2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs. 2021 Audi Q7

Comparing the Audi Q7 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLS? You’re not alone. Many Mclean-area families are ready to fall in love with a large and luxurious German-engineered SUV, but you can only bring one model home. While some of our neighbors might be able to settle for the Audi, no rival could truly measure up against the exceptionally spacious and powerful GLS. Find out exactly what we mean by reading on.

GLS vs. Q7: Value & Features

Yes, the Audi Q7 is somewhat more affordable than the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Even so, those who do their research will likely have a hard time feeling satisfied with what the Q7 has to offer. In fact, even if you compare the most expensive Q7 to the base-level GLS 450, you’ll see that the latter gives you so much more to love: Even on the top trim level of the Q7, the following features cost extra wherever they’re available:

• Ventilated front seats
• Front passenger’s lumbar support
• Remote starting system
• Air suspension

Each of these amenities is standard on the GLS 450. What’s more, only the GLS offers heated third-row seats and second-row captain’s chairs as optional upgrades.

GLS vs. Q7: Interior Dimensions & Cargo Room

The GLS interior seats either six or seven, depending on whether you opt for the second-row captain’s chairs mentioned above. On the other hand, every Audi Q7 seats seven. We think that many drivers in Great Falls and Chantilly will appreciate this extra flexibility, but the GLS isn’t just more flexible. It’s also more spacious in any configuration:

2021 Audi Q7 Dimensions Inside 

• Front Headroom: 39.9 inches
• Middle Headroom: 38.8 inches
• Rear Headroom: 35.9 inches
• Front Legroom: 41.7 inches
• Middle Legroom: 38.8 inches
• Rear Legroom: 29.2 inches
• Cargo Space Behind Third Row: 14.2 cubic feet
• Cargo Space with All Seats Flat: 69.6 cubic feet

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS Dimensions Inside 

• Front Headroom: 39.4 inches
• Middle Headroom: 40.2 inches
• Rear Headroom: N/A
• Front Legroom: 40.3 inches
• Middle Legroom: 41.9 inches
• Rear Legroom: 34.6 inches
• Cargo Space Behind Third Row: 17.4 cubic feet
• Cargo Space with All Seats Flat: 84.7 cubic feet

For rear-seated passengers, it’s no contest. Three extra inches of second-row legroom will make longer journeys much more comfortable, and more than five extra inches of third-row legroom makes all the difference in the world. Writing on the 2021 Q7, the experts at Car & Driver point out that the third row is “only for kids.” They’re also less-than-satisfied with the Q7 SUV’s cargo space.

GLS vs. Q7: Performance Specs

Of course, rear-seated passengers aren’t the only people who are going to prefer the GLS. That’s because the three-row Mercedes-Benz SUV comes standard with a 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 engine with EQ Boost. Here’s what you should know about each model’s performance:

• Engines: The standard GLS engine offers 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Q7 only comes standard with a lackluster 248-hp 2.0-liter I-4, and if you upgrade your trim, you’ll still only enjoy up to 335 hp. The GLS offers up to 483 hp, or up to 603 in its AMG® configuration.
• Transmission and Ride Quality: Would you rather have a 9G-TRONIC® 9-speed automatic transmission and standard air suspension, or an 8-speed automatic transmission and coil springs? If you feel drawn to the former setup, only the GLS will satisfy.

Explore the Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV at Mercedes-Benz of Tysons Corner!

There’s no large luxury SUV quite like the Mercedes-Benz GLS. If you’re ready to experience it for yourself, start browsing our virtual showroom and our latest SUV lease and finance specials. We know you’ll find even more to get excited about once you do.