2025 BMW ALPINA XB7 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS

$152,400 · Crossover

$178,450 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

So, you're stuck choosing between the ultra-luxurious 2025 BMW ALPINA XB7 and the opulent 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS. The primary decision revolves around power versus sheer presence and that steep $26,050 MSRP gap, where the XB7 comes in at $152,400 versus the Maybach's $178,450. Performance enthusiasts will gravitate toward the ALPINA, as it boasts a commanding 631 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmuscling the Maybach's 550 hp. While both are large crossovers, the XB7 offers far more utility with 48.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GLS's limited 18.4 cu ft. Fuel economy is slightly better in the BMW at 17 combined MPG versus 15 combined MPG. Ultimately, the choice is between the XB7's accessible performance and practicality or the Maybach's ultimate back-seat exclusivity and prestige.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW ALPINA XB7

The BMW ALPINA XB7 wins for commuters due to its slightly better 16/20 MPG city/highway efficiency compared to the Maybach GLS's 13/18 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW ALPINA XB7

The XB7 is the better family hauler because it offers a massive 48.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Maybach GLS's much smaller 18.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW ALPINA XB7

Enthusiasts will favor the ALPINA XB7 for its superior output of 631 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque over the Maybach's ratings.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW ALPINA XB7

The ALPINA XB7 delivers significantly more horsepower for a $26,050 lower starting MSRP of $152,400.

Choose the BMW ALPINA XB7 if...

You prioritize maximum performance, as the XB7 offers 631 horsepower.
You frequently carry a lot of gear, benefiting from the XB7's 48.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You want to save over $26,000 on the initial purchase price, starting at $152,400.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS if...

You demand the absolute peak of luxury appointments, indicated by its higher $178,450 MSRP.
You prefer a vehicle with a slightly taller stance, as the Maybach GLS reaches 72.4 inches high.
You prefer the marginally smoother operation of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the XB7's 8-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW ALPINA XB7	Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS
Length	203.9"	204.9"
Width	78.3"	79.9"
Height	70.7"	72.4"
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	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	4.4 L	4.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V8
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	631 hp @ 5600 rpm	550 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	590 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	538 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	32	32
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	13/18 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	15 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	350.4/438.0 mi.	309.4/428.4 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	✓	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

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	1590W
Speaker System	16	27
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	With Real Time Traffic
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	—
Premium Brand Stereo System	—	Burmester
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Satellite Radio Subscription Duration	—	36 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	2nd Row Fixed Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Sunroof Type	—	1st Row Power Fabric Extended
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	41.9 in.	42.5 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 Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	12-way
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	12-way

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	39.9 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.6 in.	43.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	56.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats	✓	—
Power Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓
Rear Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	23 x 11.0 in	22 x 11.5 in.
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	325/30R	325/40R22
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	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 Maybach GLS.

How much more powerful is the 2025 BMW ALPINA XB7 than the Maybach GLS?

The ALPINA XB7 clearly leads in output, delivering 631 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. This gives it an 81 hp advantage over the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS, which produces 550 hp.

Is the size difference between these two massive crossovers significant enough to matter?

While both are very large, the Maybach GLS is slightly larger overall in length and height. However, the ALPINA XB7 provides vastly superior utility with 48.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Maybach's mere 18.4 cu ft.

What is the price difference between the two top-tier SUVs?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS commands a significant premium, with an MSRP of $178,450. This makes the 2025 BMW ALPINA XB7, priced at $152,400, approximately $26,050 less expensive.

Are these vehicles efficient for their size, and do they both require premium fuel?

Both vehicles mandate premium unleaded fuel, which is standard for this performance class. The ALPINA XB7 is marginally more efficient, achieving 17 combined MPG versus the Maybach GLS's 15 combined MPG.

Which vehicle offers better daily driving practicality regarding size and handling characteristics?

The XB7 is narrower and shorter than the Maybach GLS, which might slightly aid in maneuvering and parking tight city spots. Both utilize all-wheel drive, but the XB7’s higher torque figure (590 lb-ft) generally translates to more immediate pulling power.

Do the transmission differences impact daily driving?

The Maybach GLS utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic, while the XB7 uses an 8-speed. In everyday driving, this difference is often negligible, though the extra gear in the Maybach could theoretically contribute to slightly lower highway cruising RPMs.