Verdict
The BMW 7 Series is the sharper financial and performance choice for Malaysian buyers, costing RM314,088 less while reaching 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds against the GLS’ 6.1 seconds. Its plug-in hybrid system also brings an 18.7-kWh battery and 87 km EV range. But the Mercedes-Benz GLS earns its money with seven seats, 362 hp and a four-year unlimited-mileage warranty, where the BMW has five seats and two years of cover. Choose the BMW for chauffeured luxury with lower running potential; take the GLS if three-row seating is non-negotiable.
7 Series
Pick the BMW 7 Series if you want 87 km of EV range, a 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time and a 525-litre boot for far less money.
GLS
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLS if you need seven seats, 362 hp and a four-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 7 Series RM685,800; Mercedes-Benz GLS RM999,888.
- Power and torque: BMW 308 hp and 450 Nm; Mercedes-Benz 362 hp and 500 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 4.9 seconds; Mercedes-Benz 6.1 seconds.
- Seats and boot: BMW 5 seats and 525 litres; Mercedes-Benz 7 seats and 355 litres.
- Electrification: BMW has a 194-hp motor, 18.7-kWh battery and 87 km EV range; Mercedes-Benz is petrol-only.
- Manufacturer warranty: BMW 2 years unlimited mileage; Mercedes-Benz 4 years unlimited mileage.
7 Series
- RM314,088 cheaper
- 87 km EV range from an 18.7-kWh battery
- Faster 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time and larger 525-litre boot
- Five seats versus seven
- 308 hp and 450 Nm trail the GLS’ 362 hp and 500 Nm
- Two-year manufacturer warranty versus four years
GLS
- Seven-seat cabin with split-folding second and third rows
- 362 hp and 500 Nm
- Four-year unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty
- RM314,088 more expensive
- Slower 6.1-second 0-100 km/h time
- 355-litre boot is 170 litres smaller
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM685,800✓ | RM999,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | Luxury | Luxury |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM2,125 | RM1,638✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 24-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, twin turbochargers and variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 2,998 cc | 2,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 308 hp | 362 hp✓ |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 500 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol |
| Bore | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | 10.5 |
| Motor Horsepower | 194 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 280 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 18.7 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 87 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7.4 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Automatic | 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | 8 | 9 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | Mercedes-Benz |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.9 seconds✓ | 6.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Co2 | 22 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,391 mm | 5,207 mm |
| Width | 1,950 mm | 2,157 mm |
| Height | 1,544 mm | 1,823 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,215 mm | 3,135 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,385 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 90 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 525 litres✓ | 355 litres |
| Front Tyre | — | 285/45R22 |
| Rear Tyre | — | 285/45R22 |
| Spare Tyre | No | — |
| Factory Tyres | — | Continental PremiumContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | United States (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones with Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-Link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 20" M aerodynamic style 907 alloys | 22" AMG Multi-Spoke Light Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" M aerodynamic style 907 alloys | 22" AMG Multi-Spoke Light Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive Air Suspension | AIRMATIC with Adaptive Damping System (ADS PLUS) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 Airbags (2 Front, 2 Side, 2 Curtain, 1 Driver's Knee) | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | — | ✓ |
| Stability Control | — | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | — | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | — | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, PRE-SAFE Brake, Full Auto Brake |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | Multibeam LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function and Bolster Adjustment | Power Adjustable Front Sports Seats with Memory Function and Adjustable Lumbar |
| Rear Seats | Power Adjustable Rear Seats with Power Adjustments | 40:20:40 Split-Folding and Sliding 2nd Row, 50:50 Split-Folding 3rd Row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with Air Balance Perfume System and Ioniser |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Sunroof | Sky Lounge Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof | Panoramic, Front Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | — | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row, 1 Boot |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (15 Colours) | Map Lights and Active Ambient Lights (64 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 4 | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row |
| Sun Shade | 2x side sunshades, 1x rear sunshade | Powered Rear Door Window Shades |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Live Cockpit Professional system | 12.3" MBUX, COMAND Controller, Touchpad, Burmester Sound System with 13 Speakers (590W) and rear seat individual entertainment system, including two 11.6-inch monitors with wireless headphones, rear center armrest control/USB/audio interface |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | 4 | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot, with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | Yes | Soft Close Function, All Doors |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | MBUX Interior Assistant, Qi Wireless Charger |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 4 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used 7 Series & GLS for sale
7 Series vs GLS FAQ
Is the BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz GLS better?
The BMW 7 Series is better for plug-in hybrid commuting, performance and a larger boot. The Mercedes-Benz GLS is better if you require seven seats, stronger 362-hp output and a longer four-year manufacturer warranty.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS costs RM314,088 more than the BMW 7 Series: RM999,888 versus RM685,800.
Which is better for carrying passengers and luggage?
The GLS carries seven people against the BMW’s five, making it the family choice. However, with all seats in use, the BMW has a larger 525-litre boot versus 355 litres in the GLS.