Audi
Q7
Mercedes-Benz
GL
Audi Q7 vs Mercedes-Benz GL: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi Q7 offers fuel economy, while the Mercedes-Benz GL excels at power instead. Choose the Audi Q7 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Mercedes-Benz GL if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Q7
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owners of the 2015-2018 generation (particularly with the 3.0L supercharged V6 or TDI engines) report high satisfaction, praising solid reliability, excellent performance and handling, and a high-quality, comfortable interior. This generation is frequently described as a "great car" and "infallible" with proper maintenance.
Best version to buy
For the 2015-2018 generation, the 3.0L supercharged V6 gasoline engine is highly recommended for its balance of power and reported reliability. The 3.0L TDI is also praised for its torque and efficiency.
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: very frequent. Excessive oil consumption in later models (e.g., 1 quart every 1,500 miles considered "normal" by manufacturer): recurrent.
GL
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year, engine choice, and ownership expectations. The X164 generation (pre-2013) is described as a "dinosaur" with a less refined driving experience but is noted for its non-turbo engine reliability. The facelifted X166 generation (2013-2019) is widely praised for its significant improvements in driving dynamics, comfort, and interior quality, offering a "magic carpet" ride with its adaptive air suspension.
Best version to buy
For the X166 generation (2013-2019), the facelift models (2017-2019) are frequently recommended for their updated and more reliable engines (M276 turbo V6, updated M278 V8). The GLS550 (V8) is highlighted as providing an ideal blend of smooth, abundant power and luxury, described as "one of the best full-size 3 row crossover experiences." The non-AMG body style with standard 20-inch wheels is preferred over AMG-line models with larger wheels for a better ride quality and lower tire replacement costs.
Known issues
- ⚠Air suspension failure: Components like the pump and air springs fail, leading to expensive repairs (quoted at ~$5k minimum). Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: Routine servicing, parts (e.g., brakes, tires), and repairs are significantly more expensive than mainstream brands; described as "flagship maintenance costs." Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electronic system failures: Flaky blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, infotainment issues, and power seat malfunctions. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Audi Q7 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Mercedes-Benz GL, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Mercedes-Benz GL is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi Q7 or the Mercedes-Benz GL?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GL. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi Q7 or the Mercedes-Benz GL?
The Mercedes-Benz GL seats more passengers than the Audi Q7 on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Audi Q7 is classed as a SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GL as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi Q7 or the Mercedes-Benz GL?
The Audi Q7 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 11.3 L/100km combined versus 12.3 L/100km for the Mercedes-Benz GL, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi Q7 or the Mercedes-Benz GL?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mercedes-Benz GL than the Audi Q7. See the known issues comparison above.