If you're in the market for a large luxury SAV, make sure you find one with strong engine options, upmarket cabin materials, and a soft, relaxing ride. The new BMW X7 has everything Knoxville drivers want in an SAV and more, including an optional gesture control system for its infotainment system. Like most BMW vehicles, the X7 is a solid performer. Its refined suspension, stout brakes, and light, easy steering make it great for running errands or driving to work in Maryville, TN.

As a German-built luxury SAV, the X7 has some stiff competition. The new Mercedes-Benz GLS and Audi Q7 are also large, German-made SAVs with lively performance and well-appointed interiors. Like the X7, they have big cargo holds and robust towing capability. We're partial to the X7 here at Grayson BMW, but we've taken the time to compare all three of these three vehicles to help you make your own decision. We think that once they've looked more closely at each, Sevierville drivers will agree that the X7 is the better SAV.

BMW X7

Mercedes-Benz GLS

BMW X7 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLS

The BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS are very comparable in terms of size, horsepower, and luxury features. The GLS actually has a more powerful base engine (362 horsepower vs. 335 horsepower). However, the X7 outhustled it in 30-to-50-mph and 50-to-70-mph passing tests, thanks in part to its brilliantly tuned ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The GLS channels its thrust through Mercedes's own nine-speed automatic, which isn't quite as smooth as the X7's.

The BMW X7 also offers three engines, compared to two for the Mercedes-Benz GLS. The X7's most potent engine puts out 523 horsepower, compared to just 483 horsepower for the GLS's biggest motor. People in Oak Ridge who want a really fast SAV will like that the BMW X7 M50i can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds!

Both the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS have opulent interiors with first-class materials throughout. However, the X7 was an all-new SAV in 2019, so it has more modern styling. The GLS can trace its roots back to the 2013 GL, so it doesn't feel quite as fresh or up to date in terms of its styling or tech features.

Not only is the BMW X7 powerful and attractive, it's also more practical than the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Drivers in Knoxville who want to carry camping equipment or sports gear in their vehicle will appreciate that the X7 has over 90 cubic feet of cargo space with its rear seats folded. The GLS only has 84.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity.

Both the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS have high-tech infotainment systems, but the X7's system is easier to use, with a responsive touch screen and crisp graphics. The GLS's MBUX infotainment system works well enough, but some people find its learning curve and its sheer amount of physical controls frustrating.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS has a starting price that's over $1,000 more than the BMW X7, so it costs more to finance. People in Maryville could buy a nice set of luggage with the money they save by purchasing or leasing the X7.


BMW X7 vs. Audi Q7

If you want your SAV to have brisk passing speed, the BMW X7 is clearly the better choice. It comes with a 335-horsepower engine, compared to the Audi Q7's 248-horsepower motor. The Q7's most muscular engine puts out only 500 horsepower, compared to 523 horsepower for the X7's top motor.

Drivers in Maryville who want a vehicle they can trust to start and run every day will prefer the BMW X7. It received a 3.5 out of 5 predicted reliability rating from J.D. Power, compared to a 3.0 reliability score for the Audi Q7.

Fuel economy is always an important factor when choosing an SAV. The BMW X7 gets a thrifty 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The Audi Q7 only gets 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

If you carry passengers in the third row, they'll have more space to stretch out in the BMW X7. It has over 36 inches of legroom in the back, compared to only 29.2 inches of third-row legroom in the Audi Q7. The X7 also has more front head- and shoulder room than the Q7 (3.5 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front shoulder room).

One of the reasons people drive midsize SAVs is all the room they have for cargo. The Audi Q7 has just 72.4 cubic feet of cargo space with its back seats folded down. People in Sevierville who pack heavy for trips will appreciate that the BMW X7 has more than 90 cubic feet of total cargo room.

According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. Drivers in Oak Ridge will have added confidence knowing that the BMW X7 comes standard with a driver drowsiness monitor to keep them alert on long drives. The Q7 doesn't offer a driver drowsiness monitor.

Experience the New BMW X7 at Grayson BMW

The new BMW X7 has a delightful balance of brawny performance and an elegant interior. People in Knoxville will like its standard self-leveling air suspension, which keeps it stable and poised, even on rough roads. Neither the Mercedes-Benz GLS nor the Audi Q7 come with self-leveling air suspensions. The X7 also comes standard with quad-zone automatic climate control, while the Q7 only comes with tri-zone automatic climate control, and the GLS only has dual-zone automatic climate control. If you want a comfortable, powerful, midsize SAV that's packed with convenient features, the BMW X7 blows away its German-built rivals. Stop by Grayson BMW to experience BMW excellence for yourself.

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