Are you looking for a large luxury SUV with plenty of impressive technological and safety features? The 2024 BMW X7 and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS are two great choices. These two models are made by popular German luxury automakers. They exude class, sophistication, and fine luxury. Available with multiple powertrains, they offer outstanding performance paired with first-class refinement, top-notch ride quality characteristics, and the ability to provide comfort even on long trips.
How do you pick a winning large luxury SUV when you have two excellent contenders? That’s why we’ve prepared this Mercedes-Benz versus BMW comparison. We’ll investigate what each SUV can offer in terms of interior features. We’ll look at their performance capabilities. Then, we’ll conclude with a safety systems evaluation. This will make it far easier for you to choose a suitable large luxury SUV.
If you’ve been a fan of the “Ultimate Driving Machine,” contact us at BMW of Ocala. Our team of BMW enthusiasts will tell you all about the 2024 X7 range. They’ll help you pick the most suitable model and customize it to your liking. Then, you can talk to them about the smartest way to finance your new SUV.
The 2024 BMW X7 and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS are three-row full-size SUVs. They can accommodate up to seven adults comfortably. Either model also comes with a premium six-seat configuration. This replaces the second-row seats with two captain chairs. The 2024 X7 also offers these with power adjustments and a power-folding function for easier third-row access. A power-adjustable steering column is also present for the 2024 X7. Both models have heated and power-adjustable front seats. Meanwhile, you can opt for soft-close doors in the 2024 BMW X7.
Since these are large luxury SUVs, buyers receive features such as four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless phone charger. The 2024 BMW X7 also offers a choice of Merino Leather or Sensafin premium upholstery for the seats. Buyers can also opt for heated and ventilated second-row seats. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS also offers some of these features. The 2024 X7 also gets BMW Digital Key support. This lets you control various vehicle functions via a smartphone app.
Meanwhile, both models have digital gauge clusters and large, touchscreen-controlled infotainment systems. In the 2024 X7, the infotainment system runs the latest BMW Operating System 8.5 software version. It can be controlled via the touchscreen and a rotary iDrive controller mounted in the center console. Furthermore, gesture controls are possible too. Then, the 2024 X7 and the 2024 GLS have standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ support. They also offer sound system upgrades. BMW offers a Harman/Kardon premium system, while Mercedes-Benz allows buyers to opt for a Burmester system.
The 2024 X7 and the 2024 GLS have a decent amount of cargo capacity behind their third rows. They also offer power-folding third rows for more luggage space when needed. The second row of the 2024 X7 can also be folded.
There are three variants of the 2024 BMW X7. All variants use BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. Air suspension is standard. The range starts with the 375-hp xDrive40i. This uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine. For those seeking more power, there’s the 523-horsepower M50i. This uses a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. Finally, the Alpina XB7 sits at the top of the range, with 630 horsepower from the same V8 as the M50i.
An 8-speed automatic gearbox is standard, with paddle shifters for manual gear changes. Buyers can also opt for rear-wheel steering. This helps improve high-speed stability as well as low-speed maneuvering. Then, active anti-roll bars can be specified for a sportier driving experience.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS range comes with two variants. The 375-hp GLS450 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine. The GLS580 gets a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 510 horsepower. A 9-speed automatic gearbox, all-wheel drive, and air suspension are standard.
The 2024 BMW X7 comes with a long list of safety features. All trims have automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Then, there’s blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts. Furthermore, adaptive cruise control is standard. Then, buyers can opt for the Driving Assistance Professional system. This brings semi-autonomous, hands-free driving abilities. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS comes close but doesn’t have as many safety features.
It’s a close contest, as most BMW vs Mercedes-Benz ones tend to be. Here, it’s the 2024 BMW X7 that reigns supreme. It does so with its nicer and better-equipped interior, a broader array of powerful engines, and excellent safety features. Why not take a spin in a 2024 X7 today? Visit BMW of Ocala, and we’ll put you in the driving seat.
