A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
xDrive40d Design Pure ExcellenceDiesel Mild Hybrid8-Speed AutomaticCurrent
ZAR 2,110,000ex-showroom
⚡ 250 kW🔧 700 Nm⛽ 16.5 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X7: the short answer
Compare the available model information below. Hagalu has withheld a ranked verdict because the selected vehicles do not yet meet the minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold.
GLE starts ZAR 266,035 cheaperGLE from ZAR 1,843,965 · X7 from ZAR 2,110,000
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
GLE
X7
Maximum Power
GLE198 kW
X7250 kW
Maximum Torque
GLE550 Nm
X7700 Nm @ 1750-2250 rpm
Engine Size
GLE1993 cc
X72993 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
GLE-
X716.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
GLE-
X7140 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
GLE
X7
Model Introduced Year
2026
2018
Body Style
Suv
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
active
Generation
-
Five-door multi-row luxury SUV with all-wheel-drive diesel and V8 petrol derivatives.
Facelift History
-
Current BMW X7 large-SUV range in South African specification.
Facelift Launched Since
-
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
-
Current
Segment
-
Premium SUV
Vehicle Type
-
Car
Spec
GLE
X7
Engine
1993/L4
BMW 48V mild-hybrid turbocharged engine
Fuel Type
Diesel
Diesel Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
1993 cc
2993 cc
Cylinders
4
6
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Maximum Power
198 kW
250 kW
Maximum Torque
550 Nm
700 Nm @ 1750-2250 rpm
Engine Code
-
B47
Hybrid System
-
48V Mild Hybrid
Valves
-
16
Valves per Cylinder
-
4
Aspiration
-
Turbocharged
Fuel System
-
Common-rail direct injection
Compression Ratio
-
10.5:1
Bore
-
82.0 mm
Stroke
-
94.6 mm
Combined Power
-
1 kW
Combined Torque
-
1 Nm
Motor Type
-
Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
Number of Motors
-
1
Motor Location
-
Integrated transmission electric motor
Drive Type
-
AWD
Transmission
-
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
-
245 km/h
0-100 km/h
-
5.9 sec
Quarter Mile
-
15.5 sec
Drive Modes
-
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
-
No
Rev Limiter
-
4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
-
100 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
-
220 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
-
1 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
-
64.8 kWh
Battery Type
-
Lithium-ion
Battery Voltage
-
400 V
Electric Range
-
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
-
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
-
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
-
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
-
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
-
Yes
Spec
GLE
X7
CO2 Emissions
173 g/km
213 g/km
Spec
GLE
X7
Ownership Role
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Private, business and fleet
Price Zar
1843965 ZAR
2110000 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Current recommended retail price
Starting Price
-
2110000
Starting Price Zar
-
2110000
Spec
GLE
X7
Length
-
5181 mm
Width
-
2000 mm
Height
-
1835 mm
Wheelbase
-
3105 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
-
140 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
-
125 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
-
80 l
Boot/Cargo Space
-
750 l
Kerb Weight
-
2565 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
-
3325 kg
Payload Capacity
-
835 kg
Towing Capacity
-
3500 kg
Seating Capacity
-
7 seats
Number of Rows
-
3 rows
Doors
-
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
-
5.6 m
Front Headroom
-
994 mm
Rear Headroom
-
958 mm
Front Legroom
-
1037 mm
Rear Legroom
-
886 mm
Spec
GLE
X7
Gearbox
-
8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
-
All-wheel drive
LSD Available
-
Yes
Transfer Case
-
Yes
Differential Lock
-
Yes
Paddle Shifters
-
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
-
Yes
Number of Gears
-
8
Transmission Type
-
Automatic
Clutch Type
-
Yes
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Yes
Gear Shift Type
-
Automatic selector
Drivetrain
-
AWD
4WD Engagement
-
Electronically controlled AWD
4WD Hi Range
-
Yes
4WD Lo Range
-
Yes
4WD Selector
-
Yes
Automatic Shift Paddles
-
Yes
Front Differential Lock
-
Yes
Gearbox Type
-
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
-
Yes
Low Range
-
Yes
Axle Layout
-
Yes
Rear Differential Lock
-
Yes
Transmission Speeds
-
8
Spec
GLE
X7
Claimed Mileage
-
16.5 km/l
City Mileage
-
13.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
-
18.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
-
80 l
Emission Standard
-
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
1 l
Auto Start Stop
-
Standard
Real-world Mileage
-
16.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
-
Not Applicable
Charging Type
-
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
-
80
Combined Driving Range
-
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
-
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
-
360 km
Range Real World Mixed
-
420 km
Spec
GLE
X7
Airbags
-
6
ABS
-
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
-
Standard
Traction Control
-
Standard
Hill Descent Control
-
Yes
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
-
Standard
Brake Assist
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
-
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
-
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
-
Yes
AEB
-
Yes
BA
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Yes
Curtain Airbags
-
Yes
Driver Airbag
-
Yes
EBD
-
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
-
Standard
Hill Hold
-
Standard
Passenger Airbag
-
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
-
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
-
Standard
Side Airbags
-
Yes
Stability Control
-
Standard
TCS
-
Standard
Knee Airbag
-
Yes
ABS EBD
-
Standard
Spec
GLE
X7
Cruise Control
-
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
-
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
-
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Yes
Parking Sensors
-
Yes
Rear View Camera
-
Yes
360 Degree Camera
-
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
-
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Yes
Auto Highbeam
-
Standard
Auto Wipers
-
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
-
Yes
Reverse Camera
-
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Yes
Park Assist
-
Standard
Around View Monitor
-
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
-
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
-
Yes
Spec
GLE
X7
Seat Material
-
Sport leather steering wheel (3 spoke)
Heated Seats
-
Front
Ventilated Seats
-
Front
Ambient Lighting
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Material
-
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
-
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
-
Electric multi-way
Passenger Seat Adjustment
-
Electric multi-way
Seat Trim
-
Yes
Spec
GLE
X7
Climate Control
-
Standard
Power Windows
-
Standard
Keyless Entry
-
Comfort Access
Push Button Start
-
Yes
Wireless Charging
-
Standard
Sunroof
-
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
-
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Yes
AC Type
-
Standard
Spec
GLE
X7
Infotainment System
-
Yes
Apple CarPlay
-
Yes
Android Auto
-
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
-
Yes
Number of Speakers
-
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
BMW Live Cockpit Professional (includes head-up display)
USB Ports
-
2
Infotainment Screen
-
14.9
Touchscreen
-
14.9
Spec
GLE
X7
LED Headlamps
-
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
-
Standard
Fog Lamps
-
Yes
Roof Rails
-
Roof rails Aluminium satinated
Exterior Colour Options
-
Multiple manufacturer colours
Headlights
-
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
-
Yes
Spec
GLE
X7
Approach Angle
-
25 deg
Departure Angle
-
23 deg
Wading Depth
-
500 mm
Terrain Modes
-
Auto; Sport; Eco
Locking Differential
-
Yes
4WD System Type
-
All-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
-
20 deg
Spec
GLE
X7
Tyre Size
-
Runflat tyres
Front Brake Type
-
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
-
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
-
Emergency spare wheel
Wheel Rim Size
-
21" Y-spoke style 753 Bicolour, 9.5Jx21 285/45
Handbrake Type
-
Electronic
Spec
GLE
X7
Front Suspension
-
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
-
Multi-link
Spec
GLE
X7
Service Plan
-
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
Spec
GLE
X7
Warranty
-
Yes
In depth: how these cars differ
This GLE and X7 comparison brings together local model information and available derivatives for South Africa. Prices and specifications appear only where they have been recorded for this market.
Hagalu has withheld an overall score because at least one selected vehicle does not yet have four comparable categories and 50% weighted source coverage. Missing catalogue evidence is not replaced with a neutral score or a guessed value.
Use the key-spec and full-spec tables to compare the fields that are confirmed. For a purchase decision, verify current availability, exact derivative equipment, finance, insurance and ownership cover with the relevant manufacturer or authorised retailer.
Model imagery
GLE and X7 image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
Hagalu does not turn missing specifications into neutral scores or guessed values.
Fail closed
Score withheld: fewer than four comparable categories or less than 50% weighted source coverage for at least one vehicle.
Use the verified key-spec and full-spec tables on this page. A ranked index will appear only after every selected vehicle has source-backed data in at least four categories and reaches 50% weighted coverage.
What the evidence means
No overall winner is declared because the selected vehicles do not yet meet Hagalu's minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold. Compare the confirmed rows and verify the exact derivative before buying.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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