2021 Drive Car of the Year – Best Upper Large Luxury SUV

Drive Car of the Year 2021 - Best Upper Large Luxury SUV

It may not have the largest number of finalists, but everything else about the 2021 Drive Car of the Year Upper Large Luxury SUV segment is big!

Here we see flagship three-row, seven-seat SUVs from traditional rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz in a segment that is as much about driving manners both in town and on the open road, as it is about fit, finish and features.

Both the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS represent an ‘all-in’ approach for the respective brands and give buyers a choice of six-cylinders or eight-cylinders to help shuffle these massive wagons around.

The cars are chock full of technology and convenience functions, and either one will work well as super-sized family transport, but only one totally delivered in the true luxury stakes.

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Both players in this segment offer excellent levels of equipment, plenty of space and huge amounts of comfort. The BMW’s sharper price point is worthy of note, but the three-year warranty and less-integrated features ultimately put the Mercedes in front.

Despite being priced slightly higher than the BMW, the GLS offers plenty of luxurious practicality and feels more refined and ultimately, more resolved than the X7.

The GLS achieves the goal of being the ‘S-Class of SUVs. It offers the functionality and usability you want from a multi-role vehicle, without compromising on the quality and luxury that the Mercedes badge represents.

Read the full comparison at Drive.com.au

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