Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs Audi Q7

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class starts from $199,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q7 opens at $108,815. 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 $219,890 and $119,697 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi Q7 by roughly $1,710 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 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi Q7 gets a 10.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

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

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

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class uses a Petrol producing 270kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.

The Audi Q7 responds with a 4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection system, turbocharging making 185kW and 370Nm, paired to a 8-speed tiptronic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 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 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class measures 5,207mm long on a 3,135mm wheelbase, 155mm longer than the Audi Q7 at 5,052mm (2,994mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 680L in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and 740L in the Audi Q7, giving the Audi Q7 a 60L advantage.

For towing, the Audi Q7 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,993/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and $2,651/year for the Audi Q7. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q7.

Estimated annual total: $2,993 (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class) vs $2,651 (Audi Q7). The Audi Q7 saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

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