Poll BMW X7 (G07) vs Mercedes-Benz GLS (X167)

[Centurion]

wow. that escalated super quickly.

 

[Matski]

Well at least we're not all arguing for a change.

 

[hovabongZA]

 

[EnI]

It's nice to see X7 having more style & character than GLS. X7 looking much more daring, modern, fresher & crispier. Even more posh. GLS looks so common, so dull, inoffensive & vanilla it's hurting my brain. MB design is starting to lose its mojo.

 

[GCF]

Poll added to thread.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

In AMG trim the GLS. In base spec the X7 easily.

 

[tomazino]

@Merc1 just gave one billionth "old info" rating. Congratulation!!!

 

[Merc1]

Then you shouldn't mind that one.

M

 

[rollo]

@Merc1 just gave one billionth "old info" rating. Congratulation!!!

1,000,000,001!

 

[nikola1984]

 

[hovabongZA]

As pointed out before the captain chairs in the GLS aren't really captain chair just a bench with the middle part removed while the X7 has true captain chairs similar to the front seats. More leg room in the GLS but more comfortably chairs in the X7 according to Thomas.

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[Centurion]

As pointed out before the captain chairs in theGLS aren't really captain chair just a bench with the middle part removed while theX7 has true captain chairs similar to the front seats. More leg room in theGLS but more comfortably chairs in theX7 according to Thomas.

In both the GLB and GLS Mercedes have pioritiesed easy-entry into the rear by making it possible to fold the middle seats flat. The bonus is that you get a bigger volume of the car that can be used for big and bulky cargo. As Thomas said, the X7 forces you to choose between captain seats or the ability to fold the middle row flat.

My instict tells me that the GLS setup has been driven by consumer feedback. This is the third Generation GLS and Mercedes have a wealth of insights about who the GLE customer is and where to improve on the 2nd generation.

Although the GLS is a luxury car it also competes with minivans like the Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyessy that even those well off would buy purely because they offer great flexiblity and are easy to live with.

That's not so say that the X7's proposition isn't great. Inside and out it looks like a luxurious alternative to a 7, S or A8. It doesn't have the utalitarian vibe of full sized three row SUVs.

 

[hovabongZA]

In both the GLB and GLS Mercedes have pioritiesed easy-entry into the rear by making it possible to fold the middle seats flat. The bonus is that you get a bigger volume of the car that can be used for big and bulky cargo. As Thomas said, the X7 forces you to choose between captain seats or the ability to fold the middle row flat.

My instict tells me t...

For the most part I agree with you , but what you regard as consumer feedback I regard as cost cutting from MB, I believe this is the first time they are offering captain chairs and the didn’t go all the way.Their solution is cheap compared to the true captain chairs in the X7. So of course the “captain chairs” in the GLS will fold because they are just benches with the middle part removed vs true captain chairs in the X7. If you want folding seats in the X7 get the 7 seater. Both these solutions have their advantages and disadvantages, more comfortable seating position in the X7, but more flexibility/room in the GLS.

My initial impressions are that the little details in the X7 like the true captain chairs , the mini sunroof in the 3rd row and semi upholstered rear will make it the more luxurious/sense of occasion cabin of the two while the GLS is more practical and utilitarian, maybe that’s what the market wants since this is their 3rd GLS, will have to see. The X7 is closer to the 7er in aesthetics and amenities than the GLS is to the S class.

Anyway these are just my opinions and not facts and should not be taken personally.

 

[Centurion]

For the most part I agree with you , but what you regard as consumer feedback I regard as cost cutting from MB, I believe this is the first time they are offering captain chairs and the didn’t go all the way.Their solution is cheap compared to the true captain chairs in the X7. So of course the “captain chairs” in the GLS will fold because the...

I heard ya. There is still the possibility of a Maybach version with front seats and 2nd row captain seats from the S-Sclass.

 

[hovabongZA]

I heard ya. There is still the possibility of a Maybach version with front seats and 2nd row captain seats from the S-Sclass.

Probably, I wonder if BMW this will offer anything in response the the Maybach GLS or maybe that’s what Alpina is there for.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I heard ya. There is still the possibility of a Maybach version with front seats and 2nd row captain seats from the S-Sclass.

There will undoubtedly be a Maybach variant which I would expect to blow the X7 away in ultimate luxury.

 

[Centurion]

I wonder what percentage of customers will opt for the captain chair configuration.

The Maybach version will likely skip a third row all together and offer unadultered luxury and comfort in the 2nd row with generous legroom like the LWB RR Autobiography.

 

[EnI]

That's not so say that theX7's proposition isn't great. Inside and out it looks like a luxurious alternative to a 7, S or A8. It doesn't have the utalitarian vibe of full sized three row SUVs.

Exactly.

BMW went more for luxury-vibe & style-vibe in full-size SAV segment. Targeting Range Rover luxury & comfort, while still offering sufficient 7-seat space & ergonomy. Compared to GLS that oozes more utalitarian vibe and focuses more on space & practicality. Those bench-derived captain seats in 6-seat GLS definitely are a disappointment. As is the lack of the ability to control the 5th A/C zone from the 3rd row (optional 5th A/C zone is optional there but can be controlled by passengers in 3rd row of GLS) - which also does not have its own sunroof.

BMW went more for a "7 Series of SAVs" vibe with the X7. Making it THE model. Expressive, stylish, distinctive.
I can't imagine how push the 4-seat version will look like (beside making all the buttons metal. LOL - that's why "standard" X7 does not feature all-metal buttons). MB will have to do wonders with Maybach GLS to make it stand out. But I guess MB will focus more on the interior space than on the exterior looks.

 

[Centurion]

Exactly.

BMW went more for luxury-vibe & style-vibe in full-size SAV segment. Targeting Range Rover luxury & comfort, while still offering sufficient 7-seat space & ergonomy. Compared to GLS that oozes more utalitarian vibe and focuses more on space & practicality. Those bench-derived captain seats in 6-seat GLS definitely are a disappointment. As is the la...

Absolutely. Let’s not forget that there is the G-Class which is one of the ultimate SUVs as far as distinctiveness, status and prestige goes.

Although a Maybach version is inevitable, the AMG63 version will have a plusher interior than the base version and deep pocketed buyers will also have the option of buying a brabus version.

There’s plenty of headroom for GLS to widen its appeal.

Has a 4 seater X7 been confirmed?

 

[Merc1]

For the most part I agree with you , but what you regard as consumer feedback I regard as cost cutting from MB, I believe this is the first time they are offering captain chairs and the didn’t go all the way.Their solution is cheap compared to the true captain chairs in the X7. So of course the “captain chairs” in the GLS will fold because the...

So now you know better than Mercedes' own marketing research? Whatever you need to tell yourself I guess. I expect no less at this point.

M