BMW X7 vs Mercedes GLS, best luxury SUVs 2025, BMW vs Mercedes, luxury SUV showdown, BMW X7 price, BMW X7 2025
In the luxury automotive world, SUVs reign supreme for their perfect blend of style, performance, and practicality.
Among the giants of this segment, the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS stand as symbols of prestige, engineering excellence, and opulent comfort. As 2025 approaches, prospective buyers are keen to understand which of these flagship SUVs best fits their lifestyle. This in-depth comparison will explore the BMW X7 vs Mercedes GLS battle, delving into design, technology, performance, pricing, and overall value.
Introduction: Overview of the Luxury SUV Market
BMW X7 vs Mercedes GLS, The luxury SUV segment has seen explosive growth in recent years, becoming the choice for those who want refinement coupled with adventure-ready capability. Consumers no longer settle for basic utility; they demand cutting-edge features, high-end materials, and performance that rivals sports sedans.
Both the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS exemplify this ethos. These full-size SUVs represent the pinnacle of German engineering, combining sophistication with the ability to conquer diverse terrains. However, deciding between them requires a closer look at what each offers.
BMW X7 Features: Strengths in Design, Tech, and Performance
BMW X7 vs Mercedes GLS, The BMW X7 is BMW’s largest and most luxurious SUV, seamlessly merging performance with comfort. Here’s a detailed look at what makes it shine:
Exterior Design
- Bold Presence: The X7’s oversized kidney grille and sharp LED headlights give it an unmistakable road presence.
- Sleek Lines: Its long wheelbase and sculpted body ensure a blend of elegance and athleticism.
- Customization: Buyers can choose from a range of metallic paints and wheel designs, enhancing the SUV’s premium feel.
Interior Excellence
- Spacious Cabin: The X7 comfortably seats up to seven passengers with optional captain’s chairs in the second row.
- Material Quality: Expect finely stitched leather, open-pore wood trim, and ambient lighting that can be adjusted to suit your mood.
- Technology Hub: Equipped with BMW’s iDrive 8.5 system, the SUV offers a curved infotainment display that integrates navigation, entertainment, and voice controls seamlessly.
Powertrain Options
- Versatile Engine Choices: From the entry-level inline-six engine to the monstrous V8 in the M60i xDrive, the X7 delivers power tailored to your needs.
- Efficient Yet Powerful: Even the base engine provides impressive acceleration while maintaining respectable fuel economy for the segment.
- xDrive All-Wheel Drive: BMW’s AWD system ensures impeccable grip, whether cruising highways or navigating off-road trails.
Key Features
- Advanced Driving Aids: Features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera make driving effortless.
- Off-Road Capability: With adjustable air suspension and off-road driving modes, the X7 performs well on rugged terrain.
- Optional Upgrades: Add-ons like the Executive Package bring features such as massaging seats and an upgraded audio system.
Mercedes GLS Highlights: Key Features and Advantages
BMW X7 vs Mercedes GLS, The Mercedes GLS, often called the “S-Class of SUVs,” brings unmatched luxury and cutting-edge technology to the table. Here’s why it remains a formidable rival:
Exterior Styling
- Sophisticated Design: The GLS leans towards elegance with its understated grille, smooth bodywork, and LED light signatures.
- Commanding Presence: Its larger dimensions give it a stately appearance on the road.
- AMG Styling Options: Sportier trims, like the AMG GLS 63, add aggressive aesthetics and performance enhancements.
Interior Refinement
- Sumptuous Comfort: Genuine leather upholstery, customizable ambient lighting, and heated/ventilated seats make every journey luxurious.
- Cutting-Edge Tech: The MBUX infotainment system boasts a dual-screen setup with intuitive touch controls and AI-powered voice recognition.
- Class-Leading Space: The GLS offers the roomiest third row in its class, ensuring comfort for all passengers.
Engine Lineup
- Diverse Choices: From the efficient inline-six engines to the thunderous AMG V8s, the GLS lineup caters to a range of driving preferences.
- EQ Boost Hybrid Assistance: Select models feature mild hybrid technology for smoother acceleration and improved efficiency.
- Exceptional Ride Quality: The E-Active Body Control suspension system adjusts to road conditions, delivering unmatched comfort.
Unique Selling Points
- Attention to Detail: Features like soft-close doors, Burmester audio systems, and a perfume diffuser elevate the luxury experience.
- Safety Innovations: The GLS includes a plethora of advanced safety features, from adaptive high beams to semi-autonomous driving aids.
- Luxury-Oriented Packages: Buyers can opt for packages such as the Executive Rear Seat package, which adds reclining seats and entertainment screens.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Performance, Price, Comfort, and Tech
BMW X7 vs Mercedes GLS, Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS stack up across critical parameters:
1. Performance
| Feature | BMW X7 | Mercedes GLS |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine | 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 (375 hp) | 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 (362 hp) |
| High-Performance Variant | 4.4L V8 in M60i (523 hp) | AMG GLS 63 with 4.0L V8 (603 hp) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Standard AWD | Standard AWD |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 mpg | 20 mpg |
Verdict: The X7 offers a slightly more efficient base engine, while the GLS edges ahead in high-performance options with its AMG variants.
2. Price
| Feature | BMW X7 | Mercedes GLS |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ₹1.27 Crore | ₹1.32 Crore |
| Top Model Price | ₹1.68 Crore (M60i) | ₹2.47 Crore (AMG GLS 63) |
Verdict: The X7 is marginally more affordable across trims, making it a better choice for budget-conscious luxury buyers.
3. Interior Comfort
| Feature | BMW X7 | Mercedes GLS |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 7 (6 with captain’s chairs) | 7 |
| Third-Row Comfort | Good | Best in Class |
| Material Quality | Premium | Ultra-Premium |
Verdict: The GLS offers superior third-row comfort and slightly more opulent materials, but both models excel in interior craftsmanship.
4. Technology
| Feature | BMW X7 | Mercedes GLS |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment | iDrive 8.5, curved display | MBUX, dual-screen setup |
| Voice Assistant | Effective | Class-Leading |
| Safety Features | Comprehensive | Best in Segment |
Verdict: The GLS edges out the X7 with its MBUX system’s versatility and class-leading safety tech.
Expert Verdict: Best Pick Based on Lifestyle and Needs
Choosing between the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS depends on individual preferences:
- BMW X7:
- Who It’s For: Buyers who prioritize sporty handling, slightly lower pricing, and cutting-edge driver aids.
- Why Choose It: Its bold design and dynamic performance make it the ideal luxury SUV for those who enjoy driving as much as being chauffeured.
- Mercedes GLS:
- Who It’s For: Families and individuals who value maximum comfort, rear-seat luxury, and unmatched refinement.
- Why Choose It: Its spacious interior, superior third-row comfort, and extensive luxury features cater to those who want the ultimate all-rounder.
Conclusion: BMW X7 vs Mercedes GLS
BMW X7 vs Mercedes GLS, In the end, both the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS are masterpieces in their own right. The X7 shines as the sportier option with a slightly lower price tag, while the GLS dominates in luxury and passenger comfort. For the best luxury SUVs of 2025, these two set the benchmark—making either choice a win for buyers seeking unparalleled sophistication
