Audi
Q7
Mercedes-Benz
GLS
Audi Q7 vs Mercedes-Benz GLS: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi Q7 offers fuel economy, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS excels at power instead. Choose the Audi Q7 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Mercedes-Benz GLS 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.
GLS
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on ownership phase and powertrain. The vehicle is universally praised for its core attributes: exceptional ride comfort, often described as "like a magic carpet," spacious and comfortable third-row seating, a luxurious and well-appointed interior, and strong, smooth V8 performance in 550/580/63 models. However, this high praise is almost universally tempered by severe criticism of ownership costs and reliability concerns beyond the initial warranty period.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single "best" version. Feedback is split by priorities: the GLS 450 is noted for being the entry point with a sacrifice in power.
Known issues
- ⚠Exorbitant maintenance and repair costs: very frequent reports of routine dealer service visits costing $1,800-$2,200, with major repairs like air suspension or differential failure costing $5,000-$30,000. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Air suspension failures: described as a "common" point of failure leading to very expensive repairs ($2,250 minimum, often $5,000+). Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Premature tire and brake wear: rear tires last 15,000-20,000 miles; brake pads require frequent replacement; cited as an almost annual expense. Frequency: very frequent.
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 GLS, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi Q7 or the Mercedes-Benz GLS?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi Q7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi Q7 or the Mercedes-Benz GLS?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS 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 GLS as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi Q7 or the Mercedes-Benz GLS?
The Audi Q7 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 11.3 L/100km combined versus 13.3-13.5 L/100km for the Mercedes-Benz GLS, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi Q7 or the Mercedes-Benz GLS?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mercedes-Benz GLS than the Audi Q7. See the known issues comparison above.