BMW X7 xDrive40i may suit shoppers who prioritize slightly quicker acceleration, greater maximum cargo capacity, and BMW driving dynamics. Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 may suit shoppers who prioritize a broader standard driver-assistance roster and features such as standard heated and ventilated front seats.
Both include standard all-wheel drive, air suspension, and seven-passenger seating, so the better fit depends on which combination of performance, comfort, and technology matters most.
| Specification | 2027 BMW X7 xDrive40i | 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder, 48V mild hybrid | 3.0L turbo inline six-cylinder, mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 375 hp | 375 hp |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Eight-speed Sport Automatic | 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | BMW xDrive AWD | 4MATIC AWD |
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 sec | 5.8 sec |
| EPA City / Hwy | 21 / 25 mpg | 19 / 24 mpg |
| Length | 203.6 in | 205.0 in |
| Height | 72.2 in | 71.8 in |
| Seating | 7 | 7 |
| Cargo, max | 90.4 cu ft | 84.7 cu ft |
| Towing | 7,500 lbs | 7,700 lbs |
| Base Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
At the entry level, both vehicles produce 375 hp. BMW X7 xDrive40i produces 398 lb-ft of torque compared with 369 lb-ft in Mercedes-Benz GLS 450. BMW lists 0-60 mph acceleration at 5.6 seconds for BMW X7 xDrive40i, while Mercedes-Benz lists 5.8 seconds for GLS 450.BMW X7 xDrive40i includes standard two-axle self-leveling air suspension, Driving Dynamics Control with ECO PRO, COMFORT, and SPORT modes, and Hill Descent Control.
BMW X7 M60i increases output with a 4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 producing 523 hp. As the BMW M Performance model, BMW X7 M60i also adds performance-oriented chassis equipment including M Sport Differential and additional steering and suspension technology.
Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 also rides on standard AIRMATIC air suspension with Adaptive Damping System and includes DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes. Mercedes-Benz GLS 580 increases output with a 4.0L V8 producing 510 hp.
For fuel efficiency, BMW X7 xDrive40i is EPA-rated at 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
For towing, Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is rated for up to 7,700 lbs, while BMW X7 can tow up to 7,500 lbs when properly equipped with the available factory-installed trailer hitch. The 200-lb difference is relatively small compared with the overall towing ratings, though shoppers should choose based on the trailer and load they plan to tow.
Both vehicles seat seven and offer six-passenger configurations with available second-row Captain’s Chairs.BMW X7 provides up to 90.4 cu ft of maximum cargo capacity compared with 84.7 cu ft in Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, a difference of 5.7 cu ft.
BMW X7 xDrive40i includes a panoramic moonroof, Sensafin upholstery, interior trim choices, multi-color ambient lighting, and available comfort features. The Travel and Comfort System provides mounting points and USB-C connectivity for compatible devices behind the front seats.
Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 includes MB-Tex upholstery, with additional upholstery choices available. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard.
Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 includes four-zone automatic climate control as standard, with five-zone automatic climate control available. BMW X7 provides four-zone automatic climate control as standard, with additional climate-control capability available depending on configuration.
Both SUVs provide power-operated rear access and three-row passenger flexibility for families carrying passengers and cargo.
BMW X7 uses BMW Operating System 8.5, controlled through voice, touchscreen, or the BMW iDrive Controller.BMW Curved Display combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch central information display on a continuous curved surface. BMW X7 also offers BMW ConnectedDrive, compatible My BMW App functions, cloud-based navigation, Video Augmented Reality, Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information, Comfort Access, and BMW Digital Key Plus.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are included. Wireless device charging is also available depending on configuration, while the available Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System provides an upgraded audio option.
BMW ConnectedDrive features explained
Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 uses MBUX with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia display. A Burmester Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos is standard, along with augmented-reality navigation and natural-language voice interaction through “Hey, Mercedes.”
Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 includes a substantial standard driver-assistance roster with features such as Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Stop-and-Go Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Surround View System, and PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist.
BMW X7 includes Active Driving Assistant with features such as Active Blind Spot Detection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, and Lane Departure Warning.
Additional available BMW driver-assistance technology adds expanded highway-driving, lane-guidance, distance-control, and parking functions depending on configuration.
Both vehicles provide a broad selection of driver-assistance, parking, lighting, and collision-warning technologies.
BMW X7 is covered by the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for four years or 50,000 miles. BMW Roadside Assistance is provided for four years with no mileage limitation.
BMW Ultimate Care includes eligible scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles. BMW Ultimate Care+ offers extended maintenance coverage options, with eligibility, mileage limits, and terms varying by plan.
Mercedes-Benz GLS carries its applicable Mercedes-Benz New Vehicle Limited Warranty for four years or 50,000 miles.
BMW X7 xDrive40i includes BMW xDrive all-wheel drive and 21-inch all-season tires as standard. Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 also includes 4MATIC all-wheel drive and 21-inch all-season tires, giving both vehicles an all-wheel-drive foundation for changing road conditions.
You prioritize the 5.6-second 0-60 mph figure, 90.4 cu ft of maximum cargo capacity, BMW xDrive all-wheel drive, BMW driving dynamics, and access to the 523-hp BMW X7 M60i.
You prioritize a broader standard driver-assistance roster, standard heated and ventilated front seats, standard Burmester audio, and Mercedes-Benz MBUX technology.
The key difference: BMW X7 xDrive40i offers slightly quicker published acceleration and greater maximum cargo capacity, while Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 offers a broader standard driver-assistance roster and standard heated and ventilated front seats. Both provide standard all-wheel drive, air suspension, and seating for up to seven.
Sharpe BMW serves shoppers across Grand Rapids and the surrounding West Michigan region. The team can help shoppers compare current 2027 BMW X7 inventory, including available BMW X7 xDrive40i and BMW X7 M60i configurations. Bring your current vehicle for a trade appraisal, schedule a test drive, or review available BMW Financial Services options with the team.
Yes. BMW X7 provides up to 90.4 cu ft of maximum cargo capacity compared with 84.7 cu ft for Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, a difference of 5.7 cu ft.
BMW X7 xDrive40i produces 398 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 produces 369 lb-ft, a difference of 29 lb-ft.
BMW X7 xDrive40i reaches 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, while Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 reaches 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. BMW X7 M60i reaches 60 mph in 4.5 seconds with its 523-hp BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8.
Yes. Two-axle self-leveling air suspension is standard on BMW X7 xDrive40i and BMW X7 M60i.
BMW X7 xDrive40i is EPA-rated at 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Final 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 fuel-economy figures are not yet listed in current Mercedes-Benz model information, so a direct EPA comparison should be made once those ratings are available.
Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 includes a broad roster of standard driver-assistance technologies, including Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Stop-and-Go Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, and parking-assistance technology.
BMW X7 includes Active Driving Assistant and offers additional highway-driving and driver-assistance technology depending on configuration.
BMW X7 can tow up to 7,500 lbs when properly equipped with the available factory-installed trailer hitch. Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 is rated to tow up to 7,700 lbs.
Yes. Sharpe BMW can help shoppers review current 2027 BMW X7 inventory and schedule a test drive of an available BMW X7 configuration.
