Compare the2025 Mercedes G-ClassVS 2025 BMW X7

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes G-Class have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The BMW X7 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its second-row seat belts.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes G-Class are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X7 doesn’t offer height-adjustable front seat belts.

Both the G-Class and the X7 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

There are over 10 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the G-Class’ warranty.

The G-Class has more powerful engines than the X7:

As tested in Motor Trend the AMG G 63 4.0 turbo V8 is faster than the X7 xDrive40i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid:

On the EPA test cycle the G-Class running on electricity gets better mileage than the X7:

The G 580 can travel with zero emissions for 239 miles. The X7 can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the G-Class AMG 63’s fuel efficiency. The X7 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The G-Class has 4.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the X7 (26.4 vs. 21.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies the Mercedes G-Class at emission levels ranging from “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) to “Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (SULEV). The BMW X7 is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes G-Class, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the X7.

For better stopping power the G-Class’ standard brake rotors are larger than those on the X7:

For better traction, the G-Class’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the X7 (295/40R22 vs. 285/35R23).

The G-Class has a standard full size spare (not available on 580) so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the X7; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare or run-flat tires, either of which has mileage and speed limitations.

For greater off-road capability the G-Class has a greater minimum ground clearance than the X7 (9.5 vs. 8.7 inches), allowing the G-Class to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The G 580’s minimum ground clearance is 1.1 inches higher than on the X7 (9.8 vs. 8.7 inches).

The G 550 is 1 foot, 9.6 inches shorter than the X7, making the G-Class easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The G-Class has .6 inches more rear headroom and 1.9 inches more rear legroom than the X7.

The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume than the X7 with its rear seat up (34.8 vs. 12.8 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the G-Class easier. The G-Class’ cargo hatch lift-over height is 29.3 inches, while the X7’s liftover is 32.5 inches.

The G-Class’ standard towing capacity is much higher than the X7’s (7000 vs. 5950 pounds).

The G-Class 580 can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the G-Class can be unhitched and driven around locally. The X7 can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The G-Class has a higher standard payload capacity than the X7 (1235 vs. 1180 lbs.).

The G-Class has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the X7 (1576 vs. 1316 lbs.).

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The G-Class has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The X7 doesn’t offer headlight washers.