BMW
X7
Mercedes-Benz
GL
BMW X7 vs Mercedes-Benz GL: 2022 Comparison
The short answer
The BMW X7 offers fuel economy, while the Mercedes-Benz GL excels at power instead. Choose the BMW X7 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Mercedes-Benz GL if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
X7
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The pre-facelift models (approximately 2019-2022) are generally praised for their excellent driving dynamics for a large SUV, luxurious and spacious cabin, strong B58 inline-six engine reliability, and superb highway comfort, making them a favored family hauler and road trip vehicle. However, the 2023+ facelift (LCI) models attract significant criticism for a perceived step back in interior design and user experience, centered on the new curved display and touchscreen-dependent controls, described as distracting, overwhelming, and less user-friendly than previous systems.
Best version to buy
Pre-facelift models (approximately 2020-2022) with the xDrive40i (B58 inline-six) engine and a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) warranty. These are frequently cited for their more traditional, user-friendly iDrive 7 interface with physical climate controls, proven reliability of the B58/ZF8 powertrain, and strong value due to depreciation.
Known issues
- ⚠Drivetrain/Transfer Case Failure: Complete failure or severe shudder, requiring very expensive repair (quoted up to $9,000 USD). Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Facelift Interior/Infotainment Criticism: Overwhelming curved display, loss of physical buttons and knobs (especially flimsy vent controls), touchscreen-dependent climate controls causing delays, distracting and ostentatious ambient lighti…
- ⚠Electronic Bugs & Glitches: Random "Chassis" errors requiring restart, infotainment freezes, ventilated seats activating heat instead of cooling, transmission randomly shifting to manual mode. Frequency: isolated.
GL
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year, engine choice, and ownership expectations. The X164 generation (pre-2013) is described as a "dinosaur" with a less refined driving experience but is noted for its non-turbo engine reliability. The facelifted X166 generation (2013-2019) is widely praised for its significant improvements in driving dynamics, comfort, and interior quality, offering a "magic carpet" ride with its adaptive air suspension.
Best version to buy
For the X166 generation (2013-2019), the facelift models (2017-2019) are frequently recommended for their updated and more reliable engines (M276 turbo V6, updated M278 V8). The GLS550 (V8) is highlighted as providing an ideal blend of smooth, abundant power and luxury, described as "one of the best full-size 3 row crossover experiences." The non-AMG body style with standard 20-inch wheels is preferred over AMG-line models with larger wheels for a better ride quality and lower tire replacement costs.
Known issues
- ⚠Air suspension failure: Components like the pump and air springs fail, leading to expensive repairs (quoted at ~$5k minimum). Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: Routine servicing, parts (e.g., brakes, tires), and repairs are significantly more expensive than mainstream brands; described as "flagship maintenance costs." Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electronic system failures: Flaky blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, infotainment issues, and power seat malfunctions. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The BMW X7 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Mercedes-Benz GL, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Mercedes-Benz GL is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the BMW X7 or the Mercedes-Benz GL?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GL. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the BMW X7 or the Mercedes-Benz GL?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The BMW X7 is classed as a SAV, the Mercedes-Benz GL as a SUV, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the BMW X7 or the Mercedes-Benz GL?
The BMW X7 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 12.2-13.3 L/100km combined versus 12.3 L/100km for the Mercedes-Benz GL, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the BMW X7 or the Mercedes-Benz GL?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mercedes-Benz GL than the BMW X7. See the known issues comparison above.