2025 BMW X7 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

$84,300 · Crossover

$90,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the new 2025 BMW X7 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS often boils down to weighing price against perceived prestige and minor mechanical differences. Both offer substantial three-row luxury SUV presence, but the entry point is distinctly different: the X7 starts at $84,300, undercutting the GLS's $90,250 MSRP by $5,950. Power output is nearly identical, with both producing 375 horsepower, though the X7 edges out the GLS in torque, posting 398 lb-ft versus the Mercedes' 369 lb-ft. Fuel economy shows a slight advantage for the BMW, achieving 22 combined MPG compared to the GLS's 21 combined MPG. While both are massive vehicles—the X7 is 203.6 inches long—the GLS offers a defined cargo capacity figure of 17.4 cu ft behind the third row, a detail sometimes omitted in basic specs. Ultimately, the better value proposition leans toward the X7, which offers equivalent core performance for substantially less outlay.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW X7

The 2025 BMW X7 wins for commuters due to its slightly superior combined fuel economy of 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS slightly wins here as it explicitly lists a 17.4 cu ft cargo capacity, a key detail for families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X7

Enthusiasts will appreciate the marginally higher torque rating of 398 lb-ft in the X7 compared to the GLS's 369 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW X7

The BMW X7 presents significantly better value by saving buyers $5,950 upfront while offering the same 375 horsepower.

Choose the BMW X7 if...

You prioritize immediate savings, as the X7 has a $5,950 lower starting MSRP than the GLS.
You want the mildest edge in on-road pulling power, thanks to its 398 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the slightly better efficiency rating of 22 combined MPG over the GLS's 21 combined MPG.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS if...

You want the convenience of a 9-speed automatic transmission instead of the X7's 8-speed unit.
You require confirmation of the specified 17.4 cu ft of cargo volume behind the third row.
You are willing to pay the higher $90,250 MSRP for the Mercedes-Benz badge and associated design language.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X7	Mercedes-Benz GLS
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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Is the fuel requirement a major difference between the X7 and GLS?

Yes, though both require premium fuel, the BMW X7 lists premium unleaded as 'recommended,' while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS lists it as 'required.' This distinction might affect long-term running costs or driver preference regarding fuel grade.

Which vehicle is physically larger on the road?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is slightly longer at 205.0 inches compared to the X7’s 203.6 inches, but the X7 is notably taller at 72.2 inches versus the GLS’s 71.8 inches.

How does the transmission setup differ between these two large SUVs?

The 2025 BMW X7 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS steps up to a 9-speed shiftable automatic, potentially offering smoother highway cruising or better low-speed control.

If I primarily drive in the city, which SUV saves me the most gas?

The BMW X7 offers a slight advantage in city driving efficiency, achieving 20 MPG in the city compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLS’s 19 MPG city rating.

Do these competitors use the same engine setup?

While both deliver an identical 375 horsepower from their standard engines, their torque output differs; the X7 offers 398 lb-ft while the GLS produces 369 lb-ft.

Is the $5,950 price gap justified by significant feature differences?

Based only on the provided core specifications, the $5,950 premium for the GLS is not justified by performance, as both share 375 hp. The difference likely resides in features, interior materials, or warranty terms not detailed here.