2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

$156,000 · Crossover

$90,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 is an outright titan of performance, boasting a colossal 631 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, establishing it as the undisputed choice for driving thrills. Contrarily, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS positions itself as the paragon of accessible luxury, offering a respectable 375 hp in a beautifully appointed package. This rivalry boils down to brute force versus balance; the ALPINA commands a steep MSRP of $156,000, eclipsing the GLS’s $90,250 entry point by a significant $65,750. Furthermore, the efficiency gulf is vast: the GLS achieves a combined 21 MPG, whereas the XB7 sacrifices fuel economy for its immense power output. With 256 more horsepower, the XB7 launches with intoxicating speed, though the GLS provides nearly four times the standard cargo capacity at 48.6 cu ft for the ALPINA versus only 17.4 cu ft for the GLS, highlighting the different priorities of these massive luxury crossovers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS wins for commuters due to its significantly better fuel economy, achieving 21 combined MPG compared to the ALPINA's efficiency sacrifice.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW ALPINA XB7

Despite its cost, the ALPINA XB7 offers substantially more space for family gear with 48.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLS's 17.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW ALPINA XB7

The ALPINA XB7 is the clear winner for performance enthusiasts, unleashing a staggering 631 hp versus the GLS's 375 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS provides vastly superior value, costing $65,750 less than the XB7 while still delivering luxury AWD performance.

Choose the BMW ALPINA XB7 if...

You demand ultimate straight-line acceleration backed by 590 lb-ft of torque.
Your budget supports the $156,000 MSRP for top-tier, bespoke performance.
You require the class-leading utility offered by its 48.6 cu ft of cargo space.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS if...

Fuel efficiency is a primary concern, leveraging its 21 combined MPG.
You want a powerful AWD crossover without the $156,000 price tag of the ALPINA.
You prioritize a slightly wider and taller cabin profile, measuring 79.9 inches wide and 71.8 inches high.

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	✓	✓
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)	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
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 Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	452.2/571.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.9 gal.	23.8 gal.
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	—	19/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	—	21 MPG

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	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
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 Power Adjustments	12-way	10-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-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	12-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-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
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Seat Massage Function	✓	—
Front Hip Room	—	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓

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 (Multi-Level)	✓	—
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 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS.

What is the main performance difference between the 2026 ALPINA XB7 and the GLS?

The ALPINA XB7 is engineered for brute force, delivering 631 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This provides a colossal 256 hp advantage over the Mercedes-Benz GLS, which produces 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Is the price difference between the two crossovers significant?

Yes, the price disparity is massive; the 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 commands an MSRP of $156,000, which is $65,750 more expensive than the $90,250 starting price of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Which vehicle offers better practicality for hauling cargo?

The ALPINA XB7 wins handily on pure volume, offering 48.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In contrast, the standard GLS offers significantly less usable space at only 17.4 cubic feet.

How does the fuel economy compare between the high-output ALPINA and the standard GLS?

The standard GLS is far more efficient, achieving a 21 MPG combined rating (19 city/24 highway). The powerful XB7 does not list a comparable MPG figure, indicating a much lower efficiency rating suitable only for premium unleaded users who prioritize speed.

Do both vehicles use premium fuel and all-wheel drive?

Yes, both the 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS require premium unleaded fuel and utilize an all-wheel drive system for traction.

Are the transmission setups similar for these large crossovers?

While both are automatic, they utilize different architectures; the ALPINA uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the GLS employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.