2025 BMW ALPINA XB7 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

$152,400 · Crossover

$90,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW ALPINA XB7 explodes onto the scene as the ultimate performance luxury barge, boasting a monstrous 631 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque that dwarfs the capable, yet more sedate, 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS's 375 hp. While the GLS offers a more sensible 21 MPG combined efficiency compared to the XB7's 17 MPG, the ALPINA delivers blistering acceleration that the standard GLS cannot match. This colossal difference in output is justified by a significant $152,400 MSRP for the XB7 versus the GLS’s $90,250 starting price, highlighting the distinct mission of each vehicle. The XB7 prioritizes sheer, tire-shredding capability wrapped in refined German styling, whereas the GLS aims for broad appeal with better cruising economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the winner for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 21 MPG combined versus the XB7’s 17 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The GLS offers greater practicality for families with a wider body (79.9 inches) and slightly more passenger space, despite having less stated cargo volume.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW ALPINA XB7

The 2025 BMW ALPINA XB7 dominates enthusiast criteria with an overwhelming advantage of 256 more horsepower and 221 additional lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS provides exceptional capability for its $90,250 MSRP, representing significantly better value than the $152,400 XB7.

Choose the BMW ALPINA XB7 if...

You absolutely demand extreme performance, reflected by the XB7's 631 horsepower output.
Budget is secondary to having the ultimate expression of high-performance luxury, commanding a $152,400 MSRP.
You frequently haul bulky items and need the larger cargo capacity of 48.6 cubic feet.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS if...

Optimizing fuel costs is important, given the GLS's 4 MPG advantage (21 combined MPG).
You prefer a marginally larger footprint with a width of 79.9 inches and a height of 71.8 inches.
Saving over $62,000 in initial purchase price is a primary consideration, starting at $90,250.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW ALPINA XB7	Mercedes-Benz GLS
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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS.

What is the performance gap between the 2025 BMW ALPINA XB7 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS?

The performance gulf is substantial; the ALPINA XB7 delivers 631 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This contrasts sharply with the standard GLS, which produces 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, meaning the XB7 has 256 more horsepower available.

How does the price difference impact the decision between these two crossovers?

The difference is staggering: the XB7 commands an MSRP of $152,400, while the GLS starts at a much more accessible $90,250. This $62,150 separation places the XB7 in a hyper-exclusive performance tier compared to the GLS’s premium market segment.

Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the clear winner in efficiency, achieving 21 MPG combined (19 city/24 highway). The powerhouse XB7 lags significantly behind, rated for only 17 MPG combined.

Are both vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive and what are their transmission setups?

Yes, both vehicles feature all-wheel drive systems for assured traction. The XB7 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the GLS employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

What are the differences in exterior size between the two crossovers?

The 2026 GLS is fractionally longer at 205.0 inches and noticeably wider and taller than the XB7 (79.9 inches wide vs. 78.3 inches, and 71.8 inches high vs. 70.7 inches).

Do the cargo capacities reflect the performance focus of the XB7?

Interestingly, despite its performance focus, the 2025 ALPINA XB7 offers substantially more standard cargo capacity at 48.6 cubic feet compared to the 2026 GLS’s 17.4 cubic feet.