2026 BMW X7 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

$86,700 · Crossover

$90,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2026 BMW X7 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a classic luxury dilemma: do you lean toward slightly better efficiency and savings, or do you embrace the brand prestige, even at a higher initial cost? The X7 starts things off at a lower MSRP of $86,700 compared to the GLS’s $90,250, saving you $3,550 right away. While both offer 375 horsepower, the X7 pulls ahead slightly in torque, boasting 398 lb-ft versus the GLS’s 369 lb-ft, which might translate to a marginally quicker feel off the line. Fuel economy also favors the Bimmer, achieving 22 combined MPG (20 city/24 highway) against the GLS's 21 combined MPG (19 city/24 highway). Furthermore, the X7 uses recommended premium fuel, whereas the GLS strictly requires it. In terms of physical size, the GLS is marginally longer at 205.0 inches, but the X7 offers superior interior utility based on its slightly higher 72.2-inch height, which often aids cabin volume.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW X7

The BMW X7 wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined MPG of 22 versus the GLS’s 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW X7

The X7 is narrowly preferred for families because of its lower entry price point of $86,700, providing significant savings for budget-conscious parents.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW X7

The enthusiast gains a slight edge with the X7’s superior torque rating of 398 lb-ft compared to the GLS’s 369 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW X7

The X7 offers better immediate value, costing $3,550 less than the GLS while delivering slightly better performance and efficiency metrics.

Choose the BMW X7 if...

You prioritize saving $3,550 upfront, as the BMW X7 starts at $86,700.
You prefer slightly better efficiency, achieving 22 combined MPG versus the GLS’s 21 MPG.
You want marginally better low-end performance based on the X7's 398 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS if...

You prefer a longer vehicle, as the Mercedes-Benz GLS measures 205.0 inches in length.
You want the standard 9-speed automatic transmission, one gear more than the X7’s 8-speed unit.
You don't mind spending $90,250 to secure the Mercedes-Benz badge and its inherent styling.

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	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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)	✓	✓
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 @ 5200 rpm	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	398 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm	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	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	✓
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	—	✓
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 2026 BMW X7 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS.

How much more does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS cost compared to the X7?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS carries a higher MSRP of $90,250, making it $3,550 more expensive than the BMW X7's starting price of $86,700.

Which vehicle has the better fuel economy for daily driving?

The BMW X7 provides marginally better fuel economy, delivering 22 combined MPG (20 city/24 highway) compared to the GLS’s 21 combined MPG (19 city/24 highway).

Is there a significant difference in engine power between the two crossovers?

Both vehicles share the same 375 horsepower figure; however, the X7 has higher torque output at 398 lb-ft versus the GLS’s 369 lb-ft.

Do these luxury SUVs require different types of gasoline?

Yes, the BMW X7 recommends premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz GLS mandates the use of premium unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle is physically larger overall?

The GLS is slightly longer at 205.0 inches and wider at 79.9 inches, but the X7 is taller at 72.2 inches, which can sometimes impact garage fitment.

Does the cargo capacity offer a clear winner?

Based on the provided specifications, only the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS has a stated cargo capacity of 17.4 cu ft, making a direct comparison difficult without the X7's corresponding figure.