2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs. the Competition

Mercedes-Benz GLS VS BMW X7

There is only one GLS competitor from another German manufacturer, the BMW X7. Pricing is similar, and both vehicles come with a standard 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 375 horsepower. But take a look at the interior space, and differences start to emerge. The GLS offers more legroom across all three rows of seats, and noticeably more cargo space behind those rows as well. Yet, despite the larger size, the GLS is actually the more maneuverable of the two, thanks to a tighter turning circle. And in spite of the similarities when it comes to drivetrains, the difference in towing capacity is quite stark, given that the X7 doesn’t have one.

BMW is notorious for offering little in the way of standard equipment, and while it might seem like a flagship model would be different, especially when the price is so similar to the GLS, that isn’t quite the case. Quite a lot of what comes standard on the GLS is an optional extra on the X7. The BMW does have a lower starting price, and none of these optional extras will break the bank, but the GLS lets you have the confidence that whatever features you want will just be included, and you don’t have to sit and nickel and dime every little thing. There are also a couple of things that can’t simply be optioned up, adaptive headlights, for one. You also get a better stereo in the GLS, and that’s true whether we’re talking about the standard system or the optional premium systems available for both vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz GLS VS Lexus LX

Lexus has always been a far more serious luxury brand than the brands launched by other Japanese manufacturers. As such, the LX is aimed pretty squarely at competing with the GLS. It does have a noticeably higher starting price though, so we’re comparing it to the V8-powered GLS 580, which is much closer in price, rather than the base model. And probably one of the first things you’ll notice is how much more power that V8 brings with it. The difference in power is so great that there is a 2.2-second difference in 0-60 times, which is all but unheard of when comparing two luxury vehicles in the same segment. It’s almost shocking how sluggish the LX is by comparison. And to go with the superior performance of the GLS, you once again get more cargo space as well.

The GLS once again comes out ahead on standard equipment, with the stereo being a great example. Wheels are also a good example, as not only does the LX come with smaller wheels, but you can’t just pick a bigger set; you have to upgrade trims to get wheels the same size as the ones that come standard on the GLS. And despite the difference in power, the vehicles have very similar towing capabilities, yet only the GLS offers Trailer Backup Assist, which makes the job of towing a lot easier. The LX also doesn’t offer adaptive headlights or real-time weather information, but at least you have to option to pay extra for massage seats, or you could just have them included with the GLS.

Mercedes-Benz GLS VS Range Rover

This last comparison is a little different. There aren’t many GLS competitors as it is, but there is also a performance version of the GLS, the Mercedes-AMG® GLS 63, and this has even fewer competitors. But there is a high-performance version of the full-size Range Rover, so we’re taking a look at how this Range Rover SV stacks up to the GLS 63. Both are powered by twin-turbo V8 engines, and the horsepower output is nearly identical. Where the differences start to show is the torque output, where the GLS 63 has a huge advantage, resulting in the difference in 0-60 times.

It’s worth mentioning that the GLS is both quicker and larger at the same time, which is usually rare. The Range Rover is available in a long-wheelbase version with three rows of seats, but this configuration isn’t available for the SV. Even if the third row of seats isn’t important to you, for the quicker vehicle to also have so much more interior space is significant. The Range Rover is well-equipped, as you would expect in this price range, but it doesn’t have quite the same level of technology as the GLS 63. For example, the GLS 63 comes with an augmented reality video system that provides important navigation information, as well as the “transparent hood” feature, which uses underbody cameras to give you a clear view of what is directly in front of the front wheels.

Winner – Mercedes-Benz GLS

You can see why the GLS has so few competitors, as the few there are can’t quite get it right. It’s true that all of these vehicles offer comfortable interiors, and sophisticated styling. But none of the competitors offer the same level of well-rounded and comprehensive luxury. There are no compromises with the GLS, but to really appreciate this, you need to experience it in person. Let Mercedes-Benz of Easton help you find your GLS.