2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 BMW X7
Two household names when it comes to luxury are undoubtedly Mercedes-Benz and BMW. They've been battling for over a century for luxury supremacy, and the fight continues today. Here in the U.S, we know the bigger the better. Two standout full-size options are the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS and 2025 BMW X7. See how they stack up before visiting James Motor Company Mercedes-Benz to find the perfect vehicle for your family. Browse our inventory online to start picturing yourself in a life of luxury.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 BMW X7
While you can't go wrong with either of these legendary machines, they do have some differences in overall feel and drivability. While the X7 is famous for its tight-feeling suspension, this also translates into increased noise, vibration, and harshness in the cabin. The GLS, on the other hand, is for people who prefer a commanding view of the road, great visibility, and an incredibly smooth and luxurious ride.
Performance
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS has a powertrain to suit any buyer. The standard engine is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that generates 375 horsepower, which is plenty for most drivers. Those craving more oomph can upgrade to the GLS580, which packs two more cylinders and an extra turbocharger. This allows it to generate an impressive 510 horsepower. Those crazy enough to want even more speed packed into their full-size SUV will find their match made in heaven in the AMG GLS 63. The in-house tuning experts at AMG pump the horsepower of the twin-turbo V8 to a prodigious 603 rampaging horsepower that propels this 6,000-pound SUV from 0 to 60 mph in around 4 seconds.
The 2025 BMW X7 is more of the same in the powertrain category. You can choose from three very similar engines with similar power outputs and similar acceleration. It makes us wonder if BMW was trying to create its own SUV or just copy the success formula Mercedes-Benz came up with.
Safety Features
When buying an SUV with room for the family, the most important feature is safety. Mercedes-Benz has always been synonymous with build quality, structural integrity, and technology. The 2025 GLS does not disappoint with loads of standard crash mitigation features like a surround-view camera system, crosswind assist, active brake assist, and active park assist to help urban drivers maneuver into tight spaces.
It's no surprise then that the Mercedes-Benz GLS received a coveted 5/5 star rating in the NHTSA crash test. Worringly, the 2025 BMW X7 lacks an overall safety rating from the NHSTA, leading us to wonder why a vehicle that's been on sale since 2019 has not been subjected to this all-important test, especially for a family-oriented SUV.
Interior
Sliding into the cockpit of the Mercedes-Benz GLS is like stepping into your home after a long, hard day at the office. High-quality materials abound with available nappa leather seating and hand-finished wood trim on the dash and steering wheel are the pinnacle of tasteful opulence. Luxury at the highest level is demonstrated by Mercedes-Benz's signature Automatic Seat Adjustment system, which uses the driver's height to automatically adjust to an ergonomically optimized seating position. Dial in your perfect ambiance with standard 64-color ambient lighting and attach it to your unique driver profile so it's at your beck and call the minute you enter your Mercedes-Benz. Pump up all 1550 watts of the available 25-speaker Burmester Surround Sound System and sit back, relax, and enjoy your commute.
The BMW X7, on the other hand, has a cockpit that's a bit more spartan. Drivers have complained about the hardness of the seats that lack the level of comfort a vehicle in this price point is expected to have. The X7 does come standard with power-adjustable front seats; however, you'll need to adjust them yourself to find that perfect seating position, just like you would in any other car. In typical BMW fashion, features like ambient lighting and a premium sound system are extras that require a premium over what Mercedes-Benz includes as standard.
Bottom Line
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the clear winner when it comes to all-around value, drivability, and luxury. It manages to be a more complete package with a better safety rating than the BMW X7 while costing the same. In our "treat yourself" world, it's the perfect match for someone who wants to reward themselves for their hard work without giving up space and practicality.
Take the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS for a test drive in Lexington!
Experience the superiority firsthand with a test drive at James Motor Company Mercedes-Benz. Call our dedicated sales staff today at (859) 268-1150 to learn more about this incredible SUV and how you can schedule a test drive. View our new inventory online to see what is currently available near Lexington, KY.
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