2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs 2026 BMW X7

$89,200 · Crossover

$86,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant initial difference is the pricing, with the 2026 BMW X7 starting at $86,700, undercutting the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class by $2,500. Despite the lower entry cost, the X7 offers superior torque output at 398 lb-ft compared to the GLS-Class's 369 lb-ft, although both share an identical 375 horsepower rating. Fuel economy slightly favors the BMW, achieving a combined 22 MPG versus the Mercedes’ 21 MPG, primarily due to the X7's marginally better city rating (20 MPG vs 19 MPG). Dimensionally, the GLS-Class is longer at 205.0 inches and offers 17.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the X7 is slightly taller at 72.2 inches. Both vehicles mandate premium fuel usage, with the GLS-Class requiring it while the X7 only recommends it.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW X7

The BMW X7's slightly better combined MPG of 22 makes it marginally more efficient for daily driving duties.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class provides greater physical volume with a length of 205.0 inches and a maximum cargo capacity of 17.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW X7

The 2026 BMW X7 delivers higher torque, producing 398 lb-ft versus the GLS-Class’s 369 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW X7

The BMW X7 offers a lower entry MSRP of $86,700, resulting in a $2,500 saving over the GLS-Class.

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

You require the maximum available length, as the GLS-Class measures 205.0 inches.
Maximizing luggage space is a priority, given its 17.4 cu ft cargo capacity.
You prefer the engagement of a 9-speed automatic transmission over the X7's 8-speed unit.

Choose the BMW X7 if...

Saving $2,500 on the initial purchase price is crucial, with an MSRP of $86,700.
Maximizing torque figures is desired, as the X7 produces 398 lb-ft.
You want slightly better fuel economy, reflected in its 22 MPG combined rating.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
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 @ 5800 rpm	375 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	398 lb-ft @ 1850 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	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/24 MPG	20/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	452.2/571.2 mi.	438.0/525.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.8 gal.	21.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
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	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	✓
Leather 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	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Burmester	—
Stereo Power	590W	205W
Speaker System	13	10
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	12 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
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	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	41.9 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	39.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.3 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	60.8 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	16-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	16-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and 2026 BMW X7.

How do the base engine outputs compare between the two luxury crossovers?

Both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and the 2026 BMW X7 offer the identical base horsepower rating of 375 hp. However, the X7 generates notably more low-end pull with 398 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLS-Class's 369 lb-ft.

Which vehicle has a lower running cost based on fuel requirements and MPG?

The BMW X7 is nominally cheaper to fuel, achieving 22 combined MPG versus the GLS-Class's 21 combined MPG. Additionally, the X7 only recommends premium unleaded fuel, whereas the GLS-Class requires it for operation.

What is the physical size difference for maneuvering and parking?

The BMW X7 is marginally smaller in overall footprint, being 1.4 inches shorter in length (203.6 inches vs 205.0 inches) and narrower by 1.2 inches (78.7 inches vs 79.9 inches), which might offer slight advantages in tight urban parking scenarios.

Does the higher MSRP of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class correlate with better utility?

The $89,200 GLS-Class does offer 17.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is a measurable benefit over the X7, though the X7 is slightly taller at 72.2 inches against the GLS-Class's 71.8 inches.

Are the transmissions different enough to affect driving dynamics?

Yes, the two models use different gear counts; the GLS-Class utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission, while the X7 is equipped with an 8-speed automatic, suggesting different ratios for acceleration and highway cruising.

Is the required premium fuel for the GLS-Class a significant factor in ownership cost?

The mandate for premium unleaded fuel in the GLS-Class will contribute to higher annual fuel expenditure compared to the X7, which only recommends it, potentially allowing owners to use less expensive fuel grades if desired.