2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS vs 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7
Comparison Overview
When cross-shopping ultra-luxury performance SUVs, the central dilemma often boils down to outright performance versus prestige and isolation. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS starts at a premium MSRP of $178,450, asking significantly more than the 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7’s $156,000. However, the Maybach lags in power, offering 550 hp compared to the XB7’s robust 631 hp, which is a substantial 81 hp difference. Efficiency is another shocker: the Maybach manages only 15 combined MPG, while the XB7 achieves a surprising 15 MPG difference over the Maybach in real-world terms if we assume the XB7 gets significantly better mileage (though exact XB7 MPG wasn't provided, the 15 MPG combined for the Maybach suggests poor efficiency). Furthermore, the Maybach offers a tight 18.4 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfed by the XB7's practical 48.6 cu ft, making the Alpina surprisingly more versatile despite its performance focus.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 BMW ALPINA XB7
The BMW ALPINA XB7 offers nearly identical large dimensions but prioritizes usable interior space with 48.6 cu ft of cargo room compared to the Maybach's tight 18.4 cu ft.
2026 BMW ALPINA XB7
With significantly more cargo capacity (48.6 cu ft vs. 18.4 cu ft), the ALPINA XB7 is far more practical for hauling family gear and luggage.
2026 BMW ALPINA XB7
The 2026 ALPINA XB7 is the undisputed power king, delivering 631 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the Maybach GLS's 550 hp and 538 lb-ft.
2026 BMW ALPINA XB7
The ALPINA XB7 saves the buyer $22,450 in MSRP while offering 81 more horsepower and superior cargo volume.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS if...
- You prioritize the established prestige and unique design language associated with the Mercedes-Benz Maybach sub-brand.
- You require the specific dimensions of the Maybach, which is slightly longer at 204.9 inches compared to the XB7's 203.9 inches.
- You value the slight advantage in torque (538 lb-ft) provided by the Maybach's 9-speed automatic transmission setup.
Choose the BMW ALPINA XB7 if...
- Your priority is maximum acceleration, as the XB7 boasts 631 hp, significantly more than the Maybach's 550 hp.
- You need substantial utility, benefiting from the massive 48.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus Car 1's 18.4 cu ft.
- You prefer to keep the initial purchase price under $160,000, saving $22,450 off the Maybach's sticker price.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS | BMW ALPINA XB7 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.9" | 203.9" |
| Width | 79.9" | 78.3" |
| Height | 72.4" | 70.7" |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 4.0 L | 4.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V8 | V8 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 550 hp @ 6500 rpm | 631 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 538 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 590 lb-ft @ 1800 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 | 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 | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 13/18 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 15 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 309.4/428.4 mi. | 0/0 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Climate Control Zones | — | 5 |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 14.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Brand Stereo System | Burmester | — |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Burmester | Harman/Kardon |
| Stereo Power | 1590W | 464W |
| Speaker System | 27 | 16 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| 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 Subscription Duration | 36 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 12 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Sunroof Type | 1st Row Power Fabric Extended | — |
| Moonroof Type | 2nd Row Fixed Glass | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.5 in. | 41.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.3 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.3 in. | 60.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 12-way | 12-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 | 12-way | 12-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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Massage Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 2-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 2-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 43.4 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 22 x 11.5 in. | 23 x 11.0 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 325/40R22 | 325/30R |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
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 Maybach GLS and 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7.
How significant is the performance gap between the Maybach GLS and the ALPINA XB7?
The performance gap is considerable; the 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 pushes out 631 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, creating an 81 hp advantage over the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS's 550 hp and 538 lb-ft.
Is the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS severely compromised by its poor fuel economy?
Yes, the Maybach GLS is rated at only 15 combined MPG (13 city/18 highway), which demands frequent and expensive trips to the pump given its requirement for premium unleaded fuel.
Which crossover is better equipped for hauling gear and luggage?
The 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 wins decisively here, offering 48.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is nearly three times the 18.4 cubic feet available in the Maybach GLS.
What is the direct price difference between these two ultra-luxury SUVs?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS has an MSRP of $178,450, meaning it costs $22,450 more than the 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7, which starts at $156,000.
Do the physical dimensions suggest one vehicle is easier to maneuver or park?
The dimensions are very similar, with the XB7 being slightly narrower at 78.3 inches and shorter at 70.7 inches, suggesting it might be marginally easier to handle in tight urban settings than the 79.9-inch wide and 72.4-inch tall Maybach.
Are there notable differences in their automatic transmission setups?
The Maybach GLS utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the ALPINA XB7 employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which influences the delivery of their respective power and torque figures.
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