Mercedes-Benz GLS vs BMW X7 Research
Battle of the Luxury SUV
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2020 BMW X7
CAPACITY
Seating
Doors
ENGINE
Liters/Type
Horsepower (hp)
Torque (lb-ft)
TRANSMISSION
Type
DRIVETRAIN
Type
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Estimated Fuel Economy (city / hwy)
STARTING MSRP
Mercedes-Benz
GLS 450
CAPACITY
7 Adults
4 Doors
ENGINE
3.0L Bitubo Inline-6
362 hp @ 5,500-6,100 rpm
369 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9 Speed Automatic Transmission
DRIVETRAIN
4MATIC® All-Wheel Drive
FUEL CONSUMPTION
19/23
STARTING MSRP
BMW
X7 xDRIVE40i
CAPACITY
7 Adults
4 Doors
ENGINE
3.0L Inline 6
335 hp @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
330 lb-ft @ 1,500-5,200 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-Speed Automatic
DRIVETRAIN
All-Wheel Drive
FUEL CONSUMPTION
20/25
STARTING MSRP
Setting the Standard for Handsome
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS paves the way for the whole family to climb aboard and travel in style, luxury, and class. However, the 2020 BMW X7 makes a conscious effort to steal the spotlight, dawning similar proportions, and tempting features. Dive in with us as we explore both SUVs and discover why the 2020 GLS holds onto its crown. To explore the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS, make your way down to Mercedes-Benz of Augusta and get behind the wheel; because you and your family deserve to own the best.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS graces the road with luxury and style, boasting sophistication with its bold presence. Up front, it proudly displays its Mercedes-Benz crest, while a sport front fascia, dazzling LED headlights and subtly masculine flares travel up its hood. Subtle creases and style lines travel carefully across the GLS’ waistline, while wide wraparound tail lights grace its power liftgate.
The 2020 BMW X7 attempts to mimic the silhouette of the GLS, but the contrast is painfully obvious when the lights come on. Its twin-kidney grille is blatantly oversized, causing the SUV to look awkward and unfinished, yet things get better as your eyes travel toward the rear. Inoffensive style lines travel across the BMWs waistline while a stylish, yet eerily similar rear end to the GLS graces the X7’s tailgate.
Performance that Moves You
In the Mercedes-Benz GLS, power comes from one of two engines, each of which tout impressive performance and thoughtful efficiency. The 2020 GLS 450 is driven by a 3.0-liter inline-6 cylinder engine with EQ Boost that delivers 362 horsepower and 369lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a 9G Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission, while the AIRMATIC® air suspension and Adaptive Damping System ensures a smooth and composed ride.
The GLS 580 is fitted with a rocketing 4.0-liter V8 Biturbo engine with EQ Boost that generates 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Advances like Active Body Control keep the GLS athletic despite its size, controlling body roll and allowing the full-size SUV to keep up with much smaller SUVs. Both engines are efficient, despite touting breathtaking performance. The inline 6 boasts an EPA-estimated 23MPG on the highway while the V8 can rocket the SUV to 60MPH in just 5.2 seconds and return an EPA-estimated 21MPG on the highway. Reassuring you that the GLS can do it all, it even boasts up to a 7,700lbs towing capacity.
A 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 power the 2020 BMW X7, this flagship engine’s age is showing, delivering only 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The X7 utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission to drive power to all four wheels, returning an EPA estimated 25MPG.
Safety that Assures You
Remaining true to Mercedes-Benz heritage, the GLS rides on the cutting edge of safety, touting dome of the latest most advanced safety features on the market. Standard features include a Surround View System, Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning Assist, and so much more. Available features include advances like Active Stop and Go Assist, which reduces fatigue in stop and go traffic by automating the accelerator and brakes, while Active Steering Assist helps you in emergency situations by providing steering assistance during avoidance maneuvers.
The 2020 X7 is no slack on safety, featuring a standard Active Driving Assistant which includes a frontal collision warning with city mitigation, lane departure warning, and blind-spot detective, but it does not come close to the standard that the GLS Class sets.
An Ultra Premium First Class Cabin
The 2020 Mercedes Benz GLS welcomes you to its first-class lounge thanks to an incredible list of standard and available luxuries that make you want to take the long route. Climb in and enjoy the hushed cabin as the standard soft-close doors welcome you aboard. Standard heated and ventilated seats keep front passengers comfortable, while standard 5-zone climate control ensures that everyone rides at their optimum climate.
Ambient lighting and second-row captains chairs exude the highest level of luxury and comfort while available ENERGIZING Comfort takes luxury transportation to new heights. Coordinating the SUVs climate control, ambient lighting, audio, cabin fragrance, and seat massage functions, the system allows you to experience true relaxation as you travel. Featuring five 10-minute programs, you and your front passenger can enjoy a back massage and subtle music as you relax and recharge.
The BMW X7, while stylish and comfortable, simply cannot match the plush craftsmanship and attention to detail featured in the GLS. While the BMW cannot offer massaging seats and a cockpit that caters to you, it does offer a four-zone climate and a charcoal cabin filter for fresh air.
Technology that Changes Your Commutes
Continuing to lead the way, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is fitted with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an equally large connecting multimedia display. The standard Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) boasts innovation with its streaming and connectivity abilities. Highlighted in the MBUX infotainment system is the ability to make commands using natural everyday language. If you want coffee, simply say “Hey Mercedes, I need coffee”, and the system will navigate you to a nearby coffee shop. Paired with standard Android Auto™ and Apple Carplay®, there’s almost nothing that the 2020 Mercedes-Benz can’t do.
The 2020 BMW X7 touts equally large 12.3-inch touchscreen displays, but lacks the interface featured in the Mercedes-Benz.
Don’t Settle for Less
All in all, the 2020 Mercedes Benz GLS dominates its competition, providing a superior driving and passenger experience than its X7 peer. Here at Mercedes-Benz of Augusta, we feature a full line up of GLS models, along with a full inventory of new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles for you to choose from. Our Augusta car dealership also hosts an incredible finance and service department, making every interaction with us is pleasant. Come to our incredible showroom and hop in the front seat of the GLS; after experiencing pure comfort and luxury at this level, you won’t be able to settle for anything less.