BMW X7 vs Mercedes GLS

Two of the most popular luxury SUVs on the streets of Manhattan, Bronx, and Queens are the 2020 BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS. So, if you’re in the market for a luxury SUV, you might be wondering which one will suit your lifestyle.

To help you find the answer, our team here at BMW of Manhattan has put together this helpful comparison. If you’d like to learn more about their performance and amenities, keep reading.

It’s the BMW X7 vs. Mercedes GLS—who will go home victorious? Keep reading to find out!

BMW X7 vs Mercedes GLS: Trim Levels

No two drivers are the same. That’s why the X7 and GLS are offered with multiple trim levels. Each trim offers drivers something a little different in terms of features, performance, and more.

This way, each driver is sure to have everything they need in their luxury SUV. However, with three trim levels, X7 drivers will have a little more variety than drivers of the GLS––which only offers two.

Powerful Performance

Having an extra trim level with the X7 provides you with several benefits. For example, you’ll have three different engine offerings, instead of the two you’ll find with the GLS. After all, more is better.

Let’s take a look at the engines offered in each SUV.

X7:

GLS:

You’ll find an available engine in the Mercedes GLS that’s comparable to the most powerful engine of the X7. Which one comes out on top?

The available 4.0L V8 biturbo engine of the GLS generates up to 483 horsepower. The 4.4L BMW M Performance TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that’s available on the X7 cranks out an impressive 523 horsepower. On top of that, they’ll both take you from 0-60 MPH in as little as 4.5 seconds.

Finally, when it comes to all-weather and all-road capability, these SUVs are also both outfitted with standard all-wheel drive. The X7’s xDrive system has a standard torque split of 40-60% between the front and rear axle. When it senses wheel slip, it can reroute power to the wheels that will use it best.

Luxury SUV MPG

With all this power––both in the engine specs and all-wheel-drive capabilities––you want to make sure you can travel for miles on end without the need to stop for fuel. Comparing the fuel economy of each, you can see that in terms of the BMW X7 vs. Mercedes GLS, BMW takes the win again.

The X7 gets an EPA-estimated 20 city/25 highway MPG. The GLS, on the other hand, only gets an EPA-estimated 19 city/23 highway MPG. While these numbers are close, a few extra miles go a long way, especially when traveling on long trips.

This higher MPG rating for the BMW X7 means you’ll spend less time planning your trips around gas stations and more time visiting roadside attractions you simply cannot miss.

Dimensions & Premium Interiors

Both SUVs can comfortably seat you and up to six of your friends. This is thanks to the spacious dimensions of the X7 and GLS.

Despite the GLS being slightly larger, you’ll get a little bit more wiggle room in the X7. It has 41.9 inches of headroom and 60 inches of shoulder room up front. The GLS, on the other hand, only has 39.4 inches of front headroom and 59.3 inches of shoulder room.

With the BMW X7, you’ll also have a taller commute. The BMW X7 comes standard with 21-inch wheels, allowing it to tower two inches over the Mercedes GLS. To match a similar height, drivers of the GLS would have to pay extra.

When it comes to comfort, both SUVs offer the soft touch of available high end leather-trimmed seats. Plus, there’s standard heated front seats, so you can fight off that winter chill.

Your passengers may be a little happier in the X7, too, because everyone will get to choose their ideal temperature with the standard automatic 4-zone climate control.

In the Mercedes GLS, they’ll have to settle for the standard dual-zone automatic climate control.

Keeping You Safe

These vehicles have a slew of safety features that will look out for you and your passengers on the road. They both have standard systems that will pretension the seat belts, close the windows, and activate post-crash braking when they detect an imminent collision. With the X7, it’s known as the BMW Active Protection System, and on the GLS, it’s called PRESAFE®.

Both models have available blind-spot monitoring and systems that monitor rear cross traffic that will help you keep an eye on those hard-to-see places.

Plus, with the X7’s available Active Driving Assistant Professional, you’ll have added features like Daytime Pedestrian Protection—which isn’t available on the GLS.

2020 BMW X7 vs Mercedes GLS: Who Came Out on Top?

These vehicles proved they have what it takes to get you around Manhattan, Bronx, and Queens in luxurious style.

However, armed with a little bit more power, personalized comfort, and more advanced safety features, the 2020 BMW X7 has proven that it can outperform the Mercedes GLS.

Come visit us at BMW of Manhattan, where you can check out this champion for yourself. Schedule a test drive today!