BMW X7 vs Mercedes-Benz GLS: Which Should You Buy in UAE?

A complete comparison of the ⁦BMW X7⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz GLS⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across UAE.

⁦BMW X7⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz GLS⁩: the verdict

The Mercedes-Benz GLS emerges as the overall winner for luxury SUV buyers in the UAE, offering superior versatility, higher performance potential in its top trims, and a more accessible starting price. While the BMW X7 presents a compelling package with a slightly sportier driving feel and better base fuel economy, the GLS's broader appeal in comfort and practicality gives it the edge.
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Price Comparison
Starting at505,000 – 600,000 AED470,300 – 1,105,900 AED
Engine & Power
Engine3,000 – 4,396 cc · 6 – 8 cyl2,999 – 4,600 cc · 6 – 8 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)340 – 530 hp367 – 612 hp
Torque (Nm)450 – 750 Nm500 – 850 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)4.7 – 6.1 s4.9 – 6.2 s
Top Speed (Km/h)245 – 250 km/h250 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)9 – 11.4 L/100km9 – 11.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity83 L90 – 100 L
Gears87 – 9
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Measurements
L×W×H5.2 m × 2 m × 1.8 m5.1 / 5.2 / 5.2 m × 2.0 / 2.0 / 2.1 m × 1.8 / 1.8 / 1.9 m
Wheelbase (meters)3.1 m3.1 / 3.1 m
Curb Weight (kg)2,320 kg2,385 – 2,740 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)326 L355 – 680 L
Overview
Body StyleSUV CrossoverSUV Crossover
Seating Capacity7 seats4 / 7 seats
Doors5 doors5 doors
Features
Key features
360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive SteeringAirbagsAlloy PedalsAnti theft alarmAutomatic ACAUXBA (Brake Assist)BluetoothCD PlayerChrome Exhaust PipesClimate ControlCollision DetectionDisc BrakesEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Fire ExtinguisherFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFront BrakesGas Shock AbsorberHDMIImmobilizerLeather SeatsLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsMP3Multi-Information DisplayOBD (On-board Diagnostics)Off-Road DampersParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower SteeringPower Windows - Front and RearRadioRear CameraRear WiperRemote StartSeatbeltsSpoilerTiptronic GearsTouchscreenTraction ControlVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Wheels - AlloyWinchWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive BrakeAdaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAshtrayAttention AssistAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Retractable Hardtop RoofAuto Start / StopAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXAUX InputBA (Brake Assist)Bi-Xenon HeadlampsBluetoothBody Colored Bumper - Front and RearBody Colored GrilleBody Colored MirrorsBonnet LightBrake CalipersBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Door MirrorsChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassCornering LightsCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Handles - Body ColoredDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDVDDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHill Descent ControlIlluminated Door HandlesImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLumbar SupportMagnesium Paddle ShiftersMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresOverhead Console Sunglass HolderPaddle ShiftersParallel Parking AssistParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MassageSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSensorSide Impact BarSilver TrimSkid PlatesSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSport PedalsSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverToolkitTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Voice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Overall Luxury & Comfort

The Mercedes-Benz GLS excels in delivering a premium luxury experience, offering more flexible seating options and a larger, more accommodating cabin for all passengers.

2

Best for Performance Enthusiasts

For those seeking ultimate power, the Mercedes-Benz GLS takes the lead with its top engine producing a formidable 612 hp and 850 Nm of torque, surpassing the BMW X7's maximum output.

3

Best for Family Versatility

Families will appreciate the Mercedes-Benz GLS's greater practicality, featuring a significantly larger trunk capacity of up to 680 liters and versatile 4- or 7-seat configurations.

4

Best for Entry-Level Value

The Mercedes-Benz GLS offers a more attractive entry point into the luxury full-size SUV segment, with a starting price of 470,300 AED compared to the BMW X7's higher initial cost.

Pros & cons

BMW X7

Pros

  • Potentially quicker best-case acceleration (4.7s)
  • Lighter kerb weight (2,320 kg)
  • Slightly better base fuel economy (9 L/100km)
  • More focused price range for specific configurations

Cons

  • Smaller maximum trunk space (326 L)
  • Less power and torque at its peak (530 hp, 750 Nm)
  • Higher entry price (520,000 AED)
  • Fixed 7-seat configuration without luxury 4-seat option

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Pros

  • Higher maximum power (612 hp) and torque (850 Nm)
  • Larger, more versatile trunk capacity (up to 680 L)
  • More flexible seating options (4 / 7 seats)
  • Lower starting price (470,300 AED)
  • Larger fuel tank capacity (up to 100 L)

Cons

  • Heavier kerb weight (up to 2,740 kg)
  • Slightly slower best-case acceleration (4.9s)
  • Higher fuel consumption at its worst (11.7 L/100km)
  • Broader, more expensive top-end price range

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for families, the BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is generally better for families due to its more versatile seating options, including a 4-seat luxury configuration, and significantly larger maximum trunk capacity of up to 680 liters. While the BMW X7 offers 7 seats, its trunk space is a more modest 326 liters. For maximum practicality and space, the GLS is the stronger choice.

Is the BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS more powerful?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS offers higher maximum power and torque, with its top-tier engine producing up to 612 hp and 850 Nm of torque, compared to the BMW X7's maximum of 530 hp and 750 Nm. While the X7 boasts a slightly quicker best acceleration time, the GLS provides more brute force at the top end.

Which SUV offers better value, the BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS in the UAE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS offers a lower entry-level price point starting at 470,300 AED, making it the better value choice for those seeking to enter the luxury full-size SUV segment. The BMW X7 starts at 520,000 AED, placing it at a higher initial investment.

Which has better fuel economy, the BMW X7 or Mercedes-Benz GLS?

The BMW X7 can achieve a slightly better base fuel economy of 9 L/100km, matching the GLS's best figure. However, the GLS's fuel economy can go up to 11.7 L/100km at its less efficient trims, while the X7 maxes out at 11.4 L/100km. For overall efficiency, the X7 holds a minor edge.