedback of traditional BMWs
Comfort
- Exceptional sound insulation creates a silent cabin
- Lounge-like seating offers great long-distance support
- Large wheel options can make the ride slightly busy over sharp bumps
Tesla Model X
Performance
- Unrivaled acceleration in the Plaid trim
- Instant torque makes passing effortless
- Seamless power delivery
- Regenerative braking can be too aggressive for some
- Top speed is electronically limited
Handling
- Low center of gravity reduces body roll
- Adjustable air suspension provides versatility
- Precise steering for a vehicle of its size
- Steering feel can be somewhat artificial
- Braking performance feels taxed by the vehicle's weight
Comfort
- Expansive visibility through the panoramic windshield
- Extremely quiet cabin at highway speeds
- Convenient entry and exit with Falcon Wing doors
- Ride quality is firmer than traditional luxury SUVs
- Minimalist seats lack the adjustment range of rivals
Straight Answers
The questions everyone asks about these three — answered from the numbers, not the brochure.
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