Model Year | 2012 | 2008 | |
Model | Mercedes-Benz GL | BMW 5-Series | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 121.1 in | 113.6 in | 7.5 in |
Length | 200.6 in | 191.2 in | 9.4 in |
Width | 76.0 in | 72.7 in | 3.3 in |
Height | 72.4 in | 58.7 in | 13.7 in |
Curb Weight | 5346 lb. | 3659 lb. | 1687 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 7.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.1 in | 37.6 in | 2.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.3 in | 57.3 in | 1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.3 in | 41.5 in | -1.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.6 in | 37.6 in | 3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.9 in | 57.2 in | 1.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 39.5 in | 36.0 in | 3.5 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) | 77.5 in (over 2 rows) | 36.5 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 14.3 ft3 | 17.6 ft3 | -3.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 43.8 ft3 | 17.6 | 26.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 83.3 ft3 | 58.3 ft3 | 25 ft3 |
2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL.
2008 BMW 5-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The sport seats offer exceptional levels of adjustment. I especially like the extendable leg support and the tilt of the upper back. The lumbar in the sport seats adjusts in up and down as well. see full BMW 5-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The comfort seat option is to die for. There is NO production automobile mfg that produces a seat that comfortable. see full BMW 5-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Twenty-way adjustable seat. see full BMW 5-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
At 6-foot-6, I have enough legroom. see full BMW 5-Series review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
best seats on the market today see full BMW 5-Series review |
2008 BMW 5-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 360-horsepower 4.8L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
A little tight in the rear, but it is a mid-size sedan. see full BMW 5-Series review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 360-horsepower 4.8L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
I cannot sit behind me. see full BMW 5-Series review |