2025 Audi SQ7 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

$90,800 · Crossover

$90,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

When balancing potent performance against daily efficiency in a luxury three-row SUV, the choice between the 2025 Audi SQ7 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS gets tricky. Buyers often face the trade-off: do you prioritize raw acceleration or long-term running costs? The SQ7 jumps out with a commanding 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, making it significantly punchier than the GLS's 375 hp. However, that power comes at a cost, as the Audi only manages 17 MPG combined, while the Mercedes stretches to 21 MPG combined. Furthermore, the GLS offers more physical space; it's nearly 5.4 inches longer overall and provides 17.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the SQ7's 14.2 cu ft. While the Audi starts slightly higher at $90,800 versus the GLS's $90,250, the difference in annual fuel spending due to the 4 MPG gap becomes a major consideration for the everyday driver.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2026 GLS wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 21 MPG versus the SQ7's 17 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The GLS offers better practicality with 17.4 cu ft of cargo space and a slightly larger overall footprint than the SQ7.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ7

The 2025 SQ7 is the clear performance choice, boasting 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

Although priced similarly, the GLS provides better efficiency and more usable cargo volume for the upfront cost.

Choose the Audi SQ7 if...

You absolutely must have segment-leading acceleration, evidenced by its 500 hp engine.
You prefer the slightly tighter dimensions of the SQ7, measuring 199.6 inches long.
You don't mind frequently stopping for fuel, given its 15 MPG city rating.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS if...

Saving on fuel is a priority, as the GLS achieves 24 MPG on the highway.
You need maximum utility, benefiting from 17.4 cu ft of standard cargo space.
You want the smoother ride associated with the 9-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ7	Mercedes-Benz GLS
Length	199.6"	205.0"
Width	77.6"	79.9"
Height	68.5"	71.8"
Wheelbase	118.0"	123.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	500 hp	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	568 lb-ft	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	32	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/21 MPG	19/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	337.5/472.5 mi.	452.2/571.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	23.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Four Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Stereo Power	755W	590W
Speaker System	19	13
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	59.3 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.8 in.	41.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	60.0 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	21 in	21 x 11.0 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	✓	315/40R21
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi SQ7 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Which vehicle will cost more to fuel annually?

The 2025 Audi SQ7 will definitely cost more due to its significantly lower efficiency. With a 4 MPG combined penalty (17 MPG vs 21 MPG), drivers of the SQ7 will spend substantially more on premium unleaded fuel over a year of typical driving.

How much faster is the Audi SQ7 compared to the GLS?

The Audi SQ7 is substantially quicker, packing 500 hp, which is 125 horsepower more than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS's 375 hp. This difference in power output means the SQ7 will provide a much more aggressive driving feel.

Is the cargo space difference noticeable between these two luxury crossovers?

Yes, the difference is meaningful for families; the GLS offers 17.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the SQ7's 14.2 cu ft. That 3.2 cu ft difference might matter when packing for a long road trip.

Which SUV is physically larger overall?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is physically the larger vehicle in every dimension listed. It is about 5.4 inches longer (205.0 inches vs. 199.6 inches) and noticeably taller and wider than the Audi SQ7.

Do both SUVs require premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Audi SQ7 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS specify that premium unleaded fuel is required for their high-output engines.

Is the difference in MSRP significant enough to matter?

The price difference is minor, with the GLS starting at $90,250 and the SQ7 at $90,800. Given the performance and efficiency gaps, buyers should focus more on long-term running costs than the initial $550 price difference.