It’s a common frustration when car reviews focus heavily on easily discoverable features rather than the nuanced aspects of driving and passenger comfort. The debate around ride quality in luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 is a prime example. Interestingly, opinions are divided, with some reviews favoring the GLS while others champion the X7 for ride comfort. Let’s delve into why many reviewers suggest the BMW X7 edges out the Mercedes GLS in this critical area.
Expert reviewers often highlight the X7’s ability to absorb larger road imperfections with more composure. As noted by Car and Driver, “On big impacts, the GLS will send an occasional quiver through its structure, and the giant wheels send more noise and vibes into the cabin over broken roads. The X7 is resolutely solid.” This suggests the X7’s chassis and suspension are better tuned to minimize disturbances felt within the cabin, creating a more serene experience for passengers. The review also points out a potential weakness in the GLS’s optional E-Active Body Control suspension, mentioning “odd body undulations over rough sections of roads,” hinting at possible instability in certain conditions.
Autocar’s assessment further reinforces this point, stating, “Uneven stretches of country road highlight a tendency for the GLS body control to succumb to pronounced side-to-side jostling, while the car’s secondary ride seems happy to fuss and amplify some of the numerous ruts and edges that it deals with – most noticeably at town speeds.” This description paints a picture of the GLS struggling to maintain composure on less-than-perfect surfaces, potentially leading to a less comfortable ride, especially at lower speeds where these imperfections are more keenly felt. Autocar directly contrasts this with the X7, noting its superior isolation of occupants despite both vehicles possessing off-road capabilities. The review also speculates that the GLS’s larger 22-inch wheels (compared to the X7’s standard 21-inch wheels) might contribute to the harsher ride.
While acknowledging the GLS’s “likeable pillowy feel” on uniform undulations, Autocar points out limitations in high-speed body control, likely due to the vehicle’s substantial weight. This implies that while the GLS might feel plush in certain situations, it may lack the overall composure and control offered by the X7 across a wider range of road conditions.
In conclusion, based on expert reviews, the BMW X7 appears to offer a superior ride quality compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Beyond ride comfort, the X7 is also often praised for its quieter cabin, more comfortable seats, a more responsive and fuel-efficient inline-six engine, and sharper driving dynamics. The GLS, however, holds an advantage in terms of interior space and a perception of being the more rugged and off-road oriented choice. For buyers prioritizing a refined and comfortable ride experience, the BMW X7 emerges as the more compelling option in this Mercedes Benz Vs Bmw luxury SUV comparison.
