Audi Q7 vs Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The Audi Q7 starts from $108,815 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class opens at $199,900. That makes the Audi Q7 the more affordable entry point by $91,085.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $119,697 and $219,890 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class by roughly $2,140 in fuel alone.

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

The Audi Q7 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q7 stands out with heated front seats, ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class counters with wireless charging and Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q7 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offers nappa leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q7 and 4-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

The Audi Q7 uses a 4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection system, turbocharging producing 185kW and 370Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed tiptronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class responds with a Petrol making 270kW and 750Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 185kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi Q7 measures 5,052mm long on a 2,994mm wheelbase, 163mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class at 5,215mm (3,135mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 780L in the Audi Q7 and 355L in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, giving the Audi Q7 a 425L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class leads with a 2,700kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,651/year for the Audi Q7 and $2,223/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. That is a $428 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

Estimated annual total: $2,651 (Audi Q7) vs $2,223 (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class). The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class saves you roughly $428 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q7) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class). Both match on warranty length.