We’re doing our best to avoid the “you decide” cliche, but the buyer’s priorities ultimately determine who wins in this situation. When not in Comfort mode, the X7 drives a little bit better, is quieter, has a more refined inline-six, and gets noticeably better fuel economy. The GLS, on the other hand, reigns supreme if it’s space you’re after thanks to its larger second and third rows and significantly greater cargo room. However, the Benz’s comforts come at a cost of lower fuel efficiency and higher prices for features of the same caliber. We would choose the X7 over the GLS in this initial comparison because it is more affordable, more enjoyable to drive, and still provides a ton of practicality that has never before been seen in the BMW lineup.
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Cost & Conclusion: BMW Blends Luxury And Technology Best
Price isn’t often a deciding issue in this league, but the two are quite competitive. Although Merc’s pricing for 2023 hasn’t been announced, it shouldn’t alter significantly from that of 2022, when the GLS-Class starts at $77,850, which is also the starting price for the 2023 X7 xDrive40i. The GLS 580, which tops out at $101,250, is a significant increase. At $103,100, the X7 M60i is a tad more expensive.
Both vehicles are impressively luxurious, with the BMW M60i variant offering mind-blowing performance. BMW has performance down pat despite the absence of an AMG model and the GLS 580’s somewhat less output. But how many buyers choose for performance when choosing a three-row SUV? Both the GLS and the X7 are loaded with comfort for up to seven passengers, and both ride plushly. However, the BMW is more useful and has a larger screen. Although it may not be a reliable indicator of which car is superior, BMW has made some significant technological advancements with this. BMW appears to have increased luxury as well.
It appears like BMW has the luxury three-row SUV to beat with more power, more performance, more technology, and more space—even if just slightly more in each of these categories. Simply keep an eye on it every day.
the fineness, performance, ride, and handling
Although both vehicles feature powerful 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engines, they are neither slow despite being enormous, hefty, four-wheel-drive beasts. The 335 horsepower X7 completed the 0-60 mph sprint in 5.6 seconds, with the 325 horsepower GLS following closely at 6.0 seconds. Even when heavily loaded, neither has any issue making overtakes on country roads, and both have a punchy yet smooth power delivery.
However, their gearboxes are different. When you press your right foot down while moving, the GLS’s nine-speed automatic transmission hesitates a bit before selecting a gear. The eight-speeder in the X7 is quicker and shifts with more assurance.
The X7 has superior brakes as well, stopping from 70 mph with roughly three meters less distance than the GLS.
Additionally, the X7’s engine is quieter. While driving around town, it is astonishingly silent, yet when you go to motorway speeds, it is incredibly smooth. In stop-and-start traffic, the mild hybrid vehicle’s engine cuts out and restarts very smoothly thanks to the electrical aid. Without such technology, the GLS’s engine, while generally smooth, becomes a little gruffer and louder at low revs.
But at highway speeds, both vehicles are remarkably smooth. While wind and road noises are effectively muffled, their engines fade into the background with barely discernible background noise. You’ll feel comfortable cut off from the outside world and prepared to easily chew through the miles.
However, the GLS more easily disrupts this quiet tranquility. You will hear many abrupt thumps as you drive over speed bumps and potholes because the suspension is bearing the impact. When you encounter the same problems in the X7, it effectively insulates you from those noises.
In fact, you won’t only hear the difference; you’ll also feel it. Despite the fact that both vehicles have adaptive air suspension, the GLS is much more susceptible to being shaken by road imperfections. This is made worse by the enormous 23-inch wheels that come standard on the vehicle, and it also finds it difficult to smooth out vertical movements when you come across an uneven road. The X7 glides over all but the roughest road surfaces, doing a considerably better job of absorbing such crests and bumps.
Additionally, it has better body control, which helps keep the car more upright in turns and less likely to hurl you around in your seat. Although it’s not a sports car, it has a lot of grip and is more enjoyable to drive than the GLS on a winding country road.
The GLS, on the other hand, does not inspire confidence while driving swiftly. The steering of the GLS is slow and vague compared to the X7’s crisp and responsiveness. Additionally, the latter vehicle lacks the X7’s fluidity while dealing with abrupt changes in direction.
Another trick that the X7 has up its sleeve is optional four-wheel steering. To reduce turning circle when moving slowly, it spins the rear wheels in the opposite direction of the front ones. With it installed, the X7 is surprisingly maneuverable for a vehicle of its size at low speeds.
BMW X7 Facelift vs. Mercedes-Benz GLS in Comparison
There are many opulent three-row SUVs on the market, but the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is the only real rival for the BMW X7. With what was previously known as the GL-Class, Mercedes-Benz came out on top in this battle by more than ten years. It’s time to compare the aesthetics of the two German Giants’ respective three-row luxury SUVs.
Even though I’d like to believe that buyers purchase vehicles based on the driving experience, road feel, ride quality, and build quality, this is untrue. They purchase vehicles based on the inside technology, image, and style. So, tragically, this comparison is more important than how they feel when driving. It’s time to compare their styles now that the X7 has been released.
It is evident that BMW’s design team used a more aggressive, boxier, and sharper aesthetic than Mercedes did. It appears to be the more aggressive of the two vehicles due to its split headlights with their pointed LEDs, kidney grilles that are somewhat square in shape, and more upright front end. While the Mercedes-Benz is less upright, a little bit rounder, and has softer edges. Although I believe the new X7 LCI is noticeably more attractive than its pre-LCI sister, if I had to choose between the two, I believe I would select the Benz over the GLS-Class. Simply put, it appears more cohesive, and I prefer the grille.
Both automobiles have very similar profiles. Both are large, tall, two-box, three-row SUVs with slab sides and dimensions akin to tanks. Again, in my opinion, the GLS is the more attractive vehicle because of its somewhat leaner and sportier roofline, but I can understand why some people might like the X7’s more upright-looking glass due to its improved outward visibility.
The BMW X7 LCI has a finer exterior design. It’s common for current Mercedes-Benz tail ends to appear as though their taillights are melting, and the GLS is no exception. I appreciate how the Mercedes’ haunches are a little more pronounced, but the X7 LCI has a nicer-looking butt thanks to its actual exhaust pipes and taillights.
I’m also taking the X7 LCI inside. Although the interiors of both vehicles are beautiful, the X7 LCI just has a more upscale appearance thanks to its floating iDrive screen, roomy wood dash, wood center console trim, and more sculpted doors. Additionally, the X7 offers more useful power seat adjustments, a third row sunroof, USB-C ports everywhere, and enhanced usability for second and third row passengers. I’ve driven both, and the X7 is unquestionably more useful.
Since both vehicles are outstanding three-row luxury SUVs and both are winners in two categories, this comparison is ultimately a wash. Though I prefer the BMW inside more, I prefer the majority of the Mercedes outside. It would be ideal if I could merge them. Unfortunately, I can’t, so I’ll take the Bimmer instead, if only so I can drive without being able to see the outside. Customers will spend most of their time in the BMW X7 LCI’s cabin because it is better.
Mercedes GLS or BMW X7: which is superior?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 boasts a little more horsepower than the BMW X7. The BMW X7’s lesser torque engine prevents it from transferring power to its wheels as well as the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450.
Is the BMW X7 or Mercedes GLS larger?
The GLS’s wheelbase is only 1.2 inches longer than the BMW’s, at 123.4 inches. Overall, the GLS is only little larger than the X7, so your decision would likely depend on your taste in design.
What is comparable to the BMW X7?
The huge BMW X7 is a direct competitor to the luxurious Mercedes GLS, which extends past the GLE and into Maybach territory.
Even though the third row of the Audi Q7 is smaller, it has a ton of outstanding standard safety measures.
The new Range Rover, which was redesigned for 2022, has somewhat changed exterior styling, but it also comes in seven-seat and electrified versions starting this year.
Although it can fit in the garage, the Lincoln Aviator has the same reputation for luxury as the Navigator.
With appealing appearance and solid basic amenities, the Volvo XC90 continues to dazzle, although it lacks the Germans’ performance options.
Is quality superior in a Mercedes or a BMW?
It’s difficult to choose between Mercedes-Benz and BMW in terms of dependability and safety.
With 12 quality and dependability awards from J.D., BMW tops the list for overall reliability of its vehicles. Power from 2019 through 2021. Mercedes-Benz, in contrast, only received two honors for dependability and one for quality during the same period.
In contrast, Mercedes-Benz barely beats BMW in terms of safety ratings. Mercedes-Benz had four vehicles chosen by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as Top Safety Picks in 2021, including three Top Safety Pick+ winners, thanks to the abundance of driver aid equipment that comes standard on most models. Only three of BMW’s Top Safety Picks received the coveted a+a rating in the same year.
In other words, if top-notch safety technology is important to you, a Mercedes-Benz is a better choice—especially the C-Class, E-Class, and GLE models, which received top IIHS ratings. However, BMW is your friend if you’re searching for a vehicle that will endure the test of time without necessitating numerous costly trips to the repair.
Mercedes or BMW: which premium vehicle is superior?
BMW remains the overall champion when it comes to luxury performance, even if the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is one of the best-performing large luxury sedans on the road right now. Customers should choose a BMW automobile if they want performance and style in one convenient package.
BMW X7: A luxury vehicle?
LUXURY AT A HIGHER LEVEL The 2023 BMW X7 is a statement piece and BMW’s most opulent Sports Activity Vehicle thanks to the unrivaled variety of standard amenities and configurable options (r)
Are Mercedes and BMW less expensive to maintain?
BMWs are by far the most expensive car manufacturer to repair, claims Your Mechanic. The competition is not even close. With an average maintenance cost of $17,800 over ten years, BMW comes in #1. Mercedes-Benz came in second with an average maintenance cost of $12,900 during a 10-year period. In contrast, the typical Toyota only cost $5,500 to maintain during a 10-year period because they are recognized for requiring less maintenance.
According to Your Mechanic, such high maintenance costs are usual in German premium vehicles. Audi comes in sixth with an average $12,400 maintenance expense over a 10-year period. This is primarily a result of the pricey, high-end parts that these luxury vehicles require. Naturally, it will cost a lot of money to fix those pieces when they break or need maintenance.
However, despite being luxury vehicles, they also have ongoing problems. For instance, according to Your Mechanic, a BMW is four times more likely to not start than a typical automobile. It was ranked seventh overall as a result. Additionally, the window regulator on the BMW required replacement 18 times more frequently than the window regulator on the ordinary car.