2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS Vs. BMW X7 in Princeton, NJ

Drivers searching for the ultimate family car often consider the flagship 3-row SUVs from Mercedes-Benz and BMW: the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS and the 2026 BMW X7. Both models feature plenty of comfort, amenities, and technologies for your passengers to enjoy on drives around Princeton, as well as powerful engine options to keep up with traffic out to Hamilton and beyond. As the pioneer of the automotive industry, Mercedes-Benz ensures that family travel is rooted in uncompromising modern luxury and visionary engineering. What is the difference between the GLS and X7? Learn more about these two flagship 3-row SUVs in this 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs. BMW X7 comparison from the team at Mercedes-Benz of Princeton.

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS Vs. BMW X7: Performance

When it comes to performance, you’ll find these flagship 3-row SUVs offer plenty of performance for your local drives around Lawrenceville and long-distance trips across the state. Both models are available with a turbocharged I6 engine, as well as a twin-turbo V8 offered in two power levels; automatic transmissions and standard all-wheel-drive systems route power to all four wheels. Although there isn’t much difference between the GLS and X7 power and fuel economy ratings, Mercedes-Benz is known for its smooth and reliable powertrains. Engaging all four wheels for maximum results, our 4MATIC®® systems deliver unmistakable control and precision on any road. Compare the performance specs and capabilities of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs. the BMW X7 below:

Mercedes-Benz GLS

GLS 450 4MATIC®® SUV

• 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine with mild hybrid drive
• 375 hp @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
• 369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,000 rpm
• 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with shift paddles
• 4MATIC®® fully variable all-wheel drive
• 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds*
• 7,700-pound towing capacity
• 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined***

GLS 580 4MATIC®® SUV

• 4.0L V8 biturbo engine with mild hybrid drive
• 510 hp @ 5,500 rpm
• 538 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
• 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with shift paddles
• 4MATIC®® fully variable all-wheel drive
• 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds*
• 7,700-pound towing capacity
• 14 mpg city / 20 mpg highway / 16 mpg combined***

Mercedes-AMG® GLS 63 SUV

• Handcrafted AMG® 4.0L V8 biturbo engine with hybrid assist
• 603 hp @ 5,750-6,500 rpm
• 627 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
• AMG® SPEEDSHIFT®® TCT 9G transmission
• AMG® Performance 4MATIC®+ all-wheel drive
• 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds*
• 7,700-pound towing capacity
• 15 mpg city / 20 mpg highway / 17 mpg combined***

BMW X7

xDrive40i

• 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder
• 375 hp @ 5,200-6,250 rpm
• 398 lb-ft of torque @ 1,850-5,000 rpm
• 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission with Sport and Manual shift modes, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and Launch Control
• xDrive all-wheel-drive system
• 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
• 7,500-pound towing capacity
• 21 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined

X7 M60i

• 4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo V-8
• 523 hp @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
• 553 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,600 rpm
• 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission with Sport and Manual shift modes, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and Launch Control
• xDrive all-wheel-drive system
• 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds
• 7,500-pound towing capacity
• 16 mpg city / 20 mpg highway / 18 mpg combined

Alpina XB7

• 4.4L BMW ALPINA Bi-Turbo V-8
• 631 hp @ 5,600-6,500 rpm
• 590 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,600 rpm
• Reinforced 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission with Automatic, Sport, and Manual shift modes, including ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC software with quick-shift buttons
• xDrive all-wheel-drive system
• 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds
• 7,500-pound towing capacity
• 16 mpg city / 20 mpg highway / 17 mpg combined

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS Vs.BMW X7: Comfort

When it comes to interior comfort and convenience, both models swaddle their occupants in high-end materials, while heated, ventilated, and massaging seats keep the driver and front passenger comfortable on every drive to Trenton. Additionally, both flagship 3-row SUVs are available with 6- or 7-passenger seating and multi-zone climate controls for each seating area. We maintain an unwavering dedication to crafting the world’s best vehicles inside and out, perfecting the finer details that turn every drive into a thrilling journey. The main difference between the GLS and X7 interiors is the available space. Compare the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs. BMW X7 interior dimensions and cargo volume to see where the GLS trumps the X7 in overall room below:

Mercedes-Benz GLS

• Seating Capacity: 7 passengers (6 optional)
• Cargo Volume: 84.7 cubic feet / 42.7 cubic feet / 17.4 cubic feet
• Headroom (1st/2nd/3rd row): 39.4 inches / 40.2 inches / 38.9 inches
• Shoulder Room (1st/2nd/3rd row): 59.3 inches / 58.5 inches / 50.3 inches
• Legroom (1st/2nd/3rd row): 40.3 inches / 41.9 inches / 34.6 inches

BMW X7

• Seating Capacity: 7 (6 with optional second-row Captain’s Chairs)
• Cargo Volume (behind first/second/third row): 90.4 cubic feet / 48.6 cubic feet / 12.8 cubic feet
• Headroom (1st/2nd/3rd row): 41.9 inches / 39.9 inches / 36.6 inches
• Shoulder room (1st/2nd/3rd row): 60.0 inches / 58.1 inches / 47.9 inches
• Legroom (1st/2nd/3rd row): 38.8 inches / 37.6 inches / 33.3 inches

Experience The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS With Mercedes-Benz of Princeton

Now that you know more about the advantages of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS, it’s time for a firsthand experience. Discover the power and timeless design of our alluring lineup, engineered to elevate your daily driving experience. Contact us today to schedule your consultation for the new Mercedes-Benz GLS at Mercedes-Benz of Princeton. Our team will review the features and performance of each trim level to ensure you find the best sophisticated SUV for the family. Save time by getting pre-approved for financing, then browse our current lease offers before visiting our showroom in Princeton.

Experience The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS With Mercedes-Benz of Princeton

At Mercedes-Benz of Princeton, our dedication to unmistakable luxury extends far beyond the visionary vehicles we offer. As a family-owned and operated dealership proudly serving central New Jersey since 1982, we believe the journey to your next vehicle should be as exceptional as the drive itself. Having guided over 30,000 drivers—often across multiple generations of the same family—to their perfect Mercedes-Benz, we understand the visceral passion that comes with claiming the keys to a modern masterpiece. Our unwavering commitment to a human-centric, elevated experience has earned us multiple DealerRater Dealer of the Year honors and the Edmunds 5-Star Dealer Award for three consecutive years. From our in-house financing professionals tailoring the ideal lease to our factory-trained technicians maintaining the finer details of your machine, our entire team operates with sophisticated precision. Visit our Lawrenceville showroom today to explore the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS, and experience firsthand why drivers from Princeton to Bucks County trust us to deliver the true promise of the Star.