Model Year | 2013 | 2006 | |
Model | Mercedes-Benz GL | Audi A4 / S4 | |
Engine | turbocharged 5.5L V8 DOHC-4v 550 hp@5750 560 lb-ft@2000 |
4.2L V8 DOHC-5v 340 hp@7000 302 lb-ft@3500 |
|
Transmission | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 121.0 in | 104.3 in | 16.7 in |
Length | 201.6 in | 180.6 in | 21 in |
Width | 76.4 in | 69.8 in | 6.6 in |
Height | 72.8 in | 56.2 in | 16.6 in |
Curb Weight | 5687 lb. | 3947 lb. | 1740 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 26.4 gal. | 16.6 gal. | 9.8 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 38.4 in | 2.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.5 in | 55.1 in | 3.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.3 in | 41.3 in | -1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.0 in | 37.6 in | 2.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.3 in | 53.4 in | 4.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.5 in | 34.3 in | 4.2 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 38.9 in | 0.0 in | 38.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 50.5 in | 0.0 in | 50.5 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 35.0 in | 0.0 in | 35 in |
Total Legroom | 113.8 in (over 3 rows) | 75.6 in (over 2 rows) | 38.2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.0 ft3 | 27.8 ft3 | -11.8 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 49.4 ft3 | 27.8 | 21.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 93.8 ft3 | 59.0 ft3 | 34.8 ft3 |
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is just a little longer than the Audi Q7 (201.6 vs. 200.3 inches), and isn't as wide (76.4 vs. 78.1 inches). But the Mercedes is considerably taller (72.8 vs. 68.4 inches) and not nearly as curvy. Which might explain how it is far roomier than the much sleeker Audi. Combined legroom for all three rows is 107.6 inches in the Q7 vs. 113.8 inches in the GL-Class, a large difference. The Q7's space deficit grows the farther back you sit. For adults to even fit in the Audi's third row without extreme discomfort, those in the second row must slide their seats forward to the point that they are themselves short on knee room. While the new GL350's third row sits too low to provide thigh support, it's not nearly as cramped. Further evidence that Audi didn't intend the Q7's third row for frequent use: the second-row seat doesn't do a good job of getting out of the way, making the path in and out of the way-back perhaps the tightest I've experienced. The second-row seat in the GL-Class tips forward to open up a much wider path. If manually tipping the seat is too much of a chore (perhaps because you'e a five-year-old and haven't yet learned to read this), $400 buys a power assist. But even with this option the seat must be manually returned to its upright position, so the point eludes me. see full Mercedes-Benz GL review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL.
2006 Audi A4 / S4 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD |
Great when I can take my husband and teenagers up to the mountains for a ski trip without any major complaints. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.1L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Excellent for cruising but lateral support is sorely lacking for cornering. Needs power & memory for the tilt/telescope steering wheel. Good view out of and around vehicle. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Lots of room. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2005 | 4dr Sedan 340-horsepower 4.2L V8 6-speed manual AWD |
These are the most comfortable and supportive seats I have ever sat in and this includes luxury cars like the Lincoln Town Car. The extendable thigh support is a bonus. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2006 Audi A4 / S4 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
OK for kids, not really on for adults for a long journey. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 7-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
What room? What comfort? Tight and cramped and incredibly firm. Zero leg room for average height adults. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2007 | 2dr Convertible turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Center console protrudes into the leg area while gas pedal is far over to the right. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2007 | 2dr Convertible turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seats are really only good for children and pets. A grown person could never sit back there. This is expected for a convertible though. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.1L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Limited leg room, especially during ingress and egress. Hump bisects leg room. Seat cushion needs to be 1-2 inches higher. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
small rear seat like the 3 series see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Back seat leg room and head room is pretty small. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD |
Sport seats were not provided to the US due to DOT crash testing regulations. This means the only seats available are the very flat and uncomfortable standard seats. Only the S4 has the Recaro option for the US. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD |
For tall passengers, the front seats will need to be pushed back in order to provide front leg room. Width of the cockpit side-to-side is not substantial. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.1L V6 6-speed manual AWD |
not a lot of rear seat leg room, esp if tall person in front seats see full Audi A4 / S4 review |