2025 BMW ALPINA XB7 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

$152,400 · Crossover

$89,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical discrepancy between the 2025 BMW ALPINA XB7 (car1) and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (car2) is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, with the XB7 commanding a premium of $63,200 over the GLS-Class, starting at $152,400 versus $89,200. This price difference buys a massive 256 horsepower advantage; the XB7 produces 631 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLS-Class's 375 hp and 369 lb-ft. Conversely, the GLS-Class offers superior running economy, achieving 21 combined MPG versus the XB7's 17 combined MPG, which translates to 24 highway MPG versus 20 MPG for the BMW. While the XB7 is slightly smaller in length by 1.1 inches, the GLS-Class provides significantly less cargo space at 17.4 cu ft compared to the XB7's 48.6 cu ft. Both use AWD, but the XB7 utilizes an 8-speed automatic while the GLS-Class uses a 9-speed.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The GLS-Class offers better fuel economy with 21 combined MPG, resulting in lower routine operating costs for regular commuting.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW ALPINA XB7

The ALPINA XB7 provides substantially more usable space with 48.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLS-Class's 17.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW ALPINA XB7

The ALPINA XB7 delivers 631 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, a substantial performance upgrade over the GLS-Class's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class starts at $89,200, presenting a vastly lower entry price point for a premium AWD crossover.

Choose the BMW ALPINA XB7 if...

Maximum power output is prioritized, given the XB7’s 631 hp.
Significantly increased storage space is required, noted by its 48.6 cu ft cargo volume.
The owner prioritizes the established performance pedigree of the ALPINA tuning philosophy.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if...

Cost of ownership efficiency is key, reflected in its 21 combined MPG rating.
The budget necessitates a starting price nearly $63,200 less than the alternative.
A slightly larger exterior footprint is desired, as the GLS-Class measures 205.0 inches long versus 203.9 inches for the XB7.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW ALPINA XB7	Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Length	203.9"	205.0"
Width	78.3"	79.9"
Height	70.7"	71.8"
Wheelbase	122.2"	123.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	4.4 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	631 hp @ 5600 rpm	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	590 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	32	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	16/20 MPG	19/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	350.4/438.0 mi.	452.2/571.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.9 gal.	23.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Climate Control Zones	5	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Harman/Kardon	Burmester
Stereo Power	464W	590W
Speaker System	16	13
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	6 months
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	41.9 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	39.8 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	59.3 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Seat Massage Function	✓	—
Front Hip Room	—	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	39.9 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.6 in.	41.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats	✓	—
Power Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	60.0 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	23 x 11.0 in	21 x 11.0 in.
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	325/30R	315/40R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW ALPINA XB7 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

What is the core mechanical difference impacting performance between these two crossovers?

The primary mechanical distinction is engine output; the 2025 BMW ALPINA XB7 produces 631 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offers 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 256 hp deficit for the Mercedes.

How does the purchase price difference reflect in running costs like fuel efficiency?

There is a significant $63,200 MSRP difference favoring the GLS-Class. While more affordable upfront, the GLS-Class saves money at the pump, achieving 21 combined MPG versus the XB7’s 17 combined MPG.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling cargo?

The 2025 BMW ALPINA XB7 is superior for cargo, boasting 48.6 cubic feet of space. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has a notably smaller maximum cargo capacity listed at only 17.4 cubic feet.

Are the transmissions comparable in terms of gear count?

No, the vehicles utilize different standard transmissions; the XB7 is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic. The GLS-Class steps up one gear, utilizing a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Aside from power, are there dimensions where the two AWD crossovers diverge significantly?

While lengths are similar (203.9 in for XB7 vs 205.0 in for GLS-Class), the GLS-Class is marginally taller at 71.8 inches compared to the XB7’s 70.7 inches.

Do both vehicles mandate premium fuel, and what are their respective highway ratings?

Both the XB7 and the GLS-Class require premium unleaded fuel for operation. For highway driving, the GLS-Class achieves 24 MPG, slightly outpacing the XB7’s rating of 20 MPG.