BMW X7 xDrive 30d v Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d 4MATIC 2020 Comparison

There’s no two ways about it, the new BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class models are expensive machines. On test from Bavaria is the BMW X7 xDrive 30d, the entry model of the three-variant X7 range, and the Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d, which is the more affordable of the two GLS models on sale in Australia.

Both behemoths are full seven-seaters, and both are powered by very capable turbo-diesel engines. They’re accomplished machines and will appeal to large, active well-heeled families looking for a flexible luxury wagon with room to move.

That said, they’re not as robust as a LandCruiser – in fact, they each feel a little ‘high maintenance’. For example, their 22-inch wheels might add flair to their appearance but they also hamper practicality and increase running costs.

As you’d expect, each of these swanky SUVs is, however, loaded with features – in fact it is hard to pick what they’re missing. From the latest infotainment systems, with friendly (if a little intrusive) voice assistants, to advanced safety tech, gadgets and charging facilities; there’s something for everyone from the driver’s seat to those in the third row.

On the face of it, the BMW X7 xDrive 30d is more affordable than the GLS 400d. In their most basic forms they are priced at $128,900 and $153,500 respectively. But the Mercedes-Benz offers a better level of standard kit for the price, with glossier options only available on the BMW via option packs.

Thus the as-tested prices of these vehicles are much closer. On our BMW X7, a $15,000 M Sport package adds 22-inch alloy wheels and tyres, M Sport brakes, sports front seats, harmon/kardon surround system and a host of design changes. You’ll need to add a further $600 to include gesture control. And there are plenty of more boxes you can tick.

There’s also the important issue of warranty at play now that Mercedes-Benz has extended its unlimited-kilometre warranty to five years, besting the three years currently offered by BMW.

As the latest and greatest in their respective SUV line-ups, the BMW X7 xDrive 30d and Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d are stuffed to the gills with brilliant technology and safety gear which makes driving them both easy and integrated.

Although neither vehicle has a Euro NCAP safety rating, the X5 and GLE models upon which they are based both get maximum five-star ratings.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d has nine airbags which extend to the third row and four ISOFIX car seat points, two in the second row and two in the third. The BMW X7 xDrive 30d is down one airbag, but offers the same accommodation for littlies.

Driver assistance technology is extensive in each car, with surround-view cameras and parking assistance making these monsters a breeze to park.

Special mention goes to the Mercedes-Benz augmented reality navigation which beams up a video image of junctions and overlays road names to illustrate directions. This proved particularly handy when driving at night as it displays in high definition, delivering enhanced vision. The real world result is impressive!

From the driver’s seat, each cockpit has an air of Dreamliner about it.

A pair of large 12.3-inch screens wrap across the Mercedes GLS dashboard with a huge array of customisable options allowing drivers to personalise operations to their own specification.

On first impressions, the Mercedes-Benz system is hard to work out and overdone, but after some time playing with the options, it becomes easier to use. It’s the same with the infotainment system that uses a combination of voice commands, touch pad, push buttons and steering wheel controls to cycle through the options.

In contrast, the BMW X7’s iDrive system appears more intuitive. And while on the face of it, it’s not as glossy or complex as that in the GLS, it still offers a range of great functionality. BMW Connected Drive interactive elements deserve a special mention here including real-time news and office functions.

Both cars offer wireless phone charging but only the BMW has wireless Apple CarPlay.

For that function in the GLS-Class, you’ll need to be connected via cable. And talking of cables, make sure you invest in plenty of USB-C cables for both of these cars as they’re future proofed, including a host of charging points throughout both vehicles (including four in the third row of the GLS alone).

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d is powered by Benz’s new 2.9-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The walloping 243kW/700Nm unit offers plenty of grunt to haul this 5.2-metre behemoth around, but it is just as accomplished when cruising -- proving quiet and dare we say economical when piloted on a deserted stretch of freeway.

The BMW X7 xDrive 30d also features an inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel unit under the bonnet but loses one cog via its use of an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 3.0-litre BMW engine isn’t quite as powerful, generating 195kW/620Nm, but the X7 is smaller than the GLS.

The GLS does retain a slight power-to-weight ratio advantage but unless you’re fanging these two on a dragstrip, you’ll be hard pressed to notice the difference. There is more than enough grunt for most.

Each vehicle is available with up to 3500kg towing, depending on the kit you purchase from the dealer.

While you’re more likely to see these about town than hauling a caravan across the Nullarbor (note our LandCruiser comment above), the added flexibility may appeal to the horsey/boating set.

Driving characteristics are distinctly different in the two SUVs. While both manage their weight well, the BMW X7 feels more engaging. Steering feel, while a little artificial, is still better than the Mercedes and despite the X7 feeling far from nimble, its still somewhat rewarding to drive.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS on the other offers less connection. Its steering is light and suspension smooth as butter, delivering a limo-like feel on the road. Driving a vehicle this big shouldn’t be so easy.

And punting these cars in light traffic elicits decent fuel economy numbers too. Both SUVs are surprisingly frugal when cruising, so achieving close to the ADR combined numbers -- 7.3L/100km for the BMW and 7.7L/100km for the GLS -- is definitely possible.

Comfort is where these two large SUVs excel. In fact, getting behind the wheel of either is a very refined and restful experience indeed.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d has a more plush feel with better quality leather and more supportive front seats trumping the optional M-Sport seats in the BMW X7 xDrive 30d (which feel less accommodating in comparison).

While each offer heated seats with myriad adjustment options, it’s the Mercedes-Benz GLS that wins the luxury-bum battle. Its heating and massinging functions, the latter including a hot stone option, delivers a real treat for driver and front passenger.

In the second row of both the GLS and X7, space is extraordinary with powered adjustment (fore and aft and backrest recline) to offer the ultimate in comfort.

Third-row space is also adult size, with stadium seating in the GLS offering a commanding view across the car and through the windscreen. Occupants of the third row in the X7 get the advantage of an opening sunroof whereas GLS passengers miss the sunroof in favour of vents.

All seats in both cars are electrically controlled, and as we found in recent reviews of the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5, this feature can be painfully slow when seeking to load children into the car.

A manual tumbling seat is much quicker to operate when hustling kiddies from one appointment to the next. It’s likely to be much easier to repair if it fails too…

Changing configuration from seven seats to five (or even two) is managed at the rear of both vehicles at the simple push of a button (or two). It’s a process that takes some time, but will save you a nail or two in the process.

Opening up the back offers plenty of flat-pack space. Luggage capacity in the larger GLS extends from 355 to 2400-litres -- a van-like cargo space. The BMW X7 is not quite so big but still impressive, with luggage capacity growing from 326 litres behind the third row to a total of 2120 with two rows tumbled.

The handy split tailgate does makes loading the X7 easier, and it will bear some weight, creating a handy spot for baby changing, should the need arise.

In a challenge that is the very definition of a first-world problem, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d is our pick over the BMW X7 xDrive 30d in this contest.

The Benz simply offers a superior level of features and technology and it does seven-seat accommodation better.

Its speedier reconfiguration of seating positions (check our video for a demonstration) as well as its overall cabin amenity also pip the X7.

Given the GLS has been in existence for over a decade (if you include its GL predecessors), it’s no surprise the Mercedes is more accomplished.

That’s not to say the BMW X7 a long way behind. As the Bavarian brand’s first foray into proper seven-seat SUV territory, the X7 acquits itself very well indeed.

But the other major factor standing in favour of the Mercedes-Benz is the three-pointed star's newly announced five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

Do not underestimate the value of a factory warranty at the top end of town. An extra two years of warranty coverage could save you thousands of dollars in expensive repairs if any of the plethora of complex technologies start to fail.

Yes, you’ll pay up front in the price difference between the two vehicles, but what price peace of mind?

How much does the 2020 BMW X7 xDrive 30d cost?
Price: $128,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 195kW/620Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 191g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested

How much does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d cost?
Price: $153,500 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.9-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 243kW/700Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 202g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested