The 2027 BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS are the two definitive full-size three-row luxury SUVs, and they are cross-shopped constantly. Both seat seven, both offer six- and eight-cylinder power, and both wrap it in a genuinely luxurious cabin. The X7's signature advantages are the ones that decide most purchases: more maximum cargo room, better fuel economy, an available hands-free highway system the GLS does not offer, and a lower price of entry, all backed by included scheduled maintenance.

BMW of Napa Valley, in Fairfield, sells and services the X7, and this comparison keeps both vehicles' numbers accurate so you can decide with confidence. Figures for the X7 are 2027; GLS figures reflect the current model year.

X7 Overview

2027 BMW X7 Overview

The 2027 BMW X7 comes in two trims: the xDrive40i, with a 375-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six starting at $87,500, and the M60i, with a 523-horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 starting at $115,000. Both have standard all-wheel drive, seat seven across three rows, and offer an optional six-seat Captain's-Chairs layout. The X7 holds up to 90.4 cubic feet of cargo, tows up to 7,500 pounds with the available hitch, and includes BMW Ultimate Care scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles.

GLS Overview

Mercedes-Benz GLS Overview

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is a strong, well-rounded rival with a broader trim range. It spans the GLS 450, with a 375-horsepower turbocharged inline-six starting at $90,250; the GLS 580, with a 510-horsepower biturbo V8; and the AMG GLS 63, with a 603-horsepower V8 that sits above the X7's most powerful model. The GLS seats seven with an optional six-seat layout, holds up to 84.7 cubic feet of cargo, and is a genuinely comfortable, quiet three-row SUV. Mercedes does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance with the GLS.

Powertrain

Powertrain Comparison

Spec	BMW X7	Mercedes-Benz GLS
Base engine	375-hp 3.0L turbo I6 (xDrive40i)	375-hp 3.0L turbo I6 (GLS 450)
V8 model	523-hp 4.4L V8 (M60i)	510-hp 4.0L V8 (GLS 580)
Top performance model	M60i (523 hp)	AMG GLS 63 (603 hp)
Base MPG (combined)	22 mpg	21 mpg
V8 MPG (combined)	19 mpg	16 mpg
Max towing	7,500 lbs	7,700 lbs

The two are closely matched on power: both start with a 375-horsepower inline-six, and the X7 M60i's 523-horsepower V8 edges the GLS 580's 510. The X7 returns better EPA fuel economy at both the six- and eight-cylinder level. Mercedes counters at the very top with the 603-horsepower AMG GLS 63, which out-powers the X7 M60i for buyers who want maximum output, and the GLS tows 200 pounds more.

Interior & Tech

Interior and Technology Comparison

Both cabins are richly finished and quiet, with large dual-screen displays: the X7's BMW Curved Display and the GLS's dual-screen MBUX. The clearest technology difference is hands-free driving. The X7 offers an available Highway Assistant that permits hands-free operation up to 85 mph on controlled-access highways; the GLS does not offer a hands-free system, as Mercedes reserves its Drive Pilot for the S-Class and EQS. On space, the GLS's strength is second-row passenger room, where it holds a measurable edge; the X7's strength is cargo, holding up to 90.4 cubic feet versus the GLS's 84.7, along with more room behind the second row.

Pricing

Pricing and Value

On the same basis, before destination, the X7 xDrive40i starts at $87,500 and the GLS 450 at $90,250, so the X7 opens about $2,750 lower. The value gap widens over the first three years because the X7 includes BMW Ultimate Care scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles, while the GLS includes no complimentary maintenance, leaving those service costs to the owner. Both carry a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.

X7 Wins

Where the BMW X7 Wins

• More maximum cargo space. The X7 holds up to 90.4 cubic feet with the second row folded, versus 84.7 in the GLS, and more room behind the second row as well.
• Available hands-free driving. The X7 offers Highway Assistant for hands-free highway use; the GLS offers no hands-free system in the US.
• Better fuel economy. The X7 returns 22 mpg combined with the six-cylinder and 19 with the V8, versus 21 and 16 for the comparable GLS models.
• Lower price of entry. The X7 starts about $2,750 below the GLS on the same basis before destination.
• Included maintenance. Three years or 36,000 miles of BMW Ultimate Care is included; the GLS includes no complimentary scheduled maintenance.

GLS Wins

Where the Mercedes-Benz GLS Wins

• More second-row passenger room. The GLS offers roughly four inches more second-row legroom than the X7, a real advantage for adults riding in the middle row.
• A higher-output top model. The 603-horsepower AMG GLS 63 sits above the X7 M60i's 523 horsepower for buyers who want the most power in the class.
• Slightly more towing. The GLS is rated to tow 7,700 pounds, 200 more than the X7's 7,500.

Which One

Which Should You Choose: X7 or GLS?

For most three-row luxury buyers, the BMW X7 is the stronger all-around choice: it carries more cargo, uses less fuel, opens at a lower price, includes maintenance, and offers hands-free highway driving the GLS cannot match. Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS if your priority is second-row passenger space, where it has a genuine edge, or if you specifically want the 603-horsepower AMG GLS 63 that sits above the X7's range. If you are cross-shopping the two around Fairfield, the most useful next step is to drive them back to back.

Test Drive the BMW X7 in Fairfield

BMW of Napa Valley, in Fairfield at 2399 Auto Mall Pkwy, stocks the 2027 X7 and serves Vacaville, Vallejo, and the North Bay. Come drive the xDrive40i or M60i and see the space and technology for yourself. Call (707) 402-1500 or schedule a test drive.

2027 BMW X7 vs Mercedes-Benz GLS FAQs

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