Battle ground….

When it comes to these two powerhouses — the 2020 BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class — there is much to consider and compare. From space to power and everything in between, these two full-size luxury SUVs stand out and stand apart. For more than a decade, their differences have been considered, and, whether it’s sporty features you desire or a cleaner profile, it’s important to take a moment to compare bumper to bumper. The battle ground starts here….

Space considerations/interior cues

Both the X7 and the GLS are presented with ample space thanks to three rows, accommodating comfortably up to seven people. Both vehicles offer heated seats and automatic climate control in their third rows. That equates to a whopping five zones of separate temperature control. There is sufficient stretch out space in back for more than just small children, and cargo fits nicely even when the back row is occupied.

Both the X7 and GLS boast modern interiors, borrowing from each of their existing models. For example, the GLS borrows many features from the S Class, including the A/C vents placed the center stack as well as the dual-display layout that stretches over more than half of the dashboard. Similar is also the tall center console. Where it stands out on its own, though, is in its rectangular A/C vents, as opposed to round, additional triangular vents on each side of the displays and with the layout of the grip handles on each side of the center console.

By comparison, the X7 is nearly identical to the interior of the X5, featuring both the same dashboard design with the same inserts on the center section as well as an identical infotainment display. That display is set in the exact same spot as the X5. The control panel in the center stack also has the same hexagonal shape. There is also a similar steering wheel, nearly identical door panels and similar controls on the center console. While these features are outstanding and still current in terms of design, the X7 is void of some unique features. But where it stands out is in its luxury, packed with fine materials through and through. Those materials include SensaTec fiber as well as premium Vernasca leather. In fact, you can choose between nine different leathers as well as a plethora of color packages. Those who opt to pay a bit extra can enjoy a beautiful two-tone cabin that combines Ivory White with Navy Blue, as well as a blue dashboard and Alcantara headliner. Ultra luxury can also be had with glass controls, which, if selected, can be found on the start/stop function, iDrive Controller and radio volume knob.

For the GLS, most surfaces are covered in leather and the interior also boasts fine stitching that includes contrast thread. The Mercedes also is presented with two-tone options as well as varied trim. The seats are all wrapped in leather, including the third row pair.

An exterior comparison 

Sportiness abounds when it comes to the X7, beginning with BMW’s trademark twin-kidney grille up front. This grille has grown even larger in this X7 as well as features angular edges and has an overall rectangular shape. Setting itself apart even further from the competition is the X7’s thin and long headlamps which flank the upper corners of the grille and make the SUV seem wider. This is a great and much-needed feature considering how tall the fascia stands from the ground. The X7 also is presented with a sportier bumper than the GLS, as well as tall side vents, wide center outlets and a chrome trim that wraps around the edges. The X7 has adopted a standard full-size SUV design. That includes a tall beltline, boxy rear section and wide D-pillar as well as a utilitarian side skirt and wheel arch design. Unlike the GLS, the X7 has a much higher belt line toward the rear. This begins from the front fender and passes below both door handles and ascends toward the outer edge of the taillight. This results in giving the X7 an all-out sporty appearance! The X7 also has a more angled rear window, making it look less boxy than the GLS.

By comparison, the GLS, considered Mercedes’ boxiest SUV, is just that. It is boxy at the roof, although the quarter window has a rounder frame. In back, the Mercedes features horizontal taillights, a bigger rear window and a diffuser-like element. The front grille has a rounder shape and includes thicker horizontal slats with bigger rectangular cutouts. The headlamps sport an almost rectangle shape and feature a new LED lighting pattern. Featuring a cleaner profile overall, the GLS has taken what was sharper character lines in the old model and replaced them with mildly sculpted dents between the door handles and the side skirts.

The Mercedes is also the longest option, at 205.2 inches from bumper to bumper compared to the X7, which is 202.8 inches. Also, when it comes to height, the GLS benefits from an extra 0.8 inches. In the area of wheelbase, the GLS’s is only 1.2 inches longer at 123.4 inches than the BMW. Overall, the GLS is only slightly bigger than the X7, so your choice would most likely come down to design preference.

Power packed

Both the X7 and GLS are powered by turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-sixes. The key difference, however, is that the GLS’s engine is assisted by an electric motor to boost low-rpm acceleration. The X7’s engine churns out 335 horsepower, while the Mercedes boasts 362. While there is a difference in power, there are similarities with acceleration times. The vehicles are within a tenth of a second of each other from their mid-five-second dashes to 60 mph all the way up to 129 mph top speeds.

But when it comes to the favorite, BMW stands out in the area of power! That is because, when compared to the GLS, the X7 remains more refined and more willing to achieve higher speeds, as well as being more responsive. Despite the electric assist in the GLS, the X7 out sped it in speed tests from 30-50 mph and 50-70 mph. Part of this credit goes to BMW’s brilliantly tuned ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. Both SUVs come with automatic transmissions, the GLS with a nine-speed and the X7 with an eight-speed. Both include all-wheel-drive systems.

In the area of towing, the X7 is rated to tug up to 7,500 pounds, while the GLS can carry 7,700.

Fuel efficiency

At the gas pump is where you will see the powertrain advantage of the X7! In the 75-mph highway test, the X7 returned 28 mpg versus the GLS’s 24 mpg. Although the GLS had an acoustic comfort option, the X7 was overall quieter at 70 mph. The decibels were 66 for the GLS and 64 for the X7.

Technology

In the area of technology, take the time to compare! The GLS comes with two large 12.3-inch displays, one for the instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system. The latter features the MBUX system, which has the keen ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence and received over-the-air updates. It also boasts intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition and augmented reality for navigation display.

The GLS also comes equipped with a wireless charging compartment in the center console, as well as additional USB ports, and a 64-color ambient lighting system.

For those who favor large displays, the BMW X7 has similar features, including a 12.3-inch infotainment display and instrument cluster which features high-quality resolution. Thanks to the X7’s unique rev counter and speedometer, it is the favored choice compared to the GLS. While it is not as intelligent as the MBUX system, the X7 includes all that is needed to keep the driver connected at all times. There is the ability to access driving, infotainment and navigation information and those can be displayed on four layouts or even on multiple pages for easier access with a simple swipe across the screen. Both wireless charging and Wi-Fi hotspot are standard in the X7, with the rear seat entertainment package including a pair of 10.2-inch touchscreen display, a Blu-ray DVD player, HDMI socket and two headphone jacks. There is no boredom with this ride!!

Side by side, see what these two luxury SUVs have to offer in the area of style, performance and overall presence on the road. Whether it’s a cleaner profile you desire or an overall sporty look, enter the battle ground and see what is best for you!