Model Year | 2009 | 2011 | |
Model | Mercedes-Benz GL | BMW 3-Series | |
Engine | turbocharged 3.0L V6 Diesel DOHC-4v 210 hp@3800 398 lb-ft@1600 |
turbocharged 3.0L I6 Diesel DOHC-4v 265 hp@4200 425 lb-ft@1750 |
|
Transmission | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 121.1 in | 108.7 in | 12.4 in |
Length | 200.6 in | 178.2 in | 22.4 in |
Width | 76.0 in | 71.5 in | 4.5 in |
Height | 72.4 in | 55.8 in | 16.6 in |
Curb Weight | 5313 lb. | 3947 lb. | 1366 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 10.1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.1 in | 38.5 in | 1.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.3 in | 55.4 in | 2.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.3 in | 41.5 in | -1.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.6 in | 38.0 in | 2.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.9 in | 55.1 in | 3.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 39.5 in | 34.6 in | 4.9 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 38.2 in | 0.0 in | 38.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 50.5 in | 0.0 in | 50.5 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 34.2 in | 0.0 in | 34.2 in |
Total Legroom | 114 in (over 3 rows) | 76.1 in (over 2 rows) | 37.9 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 14.3 ft3 | 24.8 ft3 | -10.5 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 43.8 ft3 | 24.8 | 19 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 83.3 ft3 | 58.0 ft3 | 25.3 ft3 |
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr SUV 335-horsepower 4.7L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
This SUV has a third row seat that can accommodate adults comfortably, without sacrificing braking and safety. see full Mercedes-Benz GL review |
2008 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Excellent, usable 3rd row seating see full Mercedes-Benz GL review |
2008 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Roomy and adjustable. see full Mercedes-Benz GL review |
2008 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Second row is good. Third row is EXCELLENT. Bigger than some of the monster American SUVs. see full Mercedes-Benz GL review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | Another surprising strength for the new BMW 3-Series. There's more room in back than in competing cars, and the seat is comfortably positioned and shaped. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Relatively small back seat room. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Tight for large people. Fine for kids. Smaller than a G37, much smaller than a Maxima. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
tight and not too useful a space see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat room not as expansive as competitors. Trunk capacity could be better. see full BMW 3-Series review |