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.
BMW i7 vs Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Maybach GLS: the short answer
i7 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Mercedes-Maybach GLS remains close.
i7 starts ZAR 1,661,237 cheaperi7 from ZAR 2,953,000 · Mercedes-Maybach GLS from ZAR 4,614,237
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Maximum Power
i7400 kW
Mercedes-Maybach GLS410 kW
Maximum Torque
i7745 Nm
Mercedes-Maybach GLS770 Nm
Engine Size
i7Not Applicable
Mercedes-Maybach GLS3982 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
i7Not Applicable
Mercedes-Maybach GLS8.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
i7140 mm
Mercedes-Maybach GLS215 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
BMW i7
xDrive60 Design Pure Excellence
Hagalu editorial rating
3.9/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
i7
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Strengths
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
i7
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Model Introduced Year
2022
2026
Generation
G70 four-door electric luxury sedan with dual-motor all-wheel drive.
Current South African Mercedes-Maybach GLS generation represented by derivative GLS 600
Facelift History
Current G70 i7 xDrive60 in South African specification.
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
Suv
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Current South African retail range
Segment
Premium Sedan
Premium SUV
Vehicle Type
Car
SUV
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Length
5391 mm
5209 mm
Width
1950 mm
1956 mm
Height
1544 mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
3215 mm
3135 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
215 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
220 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
90 l
Boot/Cargo Space
500 l
355 l
Kerb Weight
2715 kg
2550 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3250 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
610 kg
750 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.6 m
6.25 m
Front Headroom
982 mm
960 mm
Rear Headroom
945 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
1050 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
880 mm
900 mm
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Engine
BMW eDrive electric drive
3982/V8
Engine Code
Not Applicable
M177
Fuel Type
Electric
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
Not Applicable
3982 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
8
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
V
Valves
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
4
Aspiration
Not Applicable
Twin Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
8.6:1
Bore
Not Applicable
83.0 mm
Stroke
Not Applicable
92.0 mm
Maximum Power
400 kW
410 kW
Maximum Torque
745 Nm
770 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
410 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
770 Nm
Motor Type
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor
48 V integrated starter-generator
Number of Motors
2
1
Motor Location
Front and rear axles
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Drive Type
AWD
AWD
Transmission
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
210 km/h
250 km/h
0-100 km/h
4.7 sec
4.9 sec
Quarter Mile
15.5 sec
15.0 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
Not Applicable
7000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
1 kWh
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
64.8 kWh
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Lithium-ion
0
Battery Voltage
400 V
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
590 km (BMW stated)
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
11 kW
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
130 kW
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
6 h 30 min
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
30 min
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Yes
No
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Gearbox
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
9G-TRONIC automatic
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive
AWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Permanent AWD transfer system
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Yes
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
1
9
Transmission Type
Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic selector
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
AWD
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Yes
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Yes
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Single-speed reduction gear
9G-TRONIC automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
0
Low Range
Not Applicable
0
Axle Layout
Yes
Driven axle configuration: AWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transmission Speeds
1
9
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
8.3 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
8.3 km/l
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
8.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
0 l
66 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Yes
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
8.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
CCS Combo
Not Applicable
Charging Type
AC and DC
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
0
66
Combined Driving Range
590-625 km (BMW stated)
0
Electric Consumption
22.2–25
0
Range Real World Highway
360 km
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
420 km
0 km
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
AEB
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Standard
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Cruise Control
Yes
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Parking Assist Professional
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Seat Material
BMW Individual leather 'Merino' - Black
Nappa leather
Heated Seats
Front and rear
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Front
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Yes
64-colour ambient lighting
Steering Wheel Material
Yes
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
Electric adjustment with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric multi-way
Electric adjustment with memory
Seat Trim
Yes
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Power Windows
Standard
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Panoramic
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Electric Tailgate
No
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Multi-zone automatic climate control
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Infotainment System
Yes
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
BMW Live Cockpit Professional (includes head-up display)
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
2
USB-C ports
Infotainment Screen
14.9
MBUX multimedia system
Touchscreen
14.9
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
LED Headlamps
Yes
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Yes
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple manufacturer colours
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Headlights
Yes
DIGITAL LIGHT / LED headlamps
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Off-road mode
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
4WD System Type
All-wheel drive
Yes
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Tyre Size
225/50 R18
275/45 R21
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated disc
Spare Wheel Type
Tyre repair kit
21-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
18
21
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Independent multi-link suspension
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
312 g/km
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Service Plan
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Ownership Role
Private, business and fleet
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Price Zar
2953000 ZAR
4614237 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current recommended retail price
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
2953000
4200000
Starting Price Zar
2953000
4200000
Spec
i7
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Warranty
Yes
5 Years / 100000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This i7 and Mercedes-Maybach GLS comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: i7 100 vs Mercedes-Maybach GLS 100.
Efficiency index: i7 90 vs Mercedes-Maybach GLS 40.
Safety-equipment index: i7 92 vs Mercedes-Maybach GLS 99.
Practicality index: i7 65 vs Mercedes-Maybach GLS 67.
Ownership-cover index: i7 not separately scored vs Mercedes-Maybach GLS not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
i7 and Mercedes-Maybach GLS image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
i7 leads by 8 points
i7 has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Mercedes-Maybach GLS remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
i7
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
65/100
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
40/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
67/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW i7
leads the specification evidence index with 87 pts
vs 79 pts for Mercedes-Maybach GLS
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, i7 leads. However, Mercedes-Maybach GLS may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
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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