2023 BMW X1 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS, particularly in its base GLS 450 form, presented a more understated and less ostentatious appearance compared to its competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes avoided the flashy grilles seen on the BMW X7 and Lexus LX, opting for a more refined look. However, other GLS models, such as the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach GLS 600, offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, muscular grilles, and prominent exhaust tips. The Maybach version was especially luxurious, with chrome accents, a traditional hood ornament, and power running boards.

Inside, the GLS 450's interior, while basic by GLS standards, still exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated under one piece of glass, framed nicely by the upright dashboard. Despite its subdued all-black trim, the interior felt high-quality and durable, suitable for a luxury SUV. The intricate speaker grilles and rectangular air vents added a rugged touch, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

The 2023 BMW X1 felt like a refined evolution of its predecessor, with a stronger and more robust design. The larger, squarer kidney grille and flush door handles gave it a modern look, while standard LED headlights and taillights added to its appeal. The new X1 offered a dynamic color palette with 13 exterior options, including five new colors like Blue Bay Lagoon and Cape York Green. Our tester, painted in Portimao Blue, featured optional 20-inch wheels wrapped in performance tires, enhancing its sporty appearance.

Inside, the X1's cabin was premium yet not overly luxurious. The BMW Curved Display dominated the dash, integrating a 10.7-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch driver information display. The SensaTec 2.0 seat coverings felt high-quality, and the M Sport Package added sport seats and an M leather steering wheel. The Premium Package included a panoramic moonroof, which extended far enough forward to be appreciated by front-row occupants. The slim floating center armrest and aluminum-finished door handles added a sophisticated touch to the interior.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque available from the electric motor in short bursts. The electric motor also served as the starter and powered most accessories, reducing the engine’s workload. The GLS 450 offered a smooth and powerful driving experience, with the inline-six engine providing better balance and inherent smoothness compared to a V6.

However, the GLS 450's air suspension, while capable of raising and lowering the ride height, exhibited poor body control, leading to a bouncy and uncomfortable ride over bumps and in corners. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but fell short of some rivals like the Lexus LX and Lincoln Navigator. Despite these shortcomings, the six-cylinder engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated.

The 2023 BMW X1 received a significant power boost with its 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder engine, now producing 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This was an increase of 13 hp and 37 lb-ft from the previous model, allowing the X1 to accelerate from zero to 60 in 6.2 seconds and tow up to 3,500 pounds. The new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) replaced the previous eight-speed automatic, providing a more engaging driving experience, especially with the paddle shifters included in the M Sport Package.

BMW upgraded the Adaptive M Suspension and damping systems for better comfort and stability, resulting in minimal body roll and a more agile feel. The ride was slightly stiff, but it added to the sense of driving a smaller, more nimble vehicle. The X1's EPA fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined, with Premium fuel recommended.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the second-row bench with individual captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, and the bench seat could slide fore and aft as one piece, increasing legroom by 3.4 inches. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The air suspension made loading and unloading cargo easier by lowering the vehicle.

The 2023 BMW X1, with its larger dimensions, provided more interior space than its predecessor. Headroom was impressive at 42.1 inches in the front row and 39.3 inches in the rear, surpassing competitors like the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. The X1 offered 40.4 inches of front-row legroom and 37 inches in the back row. Cargo space was also generous, with 25.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57.2 cubic feet with them folded down. Heated seats were an optional $550 upgrade, which also included a heated steering wheel. The wireless charging pad, part of the Premium Package, was cleverly designed to hold the phone securely.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and natural-language voice recognition. The 13-speaker Burmester audio system was standard, while a head-up display was optional. The voice recognition system, activated by saying “Hey Mercedes,” was the easiest to use, understanding normal speech well. However, the touchpad controller was too sensitive and difficult to use, and the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2023 BMW X1 came with the BMW Curved Display, integrating a 10.7-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch driver information display. The infotainment system was responsive and easy to operate, though cluttered with numerous apps and sub-menus. Voice commands worked well for climate control and opening the panoramic moonroof, but the navigation system required highly specific inputs. The X1 included BMW’s Live Cockpit Plus as standard, with Live Cockpit Professional available in the Premium Package, adding a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. The optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, second-row side airbags, and advanced driver-assistance features like Active Steering Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 BMW X1 included standard active blind-spot detection with an exit warning function, and a front-collision warning system with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The newly available Active Driving Assistant Professional suite offered speed limit assist, extended traffic-jam assistant, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop & go. A 360-degree camera system was available in the Premium Package, and Active Park Distance Control and Back-Up Assistant were also offered. The updated Parking Assistant Plus could manage steering, acceleration, braking, and gear changes for parking.