The luxury three-row SUV market is fiercely competitive, demanding vehicles that justify their premium price tags. Both the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS stand out in this segment, each offering a unique blend of luxury, performance, and practicality. For discerning buyers considering a high-end SUV, the choice often boils down to these two titans. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to determine which SUV truly reigns supreme.
Design and Interior Space
Visually, the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS take distinct approaches. The BMW X7, especially with its updated facelift, embraces a bolder and more assertive design language. Its split-headlight design, introduced in the 2023 model year, is a significant departure from the more traditional and elegant styling of the Mercedes GLS. The Mercedes-Benz GLS, while receiving a 2024 refresh with subtle tweaks to its front and rear fascias, grille, and lighting, maintains a classic and understated aesthetic. In terms of size, the Mercedes GLS slightly edges out the BMW X7 in overall dimensions, being marginally wider and longer, although the X7 stands a bit taller.
Stepping inside, these dimensional differences translate into varying interior space dynamics. The BMW X7 offers superior front headroom, catering to taller drivers and passengers. However, the Mercedes GLS excels in passenger space, particularly in the rear rows. It provides significantly more headroom and shoulder room in the third row, making it more comfortable for adult passengers in the very back. The second row of the GLS also boasts a substantial four inches of additional legroom compared to the X7, enhancing passenger comfort on longer journeys. Conversely, the BMW X7 compensates with a larger cargo area, offering 90.4 cubic feet of space compared to the GLS’s 84.7 cubic feet, making it slightly more practical for hauling luggage or gear.
Technology and Towing Capabilities
The interiors of both the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS are dominated by sophisticated technology interfaces. The Mercedes GLS features dual 12.3-inch screens seamlessly integrated to display both the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The BMW X7 mirrors this with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster but enhances the infotainment experience with a slightly larger 14.9-inch central touchscreen powered by BMW’s iDrive 8.5 system. While hands-on experience with the latest MBUX system in the GLS is needed for a definitive usability comparison, BMW’s iDrive 8.5 is renowned for its intuitive operation and responsiveness. Both SUVs offer seamless smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to utilize their preferred mobile interfaces.
For owners who require towing capabilities, both the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS are well-equipped. Both manufacturers offer factory-installed trailer hitches, simplifying the towing setup process. The BMW X7 is rated for a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, while the Mercedes GLS slightly surpasses it with a 7,700-pound rating. Both vehicles incorporate trailer-specific stability features, such as Mercedes’ Trailer Stability Assist and BMW’s equivalent system, ensuring safe and controlled towing even under demanding conditions. Real-world towing tests, like the 2,100-mile excursion with a 5,800-pound load undertaken by Car and Driver with a BMW X7, have demonstrated the robust towing capabilities of these luxury SUVs.
Ride Dynamics and Suspension
In terms of ride and handling, both the GLS and X7 utilize advanced suspension systems to deliver a refined driving experience. Both SUVs are equipped with a front double-wishbone suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, paired with a two-axle air suspension system. Adaptive dampers are also standard on both models, allowing drivers to customize the suspension settings to suit different driving preferences and road conditions. Both offer selectable driving modes, including Comfort and Sport, which adjust suspension stiffness, steering feel, and powertrain responsiveness. Furthermore, both the X7 and GLS provide adjustable ride height, enabling drivers to raise the vehicle for increased ground clearance or lower it for enhanced aerodynamics and easier entry/exit.
When comparing the base models’ performance, the specifications are remarkably similar. The Mercedes GLS 450 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The BMW X7 xDrive40i features a similarly configured 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, the acclaimed B58 engine, delivering an identical 375 horsepower but slightly more torque at 398 pound-feet. Both SUVs come standard with all-wheel drive and have comparable curb weights, with the GLS weighing 5,489 pounds and the X7 at 5,417 pounds. The slight power and weight differences translate to negligible performance variations in everyday driving. The Mercedes GLS 450 achieves a 0-60 mph sprint in 5.8 seconds, while the BMW X7 xDrive40i is marginally quicker at 5.6 seconds. In essence, the driving dynamics of the base BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS are very closely matched, prioritizing comfort and refinement with a hint of athleticism.
High-Performance Variants: AMG GLS 63 vs. BMW X7 M60i and ALPINA XB7
For buyers seeking elevated performance, both Mercedes-AMG and BMW offer high-performance versions of their respective SUVs. Mercedes-AMG presents the GLS 63, a powerhouse equipped with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine churning out 603 horsepower. This potent engine propels the GLS 63 from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.1 seconds. The AMG treatment extends beyond the engine, encompassing enhancements like an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), sport-tuned suspension, and upgraded brakes for sharper handling and braking.
BMW counters with the X7 M60i and the even more exclusive ALPINA XB7. The BMW X7 M60i also utilizes a twin-turbocharged V8, but in this iteration, it produces 523 horsepower, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. For ultimate performance within the X7 lineup, the ALPINA XB7 emerges as the pinnacle. Powered by an ALPINA-tuned twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, it unleashes a staggering 631 horsepower and achieves 0-60 mph in under four seconds. The ALPINA XB7 represents a more direct competitor to the AMG GLS 63 in terms of outright performance and exclusivity.
From a pricing perspective, the high-performance landscape reveals interesting dynamics. The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 starts at a significantly higher price point of $149,500, while the BMW X7 M60i is considerably more accessible at $111,900. The ALPINA XB7, positioned as the ultimate X7 variant, starts at $152,400, slightly exceeding the GLS 63. For performance enthusiasts, the BMW X7 M60i presents a compelling value proposition, offering near-comparable performance to the GLS 63 at a substantial cost saving. Alternatively, for those seeking the absolute peak of X7 performance and exclusivity, the ALPINA XB7 delivers unmatched power and bespoke luxury.
Conclusion: BMW X7 – A Compelling Choice, Aesthetics Aside
The BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS are both exceptional luxury three-row SUVs, each with its strengths. However, the BMW X7 emerges as a slightly more compelling overall package. While the Mercedes GLS offers a more spacious second and third row and a classically elegant design, the BMW X7 counters with a more engaging driving experience, a larger cargo area, and potentially better value, especially in the high-performance M60i trim. The most significant differentiating factor, and perhaps the deciding point for many buyers, will be the exterior styling. The BMW X7’s bold and modern design, particularly the split headlights, can be polarizing. Ultimately, the choice between the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS hinges on individual preferences in design, passenger space priorities, and performance desires. Both SUVs represent the pinnacle of luxury and capability in their segment, ensuring that buyers at this level will hardly be disappointed.
