2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS vs 2026 Audi SQ7

$178,450 · Crossover

$93,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between ultimate luxury and high performance often comes down to budget versus opulence. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS starts at a steep $178,450, while the 2026 Audi SQ7 is priced significantly lower at $93,800, representing an $84,650 gulf. Power delivery is surprisingly close; the Maybach offers 550 hp compared to the SQ7's 500 hp, but the Audi actually counters with superior torque at 568 lb-ft versus the Mercedes' 538 lb-ft. For city driving, the Audi is marginally better on fuel economy, achieving 14 MPG city versus the Maybach's 13 MPG city, though both demand premium fuel. The Maybach wins on sheer presence and cargo utility with 18.4 cubic feet versus the SQ7's 13.6 cubic feet. Ultimately, buyers must decide if the elevated features and sheer size justify the nearly doubled price tag.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi SQ7

The Audi SQ7 offers better fuel efficiency at 20 MPG highway, making daily driving costs lower than the Maybach GLS's 18 MPG highway rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS

The larger physical footprint of the Maybach GLS, with its greater height (72.4 inches) and length (204.9 inches), implies superior interior space for passengers.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi SQ7

The 2026 Audi SQ7 delivers more immediate pulling power with 568 lb-ft of torque compared to the Maybach GLS's 538 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi SQ7

The Audi SQ7 provides nearly the same horsepower for $84,650 less than the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS, making it the clear value proposition.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS if...

You require the maximum available cargo capacity, totaling 18.4 cu ft.
You prioritize sheer on-road presence, as the Maybach GLS is substantially larger in all dimensions.
You desire the higher peak horsepower rating of 550 hp, even if the torque advantage goes to the competitor.

Choose the Audi SQ7 if...

You need to minimize initial purchase costs, saving $84,650 off the MSRP.
Your driving style benefits from a higher torque output of 568 lb-ft.
You prefer slightly better fuel economy, achieving 20 MPG highway compared to 18 MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS	Audi SQ7
Length	204.9"	199.6"
Width	79.9"	77.5"
Height	72.4"	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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear 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 Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	4.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V8
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	550 hp @ 6500 rpm	500 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	538 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	568 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	32	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)	13/18 MPG	14/20 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	15 MPG	16 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	309.4/428.4 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Stereo System	Burmester	—
Premium Speaker Brand	Burmester	—
Stereo Power	1590W	755W
Speaker System	27	19
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Satellite Radio Subscription Duration	36 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	—	Bang & Olufsen
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Sunroof Type	1st Row Power Fabric Extended	—
Moonroof Type	2nd Row Fixed Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Front Head Room	42.5 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.3 in.	59.5 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	12-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	12-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 Massage Function	✓	—
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	43.4 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—
Rear Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	22 x 11.5 in.	21 in
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	325/40R22	✓
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 Maybach GLS and 2026 Audi SQ7.

How much more spacious is the 2025 Maybach GLS compared to the 2026 SQ7?

The Maybach GLS is the larger vehicle overall, boasting a length of 204.9 inches versus the SQ7's 199.6 inches. This translates directly into a better cargo rating of 18.4 cu ft for the Mercedes, compared to 13.6 cu ft in the Audi.

Is the performance difference between the two crossovers significant enough to warrant the price gap?

The performance is comparable on paper; the Maybach has 50 more horsepower (550 hp vs 500 hp), but the SQ7 counters with superior torque (568 lb-ft vs 538 lb-ft). Given the $84,650 price difference, the performance margin is likely negligible for most drivers.

Do both vehicles require the same type of fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS and the 2026 Audi SQ7 mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel according to their specifications.

Which crossover is marginally better for minimizing gas station stops?

The 2026 Audi SQ7 is slightly more efficient, achieving a combined 16 MPG versus the Maybach GLS's 15 MPG combined rating, with marginally better city (14 vs 13 MPG) and highway (20 vs 18 MPG) figures.

What is the transmission difference between the two AWD crossovers?

The Maybach GLS utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission to manage its power, whereas the Audi SQ7 employs a slightly different setup with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

If I plan on frequently carrying large items, which has the edge?

The Maybach GLS is the clear winner for cargo volume, offering 18.4 cubic feet, which is significantly more space than the 13.6 cubic feet available in the smaller, less expensive Audi SQ7.