BMW X7 vs Mercedes-Benz GLS: The Ultimate SUV Showdown for 2024

Choosing between two of the most luxurious large SUVs on the market can be a tough task BMW and Mercedes-Benz both deliver opulence, performance, and cutting-edge technology in their flagship models—the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Whether you're a driver looking for family comfort, impressive towing capability, or just love the feel of driving a big powerful machine, you can't go wrong with either But of course, there are differences that might make one more suitable for you than the other Let's break down the key specs and see which luxury SUV emerges victorious

Engine Performance: Powerhouses on Wheels

When it comes to performance the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS bring some serious heat under the hood However, how much performance you need might sway your decision

BMW X7 Engine Options

• The 2024 BMW X7 comes with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine in the base xDrive40i model It produces a respectable 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque This setup provides excellent acceleration and smooth power delivery which is perfect for most buyers
• If you need more grunt the M60i xDrive version packs a punch with its 4.4-liter V8 engine producing an insane 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque It will take you from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds which is remarkable for a three-row SUV

One of the things I love about the X7 is that it manages to feel athletic despite its size says Alex Collantes owner of Avenue Motors "BMW’s focus on driving dynamics is evident here."

Mercedes-Benz GLS Engine Options

• On the other hand the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS offers a 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque which is a bit lower than the BMW on the base model but still strong enough for daily use
• Want more? The GLS 580 comes with a 4.0-liter V8 engine boasting 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque While it doesn’t quite match the BMW M60i in terms of brute force it’s still quick and satisfying for most drivers

Alex Collantes mentioned something interesting when comparing the two Performance-wise they are neck and neck but he added If you want something that drives more like a big boat than a luxury sedan the GLS might feel a bit smoother for long-distance cruising but BMW's the one you want for sporty driving"

Potential Drawbacks

• The BMW X7's V8 models are more expensive, and not everyone will need that much power The base engine is efficient but might feel underwhelming if you're used to more powerful vehicles
• The Mercedes-Benz GLS's V8 lacks the razor-sharp acceleration of the BMW M60i but it's a smoother ride which some might prefer However it can feel less agile in tight spaces or when cornering

Interior Comfort and Space: Battle of Luxury Cabins

Both SUVs excel in interior design, comfort, and space It’s hard to go wrong with either option if luxury is your top priority

BMW X7 Interior Features

• Premium materials like Merino leather and real wood trims are standard throughout the cabin
• Three-row seating is standard with room for up to seven passengers The second row can be configured with captain’s chairs for added comfort but that lowers seating capacity to six
• The X7's infotainment system runs on the iDrive 8.5 system with a 14.9-inch curved display for a sleek modern look It’s paired with a 12.3-inch digital driver display
• BMW also includes tons of standard tech features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot

Mercedes-Benz GLS Interior Features

• Nappa leather and open-pore wood accents give the GLS a stunning interior as well
• The GLS also seats seven but the second-row captain’s chair configuration drops capacity to six just like the X7
• The GLS infotainment runs on Mercedes' MBUX system featuring a pair of 12.3-inch screens one for the driver’s display and one for infotainment control It includes voice control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more
• For audiophiles the optional Burmester® surround sound system in the GLS is a real treat offering 3D sound technology

Potential Drawbacks

• While the BMW X7's interior is high-quality some reviewers have noted that it feels less spacious in the third row compared to the GLS
• The Mercedes-Benz GLS's infotainment system though impressive might feel a bit complex and confusing for those unfamiliar with MBUX

Cargo Space: Which Hauls More?

When it comes to utility and hauling big items, cargo space is a significant consideration

BMW X7 Cargo Capacity

• With all seats up, the X7 offers 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row
• Fold the third row down and you get 48.6 cubic feet
• With all the seats down you can expand it to 90.4 cubic feet

Mercedes-Benz GLS Cargo Capacity

• The GLS is slightly roomier with 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row
• Fold the third row down and you get 42.7 cubic feet which is a bit less than the X7 but it makes up for that in other areas
• Maximum cargo space with all seats folded is 84.7 cubic feet

Potential Drawbacks

• The X7 has slightly less cargo space overall, but it’s not a massive difference If you often haul large amounts of gear that extra room in the GLS might come in handy
• However, both SUVs have power-folding third-row seats which is a nice touch

Tech and Safety: Gadgets Galore

BMW X7 Technology

• The X7 is packed with advanced features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a host of safety features
• For 2024 BMW adds a feature called Augmented View to the head-up display It projects helpful navigation cues directly onto the windshield making it easier to follow directions without taking your eyes off the road
• The Parking Assistant Plus feature can help you get in and out of tight spaces with ease

Mercedes-Benz GLS Technology

• Mercedes' MBUX system is one of the best on the market offering voice-activated controls that respond to commands like "Hey Mercedes turn up the temperature" It’s like having your own personal assistant on board
• The GLS also includes advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and drowsy driver detection

Potential Drawbacks

• The BMW’s tech is sleek and intuitive, but some may find the iDrive system a bit overwhelming at first—it takes some time to get used to all the features
• The MBUX voice control in the GLS is useful but can be too sensitive at times responding to casual conversation when you didn’t intend to activate it

Ride and Handling: Smooth Cruisers or Sporty SUVs?

BMW X7 Ride and Handling

• Air suspension comes standard on the X7 giving it an exceptionally smooth ride even on rough roads
• The optional Dynamic Handling Package adds rear-wheel steering and active anti-roll bars which really help the X7 feel more agile than its size would suggest

Mercedes-Benz GLS Ride and Handling

• The GLS is also equipped with air suspension which makes for a comfortable ride It’s designed more for smoothness than for sporty handling
• Mercedes offers its E-Active Body Control which adjusts the suspension at each wheel individually giving it impressive off-road capabilities while keeping on-road comfort high

Potential Drawbacks

• Some drivers have reported that the BMW X7's air suspension can feel a bit stiff on certain road surfaces despite the overall smoothness
• The GLS’s suspension is smoother but it doesn’t handle corners as well as the BMW If you’re someone who enjoys spirited driving you might find it a bit too soft

Pricing: What Will It Cost You?

Pricing is always a key factor in the decision-making process when choosing between these two luxury SUVs

BMW X7 Pricing

• The base xDrive40i model starts at around $82,000
• The higher-performance M60i xDrive bumps up the price to around $103,000
• Add some optional packages and features and you could easily be looking at over $110,000

Mercedes-Benz GLS Pricing

• The base GLS 450 starts at $85,000
• The GLS 580 brings the price up to around $104,000 depending on features
• Fully loaded models can push past $110,000 as well

Potential Drawbacks

• The BMW X7 can be pricey when you start adding options and upgrading to the higher-performance models
• Similarly the Mercedes-Benz GLS doesn't offer much of a price break and once you start adding options the price shoots up quickly

Final Verdict: Which SUV is Right for You?

Both the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS are outstanding luxury SUVs but they cater to slightly different audiences

• Choose the BMW X7 if you value a more sporty driving experience, excellent technology, and top-notch interior quality It’s the better option for drivers who love to take control of the wheel
• Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS if you prioritize smoothness, comfort, and a user-friendly technology experience It’s the SUV for those who want to relax and enjoy the journey without worrying too much about performance

As Alex Collantes says If you want to feel the road the BMW X7 gives you that If you just want to float down the highway in comfort the GLS is the one