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With the GLS being "the S-Class of SUVs," there has always been difficulty balancing the rugged utilitarian element and the luxury element. Having the S-Class interior in a full-size SUV would look ridiculous to me. The SUVs need to have a distinct look from the sedans.
I test drove an X7 xDrive 40i today, and it handled like a pig. I was very disappointed.
Do you know what the x7 was optioned with? The one I drove had great handling characteristics.
Do you know what the x7 was optioned with? The one I drove had great handling characteristics.
Yeah that statement is not at all objective. I’m in your camp. X7 handles well. Comparable to GLS last gen with active curve, but with a little more body roll. On the flip side, the ride is a little more comfortable and quiet. Also, sport setting in X7 doesn’t hurt joints like my GLS does (550 with active curve)
I haven't posted here in a few months but after reading the above post by @Yoni94 a thought I better chime in. I owned 2 GL 550's and a GLS 550 with ABC and while I liked all three very much, our X7 50i handles a little better. The new GLS with E-ABC may out do them all, time will tell. Saying the X7 "handled like pig" is ridiculous. Both companies make great cars, no need for throwing stones.
I haven't posted here in a few months but after reading the above post by @Yoni94 a thought I better chime in. I owned 2 GL 550's and a GLS 550 with ABC and while I liked all three very much, our X7 50i handles a little better. The new GLS with E-ABC may out do them all, time will tell. Saying the X7 "handled like pig" is ridiculous. Both companies make great cars, no need for throwing stones.
That's my opinion. It did not handle like the 'ultimate driving machine.' I didn't like it at all.
Do you know what the x7 was optioned with? The one I drove had great handling characteristics.
The X7 with MSport package I test drove with my father who is really into BMW, he drives now a X1M, was no good. We both taught the X7 handling was very poor and bounced and leaned all the time, very disappointed.
Luckily for me I am going with Merc and the old GLS that I have tested earlier to just try the size with the family felt much more solid and did not bounce or lean as mush as the X7.
The X7 with MSport package I test drove with my father who is really into BMW, he drives now a X1M, was no good. We both taught the X7 handling was very poor and bounced and leaned all the time, very disappointed.
Luckily for me I am going with Merc and the old GLS that I have tested earlier to just try the size with the family felt much more solid and did not bounce or lean as mush as the X7.
The Dynamic Handling Package is much like the MB Active Curve option and it improves the handling a lot. The BMW 40i M Sport does not come equipped with the Dynamic Handling Package option by default.
I own a GLS now with Active Curve and it improves the handling a lot and I have driven one without prior to my 2017 GLS purchase. It bounced and leaned too. Neither SUV is a sports car and definitely would not compare to a Q8 which is a different class.
Last edited by jerome8283; 07-28-2019 at 06:12 PM.
So here's my summary for anyone that gives a sh@%. I'm objective, I own both vehicles.
The outgoing GLS 550 with active curve, in sport mode, drives tighter with less roll, albeit with a harsher ride, than does the x7 with adaptive suspension set to sport. I've put in about 40k miles on the Benz...maybe about 5000-7500 of those driving it at 8/10. I'm SUPER hard on brakes and tires. It delivers in Sport mode, that's the bottom line. X7 doesn't feel like it has the same limits, and has more roll.
The x7 is a more comfortable and stable highway cruiser, IMO, though. It's a locomotive and super quiet.
The x7 does not handle like a sedan, or even 5 seat suvs like the x5, q8, etc. BMW can't repeal the laws of physics, despite the UDM tag line.
Rest of the stuff is highly subjective. Like Interior/exterior aesthetics for example. For me, last gen GLS vs new x7 not even close. New gen GLS remains to be seen.
My opinion Benz targeted function over stylized form. BMW has done the opposite. It's more a Range Rover/GL hybrid than it is a direct GLS competitor.
Good time to be alive and in the market having both the GLS and X7 as options.
My daily driver is an Audi Q8, by the way. It's one of the best handling SUVs I have ever encountered.
There is no cargo space. It falls into the same category as the BMW X2 as a lower roofed attempt at sportiness. There are options for every taste out there. But the Q8 is not a large family hauler or cargo hauler. I’m guessing it sits on the same chassis as a the Lamboraghini.
There is no cargo space. It falls into the same category as the BMW X2 as a lower roofed attempt at sportiness. There are options for every taste out there. But the Q8 is not a large family hauler or cargo hauler. I’m guessing it sits on the same chassis as a the Lamboraghini.
One dealer says they've gone in for training on the new GLS. I hope that means demo cars are going to be arriving at other dealerships soon!
For the first time I'm noticing that the front bumper on the GLS looks much nicer than it does on the GLE, so the non AMG version is not too boring and not too aggressive looking
I’m NY, my dealer had it a few days ago. Unfortunately I was out of state for work. So they are going around. They said in the fall they will get ones back.
At my local dealer and submitted an order for their first 580 allocation which is December build. Option prices are in the system but base price isn’t.
At my local dealer and submitted an order for their first 580 allocation which is December build. Option prices are in the system but base price isn’t.
They had two allocations for December builds for 580 and I think two Nov builds for 450. I don't think we'll see any discounts until the volume picks up or you have a cousin in the business.
Where are all you guys? You mean to tell me I'm the first guy to take delivery on one? Up here in desolate Canada... Drives great, huuuge upgrade over our 2018 gls450, in all aspects. 325s in rear look mean.
07-21-2019, 07:55 AM
