Are you browsing for the right high-end SUV to commute around town with your family? Two excellent choices are the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS and the 2025 BMW X7. While you might be inclined to think the BMW SUV is a better buy because its latest model year is 2025, that’s not entirely true. Before you decide on which model to trade in your current vehicle for, let’s examine these models side by side in the following new BMW X7 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLS guide. Afterward, you will realize how many advantages the Mercedes-Benz model offers that the BMW SUV does not.
Mercedes-Benz GLS vs. BMW X7 – Seating Capacity
When shopping for a family vehicle in Evans, the number of seats matters. Both models have 7 seats as standard and offer the option for 6 seats. If you only need 6 seats and you’d like elevated 2nd-row seats, you can enjoy that option for no extra charge in the Mercedes-Benz SUV. On the other hand, you will need to pay extra for the 6-seat capacity in the BMW model. Here are the BMW X7 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLS seating capacity details:
X7 vs. GLS Standard Seating Capacity
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 SUV: 7 seats
- 2025 BMW X7 xDrive40i: 7 seats
X7 vs. GLS Optional Seating Capacity
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 SUV: 6 seats (with individual power seats for second row) for no additional charge
- 2025 BMW X7 xDrive40i: 6 seats (Captain’s Chairs) for additional charge
Mercedes-Benz GLS vs. BMW X7 – Interior Space
Speaking of passenger space, the 2024 GLS has more legroom for every row of seating than the X7– making it more friendly for tall people!
Additionally, the GLS interior room is divided more equally among the 3 rows of seating. For example, when we look at the BMW X7 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLS shoulder room, the GLS has similar shoulder room between the 1st and 2nd row, whereas the X7 prioritizes making the 1st row more spacious than the other two rows.
View the summary of the legroom and shoulder room for these SUVs below.
GLS vs. X7 1st/2nd/3rd-Row Legroom
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 SUV: 40.3 / 41.9 / 34.6 inches
- 2025 BMW X7 xDrive40i: 39.8 / 37.6 / N/A inches
X7 vs. GLS 1st/2nd/3rd-Row Shoulder Room
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 SUV: 59.3 / 58.5 / N/A inches
- 2025 BMW X7 xDrive40i: 60.0 / 58.1 / 36.6 inches
Mercedes-Benz GLS vs. BMW X7 – Power
Both models use a standard hybrid powerhouse that delivers the same horsepower. If you’re looking for an elevated performance near Martinez, you’ll see that the GLS track-inspired trim, Mercedes-AMG® GLS 63 SUV, offers significantly more power than the X7 equivalent, the X7 M60i. Compare the exact engines here:
GLS vs. X7 Standard Performance
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 SUV: 375-hp 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine with mild hybrid drive
- 2025 BMW X7 xDrive40i: 375-hp 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline-6 cylinder engine with 48V mild hybrid system
GLS vs. X7 Available Performance
- 2024 Mercedes-AMG® GLS 63 SUV: 603-hp handcrafted AMG® 4.0L V8 biturbo engine with hybrid assist
- 2025 BMW X7 M60i: 523-hp 4.4L BMW TwinPower Turbo V8 engine with eBoost 48V mild hybrid technology
Explore the Mercedes-Benz GLS Further at Mercedes-Benz of Augusta
Thinking about choosing the Mercedes-Benz GLS near Aiken? Visit us in Augusta to experience this SUV yourself! Contact us to set up an appointment now, and then take a moment to go over our current offers for a new vehicle!
