2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs. the Competition

Similarly to Mercedes-Benz, BMW employs the number “7” in its flagship SUVs to denote that, paralleling the 7-Series sedan, this model epitomizes the zenith of the brand’s SUV hierarchy. Introduced in the 2019 model year, it is still in its original design. Although the X7 is praised for its agility relative to its size, it is worth noting that, as with all vehicles in this segment, its dimensions may discourage aggressive testing of its limits. The X7 is equipped with three rows of seating and is built on an extended version of the X5 platform, and features standard all-wheel drive (AWD), self-leveling air suspension, and a dual-wishbone suspension up front complemented by a multi-link configuration in the rear. 

The base X7 xDrive40i model is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged Inline-6 engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system that delivers 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, while power is routed to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The M60i variant goes its own way with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine producing 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. 

Here are some of the advantages of the GLS over the X7:

• The base engines of both the GLS and X7 deliver 375 horsepower, though the X7 can claim a higher torque peak (369 lb-ft vs. 398).
• he X7 V8 engine also has a little more horsepower (510 vs. 523) and peak torque (538 vs. 553 lb-ft), though it offers no match for the AMG® GLS 63 trim’s 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.
• The GLS Off-Road Package enables 11.3 inches of ground clearance compared to the 8.9 inches of maximum ground clearance available on the X7.
• While front seat room is generous, the X7 offers its second-row passengers significantly less legroom (40.3 inches vs. 37.6 ) and slightly less well in headroom (40.2 inches vs. 39.9).
• Third-row passengers also fare better in the GLS regarding legroom (34.6 inches vs. 33.3), headroom (38.9 inches vs. 36.6), and shoulder room (50.3 inches vs. 47.9).
• When all seats are occupied, the GLS provides significantly more cargo space (17.4  cubic feet vs. 12.8).
• The GLS offers a slightly higher towing capacity than the X7 (7,700 pounds vs. 7,500 ).
• The GLS provides seatbelts with pretensioners for both first- and second-row occupants, which automatically tighten in the event of a collision. The X7 offers pretensioners only for the front row. The GLS front shoulder belts are also height-adjustable, a feature the X7 lacks.
• The GLS features drift-compensation steering, which can automatically adjust if road or wind conditions cause the vehicle to drift to one side. The X7 is not available with such a system.
• The GLS is available with cooling seats for the second row, whereas the X7 is not. The GLS is also the only model of the two to offer massaging seats for the second row.
• Of the two, only the GLS offers wireless phone charging for the second-row seat.

With lineage dating back to 1970, the Range Rover can lay claim to being the progenitor of the luxury SUV segment. While the earliest models were still somewhat spartan, today’s fifth-generation Range Rover is unquestionably a luxury vehicle through and through, and carries a base price to match. Two wheelbase lengths are available,  with the longer variant providing space for a third-row seat and directly competing with the GLS. Three drivetrain options are offered. The first is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. This engine also underpins a plug-in hybrid variant, which can operate on electricity alone for up to 50 miles and is rated at 543 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, a BMW-sourced 4.4-liter V8 engine is available, delivering either 523 or 607 horsepower with 553 lb-ft of torque, depending on trim level. All options are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive is standard.

The advantages of the GLS over the Range Rover include:

• The long-wheelbase (LWB) model has a starting price of $120,700*, which is more than $30,000 higher than the GLS.
• The Range Rover’s six-cylinder model is also priced higher than the GLS 580 with the V8 engine.
• Even with the 3rd row, the GLS offers 1.5 more inches of second-row legroom (41.9 inches vs. 40.4).
• Car and Driver found the GLS to have a shorter 70 –to-0 MPH stopping distance than the Range Rover (154 feet vs. 185).
• The GLS has a post-collision braking system that automatically applies the brakes during a collision to help prevent additional collisions. The Range Rover does not have this feature.
• The GLS has rear sensors and an automatic rear braking system to prevent contact with anything behind the vehicle. The Range Rover has no such system.
• Of the two models, only the GLS has curve-adaptive headlights that help drivers see into a turn at night.
• The GLS front shoulder belts are height-adjustable. They are not height-adjustable on the Range Rover.
• Because infants are all too often accidentally left in vehicles, the GLS includes a reminder to check the back seats. The Range Rover does not have this feature.
• Only the GLS provides a center armrest for 3rd-row passengers.
• In the 2026 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures issues that arise after three years of ownership, Mercedes-Benz came out ahead of Land Rover, with 39 fewer problems per 100 vehicles (235 vs. 274).

*All MSRPs do not include destination or tax, title, or license fees.

*Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Options, model availability and actual Dealer price may vary. See Dealer for details, costs and terms.

The Audi Q9 is entirely new for the year 2027. It supersedes the Q7 as Audi’s flagship SUV, although it is constructed on an enlarged version of the same platform. Featuring a 123.5-inch wheelbase, it is directly aimed at competitors such as the GLS and X7. However, unlike these models, it is equipped with twin turbochargers for its standard 2.9-liter V6 engine, complemented by a proprietary 48-volt hybrid system, resulting in 429 horsepower and a peak torque of 442 lb-ft at 2000 rpm. This places its power output approximately between the base and upgraded engines of both the GLS and X7. For those willing to incur a six-figure expenditure, there exists the high-performance SQ9, which boasts a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine generating 591 horsepower and a peak torque of 590 lb-ft at 2400 rpm. Both engines are linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive being standard.

In contrast to the Q7, the Q9 is specifically designed to accommodate a third row of seating, offering configurations for six and seven occupants. It also matches the GLS in its towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and comes equipped with a standard air suspension. The vehicle features numerous dashboard screens and several technologically advanced features exclusive to Audi, including electronically operated doors and a hands-free highway driving system.

• At 209 inches long, the Q9 is 4 inches longer than the GLS. That certainly makes it imposing, but it is also a bit unwieldy in parking lots and tight spaces. This is exacerbated by a longer turning diameter than the GLS (39.4 feet vs. 43.6).
• The Q9 dash has plenty of screens but is otherwise quite plain compared with the GLS dashboard.
• Though built specifically as a 3-row vehicle, the Q9 doesn’t offer much legroom for third-row passengers, with only 29.12 inches to spare, compared to the 34.6 in the GLS. 
• Third-row passengers also have more than an inch less shoulder room than the GLS (50.3 vs. 48.9 inches).
• EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are not yet available for the Q9, though the higher power from twin turbochargers does not suggest better economy than the GLS. What is known is that the GLS has a larger fuel tank (23.8 vs. 21.1 gal.).

Although it shares its roots with other General Motors full-size pickup and SUV offerings, the Escalade represents the biggest, boldest, and most luxurious option in the automaker’s lineup.

The size of the Escalade is a significant distinctive feature, with the longest models in these comparisons measuring 211.9 inches in length, extending to 227 inches for the Escalade ESV. Escalade also boasts the largest cargo capacity, which is further increased in the ESV variant. The engine is also sizable, featuring a standard 6.2-liter V8 that delivers 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.  The performance-oriented Escalade-V is equipped with a supercharged version of the same engine, producing 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. Both engine options are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to either a rear-wheel-drive system or a full-time all-wheel-drive system.  The previously available 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine has been discontinued.

• The Escalade has a starting MSRP of $91,100*, which is about $1,000 higher than the starting MSRP of the GLS – although that sum still doesn’t give you all-wheel drive on the Escalade, as that costs an extra $3,000.
• While the Escalade is about seven inches longer than the GLS, the Escalade has a shorter wheelbase than the GLS (123.4 inches vs. 120.9). A longer wheelbase helps provide a more stable and relaxed highway ride.
• Despite the Escalade’s size compared to the GLS, 2nd-row legroom (41.9 inches vs. 42.0 inches) and 3rd-row legroom (34.6 inches vs. 34.9) are nearly the same.
• The Escalade’s large engines deliver significantly lower fuel economy than the GLS (19/24/21 MPG city/ highway/ combined vs. 15/19/17, or 14/18/16 with 4WD). 
• The Escalade’s fuel economy is nearly equivalent to the GLS 580’s turbocharged V-8 (14/20/16 MPG city/ highway/ combined vs. 15/19/17), which also provides significantly more horsepower (510 vs. 420) and torque (538 lb-ft vs. 460).
• The GLS provides a much more manageable cargo lift-over height (31.8 inches vs. 37).
• The GLS has position memory for both front seats, making it convenient for switching drivers and passengers on road trips. The Escalade has driver-only seat memory.
• Of the two models, only the GLS has heated washer nozzles to clear the windshield more quickly in cold weather. 
• The GLS has the option to heat all three rows of seats. The Escalade does not offer heating for the third-row seat.
• Only the GLS provides a center armrest for third-row passengers.
• The GLS features drift-compensation steering, which automatically adjusts if road or wind conditions cause the vehicle to drift to one side. The Escalade is not available with such a system.
• The GLS has a post-collision braking system that automatically applies the brakes during a collision to help prevent additional collisions. The Escalade does not have this feature.

*All MSRPs do not include destination or tax, title, or license fees.

*Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Options, model availability, and actual Dealer price may vary. See Dealer for details, costs and terms.