The BMW X7 is the brand’s first-ever entry into the full-size luxury SUV segment, a segment dominated by the Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. The latter of which is likely going to be the X7’s main competitor, as it’s from BMW’s most rivaled brand and it’s also one of the absolute most popular cars in the segment. One could almost argue that the X7 was developed solely to take on the GLS-Class. So let’s see how they stack up.
In fairness, a brand-new GLS-Class is on its way and this current car is quite old. However, the new GLS hasn’t been revealed yet so we have no way of comparing the X7 with the new car. So we’re going to see how it compares with the old one for now but will have to update when the new GLS launches.
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From the front, it’s clear that the BMW X7 is the far more brutish looking car of the two. Its massive Kidney Grilles are more upright and its entire front end is more in-your-face. The GLS by comparison is sleeker, maybe even a bit prettier, even though it’s still quite brutish in its own right. But when compared with the X7, it’s downright delicate. I have to give the win to the Mercedes because of that. The X7 is actually more handsome than we had assumed it would be but it’s still a bit too shocking at the front.
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In profile, it isn’t hard to see which car BMW had in its sights when developing the X7. Proportionally, the two cars are nearly identical and look so similar it would almost be surprising if we didn’t know that the GLS was the prime target. Though, we think the BMW X7 is better judged and more handsome from the side. Mostly at the D-pillar, though, where the GLS-Class never quite looked right. The fact that you could always see that small gap in the trim where the top and bottom meet at the corner of the D-pillar always looked cheap. Also, the shape of the D-pillar itself on the GLS is a bit oddly shaped.
While the BMW X7 isn’t the most beautiful car in the segment, it’s handsome and stately looking. From the side, it looks tall and strong, yet subtle and elegant. Its Hofmeister Kink is well judged and it has just enough character lines to make it interesting without being fussy. So the X7 wins here.
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Out back, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class again just looks a bit off. It’s not bad looking, it just sort of looks like the designers at Mercedes couldn’t quite decided on what they wanted for the rear end and just settled. Whereas the back of the X7 is very clean and tight. It’s funny, the taillights and trim bar are similar to what you’ll find on the current 7 Series but the setup looks better on the X7. The back of the Benz isn’t bad looking it’s just not as clean or as tidy as the X7s, so the Bimmer wins again.
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Inside, the decision is going to come down to personal preference, to be honest. Both are very good looking inside but it’s hard to pick which is best because there’s a massive gap in time between the two. The BMW X7 is far newer than the GLS, so it’s not exactly fair to say that its tech is better or that its screens are better integrated. Having said that, it’s sort of refreshing to see the interior of the Benz, which isn’t dominated by screens or technology. Though, the X7’s design is a bit cleaner, with less buttons and a simpler layout.
Are you kidding me? Are you actually kidding me on that interior comparison?
Don’t get me wrong, I fully appreciate how much newer this is than the Mercedes, and I know it’s not a fair fight.
But to say that it’s “personal preference” or the Mercedes looks “refreshing”? This comparison is so lopsided, it skews beyond the bounds of different tastes. Even in something so seemingly subjective as design, the BMW is clearly superior on this one.
Look at the plastic and hand-me-down pieces in the Mercedes. The cheap piano black instead of luxurious wood pieces. Even the parts of the dash that might be real leather look like soft-touch plastics.
The BMW is far and away the winner inside. Just state that, and note that the Mercedes is much older so the result is expected and should be taken with a grain of salt. Don’t try to draw an equivalency where clearly none exists.
Are you saying my personal preference can’t be that it’s refreshing? :) I never said that the X7’s wasn’t superior, just that it’s refreshing to not have massive screens dominating the view.
bmw interior is miles better, theres NOTHING REFRESHING ABOUT THE MERC NICO
you realize that’s an old gls model right xD
yea even the new GLS wont beat the x7 imo, X5 and X7 have the best car interiors for me.
to me it’s going to be a tight battle. it’s mercedes benz, do you think bmw can just easily win in this segment.
yea cause its BMW bmw always wins lol
I 100% agree!
bmw interiors are so nice, thank you to merc for making them push to change the design, if merc didnt change the design i would see bmw be lazy in design but love them new interiors
I find the lack of massive screens for everything a bit refreshing in today’s day and age. But, then again, I prefer older ’80s/’90s German cars to virtually anything else. :)
i dont think ull like the new gls interior it will have massive screens lol
You’re probably right.
question why does the UK and Europe not get the 50i model of the X7
probably their new emissions policies, which is the reason why many new cars have lower horespower numbers than the US vehicles like the new Z4 M40i and M340i
They will, but for now on the 50i don’t meet the standard completion for EU pollution requirement (Euro 6d Temp, WLTP). For the 2020 model it will have the 50i under the new badge M50i like the 8 series.
woooo glad its coming to the UK
Mercedes Benz GLS. Your move.
The best thing about driving the X7 must be that you don’t have to look at it from the front. We own 4 BMW group vehicles and I’m no fan of Benz styling, but to me this is … not good-looking.
Mr. Blogger, please do a comparison X7 – Navigator.
Ok, X7 wins this comparison pretty handsomely. GLS is just not a patch to BMW. And its age is showing badly here.
The X7 takes this one.
The Mercy is a great car but it do looks like a van from behind. While BMW has done great with the looks
I like Mercedes cars but BMW is nr 1 in the car industri and X7 walks over this GLS easy. Walk in a park. Both exterior and interior is much more luxury than the Mercedes
Easy win for the BMW X7. That merc looks awful, but it’s clearly an old design both inside and out. That being said, their latest design language is pretty bad as well, especially in the rear. And although I can understand that people like Mercedes’ interiors, I very much prefer each and every BMW interior!
just two ugly maxi panzer… perfect for ams and chins