The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 are each the largest, roomiest, and most well-appointed SUVs of their respective brands. Both have 3-row seating arrangements, ultra-luxury trims, powerful 6- and 8-cylinder engines, and standard all-wheel drive.
For this model year, the GLS receives a subtle exterior makeover that includes redone lighting and redesigned front and rear bumpers. This generation arrived for the 2020 model year, and since then, we’ve been routinely amazed at the comfort and technology provided by Mercedes’ flagship SUV.
This first-generation X7 debuted in 2019, though it received a substantial refresh that gave it more power and a far bolder exterior only last year. One notable upgrade on the 2024 model is the addition of Highway Assistant, a hands-free driving aid that comes as part of BMW’s Driving Assistance Professional package.
In addition to competing against each other, the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 face rivals like the Lincoln Navigator, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, and Cadillac Escalade.
Let’s explore some highlights of both the GLS and X7.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS immediately stands out thanks to its wide range of powerful engines. The base engine is a 375-horsepower turbocharged 6-cylinder. We’ve found this is more than enough to get the GLS quickly up to speed or swiftly past slower vehicles on the highway.
A twin-turbo V8 provides even stronger acceleration, and output ranges from 510 hp in the GLS 580 to 550 hp in the Maybach GLS 600 and 603 hp in the AMG GLS 63. If you need to get yourself and up to six passengers somewhere in a hurry, this turbo V8 is ready to go. Pricing starts at $88,150, including a $1,150 destination charge.
Mercedes-Benz GLS Highlights
Opulent interior: There is no doubt the GLS serves as Mercedes’ top-of-the-line SUV once you step inside. Real leather, wood trim, and metal highlights give the cabin an opulent look and feel. Some of the more over-the-top interior options include heated and cooled cupholders, massaging front and rear seats, and dual 7-inch rear tablets.
Ample acceleration: Having spent plenty of time behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, we can attest that its balance of ride comfort, acceleration, and strong braking inspires tons of confidence. On the highway, the GLS is happy to waft along, though it’s equally adept at handling city traffic thanks to its light and accurate handling.
Burmester audio: The regular grade 13-speaker Burmester audio system is excellent, but the available 29-speaker/1,610-watt variant cranks sound quality to a whole other level. It comes with a hefty cost of around $4,500, however.
Off-Road Engineering package: We can’t vouch for exactly how many GLS owners will venture off-road, though this posh Mercedes is up to the challenge. The Off-Road Engineering package comes with underbody skid plates and a suspension that can be raised an additional 1.2 inches. It’s available on the GLS 580.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the GLS models near you.
2024 BMW X7
Three models of BMW’s X7 flagship SUV are available — xDrive40i, M60i, and Alpina XB7 — each with a unique engine and all-wheel drive. Pricing for the BMW X7 starts at $82,895, including destination fee.
The 375-horsepower turbocharged 6-cylinder in the xDrive40i has no trouble getting this 7-passenger SUV from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Thanks to its 523-hp twin-turbo V8, the M60i shaves this time to only 4.5 seconds. Last but certainly not least, the range-topping Alpina XB7 is motivated by a 631-hp version of this same turbo V8. Outside of sheer acceleration, during testing, we’ve come to love the fact that BMW equips every X7 with an air suspension. Over all types of surfaces, the ride remains controlled and beautifully composed.
BMW X7 Highlights
Curved infotainment display: Not to be outdone by the Mercedes-Benz GLS, the futuristic cabin of the X7 features a 12.3-inch digital instrument display mounted alongside a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Because of its minimal buttons and switches, the result is equally sleek and luxurious.
Heated steering wheel, heated armrests: Maybe we get a little spoiled when driving SUVs at this price point? Whatever the case, having a heated steering wheel and heated armrests are nice standard perks.
Awesome audio: Pushing back on the audio front, the X7 counters Mercedes’ Burmester unit with an available 20-speaker/1,500-watt Bowers & Wilkins 3D surround-sound system. And like its Mercedes-Benz GLS counterpart, this awesome system rings in at more than $4K extra.
Alpina XB7: Sitting atop the X7 range with an asking price of around $150,000, the Alpina XB7 is chock full of comfort and technology features. Alpina itself is a German tuning company that for decades has been making BMW models faster and more desirable. Since we’re on the topic of going fast, the 631-hp twin-turbo V8 under the hood of the XB7 provides almost surreal performance for a vehicle this size.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the X7 models near you.
Similarities
There are many similarities between these two elegant SUVs. To start, they pack the very latest in technology, both related to cutting-edge onboard infotainment and safety-minded driver aids. They each have room for up to seven onboard, though the third row in both the Mercedes-Benz GLS and X7 is a squeeze for taller folks. They each come standard with a 375-hp turbo inline-6 engine and offer monster V8 powertrains in higher trims.
Conclusion
Take a glance at our ranking of the Best Luxury Fullsize SUVs and you’ll discover the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 are in a virtual tie. If you need family-friendly interior space, then the roomier GLS is the way to go. However, choosing between them could boil down to something as simple as design preferences – the X7 is definitely more polarizing in this department – or whether time spent behind the wheel during a test drive ultimately swings your SUV purchasing pendulum towards the Mercedes or BMW.
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS | 2024 BMW X7 | |
| Starting Price | $88,150 | $82,895 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 | Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 |
| Horsepower | 375 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 375 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm | 398 lb-ft @ 1,850 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 19 city/24 highway/21 combined | 21 city/25 highway/22 combined |
| Also Available | Twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 | Turbo 4.4-liter V8 |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | N/A | N/A |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 123.4 inches | 122.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 205.0 inches | 203.6 inches |
| Width | 79.9 inches | 78.7 inches |
| Height | 71.8 inches | 72.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.4 feet | 42.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.4 inches | 41.9 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.2 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 38.9 inches | 36.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.9 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 34.6 inches | 33.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.3 inches | 60.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.5 inches | 47.9 inches |
| Should Room, 3rd Row | 50.3 inches | 36.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 17.4/42.7/84.7 cubic feet | 12.8/48.6/90.4 cubic feet |
