2021 BMW X7 vs Mercedes-Benz GLS

July 30th, 2021 by

The 2021, BMW X7 Sports Activity Vehicle® (SAV) and the 2021, Mercedes-Benz GLS are two popular large SUVs and the largest vehicles in each brand’s line-up, with plush second row seats with optional captain’s chairs and spacious third row seats. Both have a lot to offer but one may be better suited for your lifestyle in Downtown Escondido. We can help you choose between the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the BMW X7. If you have any questions about the BMW x7 full size SUV, please contact BMW of Escondido.

2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Performance Specs

Both the X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS offer a powerful yet comfortable ride if you’re looking for a large SUV. The 2021 BMW X7 has two engine options. For ultimate power, there’s the available 4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 that churns out 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.

BMW drivers love this SAV, as the X7 is fast with its powerful engine, going from 0-60 MPH in less than four seconds with the highest trim level engine. The torque almost throws you back in your seats. The 8-speed Sport automatic transmission has Sport and Manual shift modes. This feature provides smooth shifting, along with the feel of a manual. If you want a fast and athletic performance, the BMW model is for you.

There are a number of engine options for the Mercedes GLS. However it takes 5.2 seconds for the vehicle to travel from 0-60 mph with its highest trim engine. With fuel economy roughly the same between the two vehicles with 21 MPG combined EPA Fuel Economy, it’s clear that the BMW x7 takes the cake here.

BMW X7 Performance

  • 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder, 24-valve 335-hp engine with eBoost 48V mild hybrid technology. Combines a twin-scroll turbocharger with variable valve control (Double-VANOS and Valvetronic) and high-precision direct injection
  • Auto Start-Stop function
  • Active kidney grille
  • Electronic throttle control
  • Electronically controlled engine cooling (map cooling)
  • Brake Energy Regeneration
  • Driving Dynamics Control with ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT modes
  • 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission with Sport and Manual shift modes, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Launch Control
  • Air Curtains and Air Breather system

Interior Design and Amenities

You can expect the 2021 BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS to have elegant interiors, similar to the Land Rover Range Rover but a lot more dependable. The upscale cabins and displays of these vehicles are filled with premium materials, as well as functional items like USB ports that make you feel at home, adaptive cruise control, and gesture control.

The BMW model has leather seating and comes standard with SensaTec upholstery. You’ll have a really sophisticated cabin if you combine that with the fine-line Brown high-gloss wood trim. Add in the standard automatic climate control, and you’re living in the life of luxury.

The moonroof is one of the prized features in many cars. The X7 has a standard Panoramic Moonroof with an available Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof that can project beautiful patterns from six different colors onto the glass. There is a panoramic sunroof in the Mercedes-Benz GLS, but it does not have any X7 projection options.

BMW X7 Interior

  • SensaTec upholstery
  • Fineline stripe brown high-gloss Wood trim
  • Fully finished cargo area with velour carpeting and remote trunk release
  • Cargo cover
  • Floormats

BMW X7 Comfort

  • Engine Start/Stop button
  • Remote Engine Start
  • Remote Software Upgrade capable
  • Advanced Vehicle & Key Memory includes most recently used climate-control temperature and air-distribution settings; exterior mirror and power seat settings; audio tone settings and radio presets; central-locking preferences; and lighting preferences
  • 3rd row seat
  • 16-way power front sport seats including 4-way power lumbar support, 2-way power side bolsters, 2-way manual headrests and thigh support, and memory system for driver’s seat and exterior mirror positions
  • Panoramic moonroof with fully automatic, 2-piece glass panel, power slide and lift control, wind deflector, and power interior sunshade
  • Power windows with key-off operation; “one-touch” opening and closing of all door windows, anti-trapping feature
  • Automatic 4-zone climate control
  • Active-charcoal micro-filter ventilation
  • Power-adjustable steering column
  • Comfort Access keyless entry with hands-free trunk/lid opening
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers with adjustable speed and automatic headlight control
  • Rear-window wiper/washer with adjustable wiping interval
  • Power tailgate
  • Front-seat center console with armrest, storage compartment, and USB-C port with 3 amp charging ability
  • Fold-up rear-seat center armrest
  • Dual cupholders front and rear
  • Dual front sliding sun visors with illuminated mirrors
  • Automatic tilt-down of right outside mirror for visibility of curb when backing up
  • Multi-color, adjustable ambient lighting
  • Automatic-dimming interior rear-view mirror and driver’s-side exterior mirror
  • 3-stage heated front seats
  • Heated Front Armrests & Steering Wheel
  • Privacy glass
  • Power outlets in front center console storage compartment, rear center console and trunk
  • Locking glovebox
  • Luggage compartment package
  • Travel and Comfort System includes a multifunction bracket to support BMW accessories such as tablet holders, coat hangers, and folding table, as well as a USB-C port with 3 amp charging ability in the backrest of each front seat
  • Universal garage-door opener
  • Acoustic Glass

Technology in the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS

There are lots of high-tech features in the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7. You can use these technology features to stay connected and entertained.

The time you spend listening to music is one of the things that makes riding in your car pleasurable. The X7 has the optional Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 16 speakers in the cabin. The Burmeister® surround sound system has 13 speakers and is included in the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Both vehicles are a step above the Tesla Model X and both offer roughly the same size infotainment display with a heads-up display.

Both cars have wi-fi, so that you can stay in touch and use the internet for important information. The X7 gives you in-car wi-fi standard, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS only offers it as an option.

BMW X7 Technology

  • Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ Compatibility
  • Connected Package Professional features Real-Time Traffic Information and On-Street Parking Information (select cities), Hazard Preview, BMW Remote Services including Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Remote Door Unlock, BMW Connected App, and Concierge Services. The Intelligent Personal Assistant voice control offers natural speech input for various functions, including navigation
  • BMW ConnectedDrive® Services
  • BMW TeleServices
  • Anti-theft AM/FM stereo with Radio Data System (RDS)
  • Standard HiFi Sound System with 205-watt digital amplifier and 10 speakers
  • HD Radio™ with “multicast” FM station reception
  • SiriusXM with 360L + 1 year All Access Subscription

BMW X7 Instruments and Controls

  • 3-spoke power telescopic leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel
  • Expanded Check Control vehicle monitor system
  • Outside-temperature display
  • Dynamic Cruise Control
  • Live Cockpit Professional features a 12.3″ digital instrument cluster and 12.3″ central information display. The multi-input iDrive 7.0 system is operated by voice, touchscreen, and iDrive touchpad Controller. Navigation, Bluetooth, two USB ports, 8 freely programmable bookmarks, and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates for map data up to 4 times annually are also included
  • Tire Pressure Monitor
  • Rear-window defroster

2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Verdict

It’s the 2021 BMW X7 all wheel drive that comes out on top when compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLS. With similar cargo space, standard features, fuel efficiency and fuel tank, premium materials, and base price, it’s really the drive that sets it apart. While it’s better on paper, it’s also better in practice.

Contact BMW of Escondido if you are interested in learning more about this large luxury vehicle. You can take the vehicle for a spin to see if it’s right for you after we review its features.

Test drive the 2021 BMW X7 in the heart of San Diego today! With a base price of $74,900, there are a lot of options and offers we can discuss to get you on the road as soon as possible.

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