2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs 2026 Audi SQ7

$89,200 · Crossover

$93,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class brings opulent, commanding luxury, boasting a comfortable 21 combined MPG from its 375 horsepower engine, perfect for stately highway cruising. Contrast this with the 2026 Audi SQ7, which unleashes a thrilling 500 horsepower and massive 568 lb-ft of torque, immediately establishing itself as the performance brute in this heavyweight crossover clash. While the GLS is the longer vehicle at 205.0 inches, aiding interior volume, the SQ7 focuses on agility with its more compact 199.6-inch frame. The trade-off for the Audi's raw power is evident in its lower efficiency (16 combined MPG) compared to the Mercedes' 19 MPG city rating. With an MSRP difference of only $4,600, the choice boils down to prioritizing refined, efficient luxury (GLS) or blistering acceleration (SQ7).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The GLS-Class wins for daily driving due to its superior 21 combined MPG versus the SQ7's 16 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The longer 205.0-inch Mercedes GLS offers better inherent passenger and cargo capacity, even if its stated cargo volume (17.4 cu ft) slightly edges out the SQ7's 13.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi SQ7

The 2026 Audi SQ7 is the definitive enthusiast choice, delivering a substantial 125 more horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The GLS offers significantly better fuel economy (5 MPG better combined) while costing $4,600 less upfront, yielding better long-term operational value.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if...

You prioritize efficiency and need a combined MPG rating closer to 21.
You require the maximum available interior space, highlighted by its 205.0-inch length.
You prefer saving the $4,600 difference in initial purchase price.

Choose the Audi SQ7 if...

You demand maximum outright performance, benefiting from 500 horsepower.
You desire the massive torque advantage of 568 lb-ft for rapid acceleration.
You prefer a slightly shorter vehicle footprint at 199.6 inches for potentially nimbler handling.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class	Audi SQ7
Length	205.0"	199.6"
Width	79.9"	77.5"
Height	71.8"	68.5"
Wheelbase	123.4"	118.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	4.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	V8
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	375 hp @ 5800 rpm	500 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	568 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	32
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/24 MPG	14/20 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	16 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	452.2/571.2 mi.	315.0/450.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.8 gal.	22.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control 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	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather 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	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.3 in.	59.5 in.
Front Hip Room	60.8 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	6 yr./ 62000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How significant is the performance gap between the two crossovers?

The gap is substantial; the 2026 Audi SQ7 produces 500 horsepower, overpowering the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class's 375 horsepower by 125 HP. This is reflected in the SQ7's much higher torque figure of 568 lb-ft.

If I drive frequently, which car offers better running costs based on fuel economy?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is the clear efficiency leader, achieving 21 combined MPG. The performance-focused Audi SQ7 lags considerably, managing only 16 combined MPG, meaning more frequent stops for the required premium unleaded.

Is the price difference between these two SUVs large enough to influence a purchase decision?

The price differential is relatively narrow at $4,600, making it a small factor compared to the massive 125 horsepower discrepancy. Whether this small gap justifies the efficiency and power trade-offs depends entirely on buyer priorities.

Which vehicle has a more family-friendly cargo setup?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offers 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly larger than the 13.6 cubic feet found in the 2026 Audi SQ7, making it better suited for bulkier family hauling.

Are both vehicles utilizing AWD and automatic transmissions?

Yes, both crossovers employ an all-wheel-drive configuration for assured traction. However, the GLS utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission, whereas the sportier SQ7 uses an 8-speed automatic.