SUV Comparison: 2026 X7 vs 2026 GLS

The 2026 BMW X7 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS are built for shoppers who want more than just extra seating. These full-size luxury SUVs are expected to handle family travel, deliver long-distance comfort, offer premium technology, handle changing weather, and take on everyday driving without feeling oversized or difficult to manage. While both models deliver upscale interiors and three-row practicality, the X7 sets itself apart with a more engaging drive, a stronger standard-performance feel, and a cabin that blends luxury with a more modern, driver-focused layout.

For Omaha drivers looking for a luxury SUV that feels confident in every setting, the 2026 BMW X7 stands out in ways that go beyond badge appeal. Its standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system, smooth power delivery, flexible interior, and refined technology package make it especially well-rounded for daily driving in NE. The GLS remains a premium competitor, but the X7 feels more balanced for drivers who want comfort, capability, and a stronger connection to the road.

2026 BMW X7

• Rows: Three
• Max Seating: Seven
• Max Cargo Capacity: 90.4 cubic feet
• Upholstery Options: Sensafin, BMW Individual Merino leather, and available premium interior finishes

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

• Rows: Three
• Max Seating: Seven
• Max Cargo Capacity: 84.7 cubic feet
• Upholstery Options: MB-Tex, leather, Exclusive Nappa leather, and MANUFAKTUR Nappa leather

Both SUVs feel upscale, but the X7 gives families more maximum cargo room and a cabin that feels especially polished without becoming overly complicated. The GLS offers generous rear-seat comfort, while the X7 creates a more driver-focused luxury experience with the space, flexibility, and premium finish expected from a flagship BMW SUV.

2026 BMW X7

• Base Engine: 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder with 48V mild-hybrid technology
• Horsepower: 375
• Torque: 398 lb-ft
• Transmission: Eight-speed Sport Automatic transmission
• Engine: 4.4-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 with 48V mild-hybrid technology (M60i)
• Horsepower: 523
• Torque: 553 lb-ft
• Transmission: Eight-speed Sport Automatic transmission

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

• Base Engine: 3.0-liter inline-six turbo with mild hybrid drive
• Horsepower: 375
• Torque: 369 lb-ft
• Transmission: 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission
• Engine: 4.0-liter V8 biturbo with mild hybrid drive (GLS 580 4MATIC®)
• Horsepower: 510
• Torque: 538 lb-ft
• Transmission: 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission

The X7 and GLS start with equal horsepower in their base models, but the X7 has stronger base torque, which helps it feel confident when merging, passing, or carrying passengers and cargo. The X7 M60i also edges out the GLS 580 in horsepower and torque, giving BMW shoppers a more engaging performance experience while retaining the comfort and utility that full-size luxury SUV buyers expect.

2026 BMW X7

Infotainment Screen Options:

• Live Cockpit Pro with navigation
• BMW Maps navigation with voice activation
• Head-Up Display
• Digital appearance
• Two LCD monitors in the front
• Driver Information Center
• BMW TeleServices

Audio System Options:

• AM/FM stereo
• Hi-Fi Sound System on X7 xDrive40i
• 10 speakers on X7 xDrive40i
• Harman Kardon® Surround Sound System on X7 M60i
• 16 speakers on X7 M60i
• SiriusXM with 360L and a one-year trial subscription
• Streaming audio

Other Standard Tech Features:

• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
• Wireless charging device
• Personal eSIM 5G
• BMW Assist eCall
• ConnectedDrive Services
• ConnectedDrive Remote Services
• Smart Device Remote Engine Start
• Comfort Access-style proximity key functionality
• Garage door transmitter
• Remote keyless entry
• Power door locks with an autolock feature
• Power windows with one-touch up/down
• Cruise control with steering-wheel controls
• BMW Digital Key availability
• Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information
• Voice activation
• Steering-wheel controls
• Three 12V DC power outlets

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

Infotainment Screen Options:

• Mercedes-Benz User Experience
• 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia display
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display
• Touchpad controller

Audio System Options:

• FrontBass system
• Burmester® Surround Sound System
• Dolby Atmos with Sound Personalization
• HD Radio receiver
• SiriusXM trial subscription
• Bluetooth® audio streaming
• Hands-free Bluetooth interface
• MBUX Entertainment Package Plus
• Two-way In-car Communication System
• Available Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound system

Other Standard Tech Features:

• Voice Control with Natural Language Understanding
• “Hey, Mercedes” keyword activation
• Biometric authentication
• Over-the-air software updates
• Multiple USB-C ports
• Front-cabin wireless charging with NFC pairing
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• One year of Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras
• Added support and assistance from Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras
• Remote Start through the Mercedes-Benz app
• KEYLESS-GO
• SmartKey with KEYLESS-START
• Power liftgate
• HANDS-FREE ACCESS
• Brake HOLD feature
• Available second-row wireless charging
• Available second-row MBUX tablet
• Available rear-seat entertainment
• Available Head-Up Display

The X7 gives technology a very BMW feel: clear, driver-focused, and easy to use without pulling attention away from the road. The GLS offers an impressive digital setup, but the X7’s navigation, Head-Up Display, connected services, smartphone integration, and available premium audio create a luxury SUV experience that feels both high-end and natural during daily driving.

2026 BMW X7

• Active Driving Assistant
• Active Blind Spot Detection
• Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assistant
• Collision Mitigation-Front
• Rear Collision Prevention
• Driver Monitoring-Alert
• Active Park Distance Control
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Back-Up Camera
• Electronic Stability Control
• Roll Stability Control
• ABS
• Driveline traction control
• Brake Assist
• Hill Descent Control
• Hill Hold Control
• Electric parking brake
• Rear child safety locks
• Perimeter alarm
• Immobilizer

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

• Car-to-X Communication
• Active Brake Assist
• Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call service
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®
• Active Steering Assist
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Crosswind Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function
• Active Emergency Stop Assist
• Active Speed Limit Assist
• Exit Warning Assist
• Active Lane Change Assist
• Traffic Sign Assist
• Active Stop-and-Go Assist
• PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
• Surround View System
• PRE-SAFE
• PRE-SAFE PLUS
• PRE-SAFE Sound
• Electronic Stability Program
• SmartKey with KEYLESS-START
• GUARD 360° security system
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Rear-window wiper with auto-on in Reverse
• Auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors

Both SUVs include advanced standard safety suites designed to support confident family travel, highway driving, and low-speed maneuvering. Mercedes-Benz gives the GLS a wide-ranging safety-focused system, while BMW equips the X7 with a comprehensive suite that feels especially connected to the vehicle’s driver-first personality. For Omaha drivers dealing with school traffic, downtown parking, long highway drives, and winter road conditions, the X7’s safety suite gives this large SUV a more reassuring everyday feel.

Choose the 2026 BMW X7 if you want:

• A full-size luxury SUV with strong BMW driving dynamics.
• More maximum cargo space than the GLS.
• Standard xDrive all-wheel drive for year-round NE confidence.
• Strong base-engine torque and an exciting M60i performance option.
• A premium cabin that balances family comfort with driver-focused design.

Considering the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS?

• The GLS focuses heavily on comfort, but the X7 delivers a more rewarding balance of luxury and driving confidence.
• It offers upscale materials and technology, though the X7 feels more modern and driver-focused inside.
• Its safety technology is extensive, but the X7 creates a more connected and reassuring experience behind the wheel.
• Available GLS performance models are strong, yet the X7 M60i delivers even greater power and a sportier personality.
• The GLS provides premium three-row comfort, but the X7 feels better suited for drivers who want luxury, cargo flexibility, and stronger everyday performance in one SUV.

The 2026 BMW X7 stands out because it feels like more than a large luxury SUV. It gives families the seating, cargo space, and comfort they need, then adds the steering feel, power delivery, and confident road manners that make a BMW feel different. That balance is what makes the X7 such a smart fit for Omaha drivers who want premium space without giving up enjoyment.

The GLS is refined and spacious, but the X7 feels more complete for shoppers who want the driver to enjoy the SUV as much as the passengers do. Its stronger base torque, larger maximum cargo capacity, standard xDrive system, and available M performance give it a more versatile personality. Whether you are commuting around Omaha, heading out on a weekend trip, or loading up for family plans, the X7 is ready to make every drive smoother, stronger, and more rewarding.

BMW of Omaha makes it easy to explore everything the 2026 BMW X7 offers, from the refined X7 xDrive40i to the high-performance X7 M60i. Stop by the showroom in Omaha, NE, to experience the luxury, technology, and comfort of the X7 in person, then take a test drive to see how it handles NE roads for yourself. You can also browse available inventory online, review financing solutions, and get an estimate for your trade before your visit.

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