2026 Audi SQ7 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

$93,800 · Crossover

$90,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2026 Audi SQ7 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS lies in performance metrics, where the SQ7 delivers 125 more horsepower (500 hp vs. 375 hp) and 199 lb-ft more torque (568 lb-ft vs. 369 lb-ft). Conversely, the GLS commands a significant advantage in efficiency, achieving a combined 21 MPG compared to the SQ7's 16 MPG, representing a 5 MPG difference. Financially, the GLS starts at a lower MSRP of $90,250 versus the SQ7's $93,800, a $3,550 gap. While the GLS offers superior passenger/cargo space, measuring 205.0 inches in length compared to the SQ7's 199.6 inches and boasting 17.4 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 13.6 cu ft, the SQ7 leans heavily into its performance positioning, necessitating the use of premium unleaded fuel for its higher output.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the preferred choice for daily commuting due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 21 combined MPG versus the Audi's 16 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The GLS offers better utility for families, evidenced by its larger dimensions (71.8 inches in height) and greater cargo capacity at 17.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi SQ7

The Audi SQ7 strongly appeals to driving enthusiasts with its substantially higher output of 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS provides better efficiency and more space for a lower initial investment of $90,250.

Choose the Audi SQ7 if...

Maximum acceleration and high performance are the primary requirements (500 hp).
You prefer a slightly more compact exterior footprint (199.6 inches in length).
The immediate surge of torque, rated at 568 lb-ft, is a critical metric.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS if...

Long-term running costs are prioritized via better fuel economy (21 combined MPG).
Maximum utility and passenger volume are needed, indicated by the larger 17.4 cu ft cargo space.
Saving $3,550 on the initial purchase price ($90,250 MSRP) is important.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ7	Mercedes-Benz GLS
Length	199.6"	205.0"
Width	77.5"	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	✓	✓
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 @ 5500 rpm	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	568 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	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)	14/20 MPG	19/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	16 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	315.0/450.0 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	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
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
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Subwoofer Count	—	2

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	41.3 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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 30000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the exact difference in horsepower and torque between the 2026 SQ7 and GLS?

The 2026 Audi SQ7 significantly outperforms the GLS in raw power, delivering 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz GLS produces 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 125 hp difference favoring the Audi.

How much more expensive is the Audi SQ7 compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLS?

The 2026 Audi SQ7 has an MSRP of $93,800, making it $3,550 more expensive than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS, which is priced at $90,250.

Which vehicle offers better long-term fuel efficiency?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the clear winner for efficiency, achieving 21 combined MPG (19 city/24 highway). The Audi SQ7 is rated substantially lower at only 16 combined MPG (14 city/20 highway), and both require premium unleaded fuel.

Are there significant differences in physical size and interior capacity?

Yes, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is physically larger in all dimensions, measuring 205.0 inches long versus the SQ7's 199.6 inches. The GLS also offers more utility with 17.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the SQ7's 13.6 cu ft.

Do both vehicles use the same drivetrain and transmission setup?

Both utilize All-Wheel Drive, but their transmissions differ; the Audi SQ7 uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS features a 9-speed shiftable automatic.

How does the requirement for premium fuel affect ownership costs for the SQ7 versus the GLS?

Both vehicles mandate premium unleaded fuel. However, the 5 MPG efficiency deficit on the SQ7 means owners will spend considerably more on fuel over time to power the higher-output engine.