2025 BMW X7 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

$84,300 · Crossover

$89,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 BMW X7 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class often boils down to a few crucial differences beyond badge prestige. Both are luxurious, three-row behemoths, but the X7 offers a slightly more efficient package starting at $84,300, saving you $4,900 over the GLS-Class's $89,200 entry price. Performance metrics are closely matched, with both ringing in at 375 horsepower, though the X7 boasts marginally better torque at 398 lb-ft compared to the GLS's 369 lb-ft. In terms of running costs, the X7 pulls ahead with a combined MPG of 22 versus the GLS's 21 MPG, though both mandate premium fuel. The dimensions show the X7 is slightly shorter in length (203.6 inches vs 205.0 inches) but a fraction taller, making the choice about which slightly different flavor of flagship SUV suits your driveway best.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW X7

The BMW X7 wins slightly for commuters due to its marginally better 22 combined MPG versus the GLS-Class's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW X7

While both are large, the X7's slightly superior torque (398 lb-ft) and lower entry price make it a marginally better proposition for hauling families and gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X7

The X7 wins here as its superior 398 lb-ft of torque suggests a slightly more responsive driving feel than the GLS-Class's 369 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW X7

The X7 offers better value by being $4,900 less expensive while delivering identical horsepower figures.

Choose the BMW X7 if...

You are focused on saving $4,900, as the BMW X7 MSRP is $84,300 compared to the GLS-Class's $89,200.
You want the slightly thriftier highway cruiser, as the X7 achieves 24 MPG Highway versus the GLS-Class's 24 MPG Highway (but its combined 22 MPG is better).
You prefer the marginally stronger low-end pull offered by its 398 lb-ft of torque.

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

You need the maximum sheer size, as the GLS-Class is 1.4 inches longer and slightly wider.
You prefer a transmission setup with an extra gear, as the GLS uses a 9-speed automatic versus the X7's 8-speed.
You are content to pay the extra $4,900 for the Mercedes-Benz badge and its potentially larger inherent cargo space behind the third row (implied by having a listed cargo capacity spec).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X7	Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Length	203.6"	205.0"
Width	78.7"	79.9"
Height	72.2"	71.8"
Wheelbase	122.2"	123.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling 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)	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	375 hp @ 5500 rpm	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	398 lb-ft	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	24	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
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/24 MPG	19/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	438.0/525.6 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	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Four Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	590W
Speaker System	10	13
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	6 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
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: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	16-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	16-way	10-way
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
Front Hip Room	—	60.8 in.
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

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	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	60.0 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	21 x 9.5 in.	21 x 11.0 in.
Tire Size	285/45R21	315/40R21
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

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 X7 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

What is the main dollar difference between the 2025 BMW X7 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has a significantly higher starting MSRP of $89,200, making it $4,900 more expensive than the 2025 BMW X7, which starts at $84,300.

How do their base engine performances compare?

Both vehicles produce an identical 375 horsepower from their base engines. However, the BMW X7 offers more rotational force with 398 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLS-Class's 369 lb-ft.

Are there any real fuel economy advantages between these two AWD crossovers?

Yes, the BMW X7 holds a slight edge with a combined 22 MPG, edging out the GLS-Class which achieves 21 combined MPG. Both require premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.

Which vehicle is physically larger?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is longer, measuring 205.0 inches compared to the X7's 203.6 inches, and it is also wider at 79.9 inches versus 78.7 inches.

Does the transmission difference impact driving?

The GLS-Class utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the X7 uses a 9-speed unit, suggesting the GLS might have smoother or more frequent gear changes during normal driving.