Model Year | 2012 | 2011 | |
Model | Mercedes-Benz GL | Hyundai Sonata | |
Engine | 5.5L V8 DOHC-4v 382 hp@6000 391 lb-ft@2800 |
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 274 hp@6000 269 lb-ft@1750 |
|
Transmission | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 121.1 in | 110.0 in | 11.1 in |
Length | 200.6 in | 189.8 in | 10.8 in |
Width | 76.0 in | 72.2 in | 3.8 in |
Height | 72.4 in | 57.9 in | 14.5 in |
Curb Weight | 5545 lb. | 3338 lb. | 2207 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 7.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.1 in | 40.0 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.3 in | 57.9 in | 0.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 55.2 in | -55.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.3 in | 45.5 in | -5.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.6 in | 37.8 in | 2.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.9 in | 56.7 in | 2.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 54.9 in | -54.9 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) | 80.1 in (over 2 rows) | 33.9 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 14.3 ft3 | 16.4 ft3 | -2.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 43.8 ft3 | 16.4 | 27.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 83.3 ft3 | 16.4 ft3 | 66.9 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.
2011 Hyundai Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Big enough for 6 feet 2 inch man. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2011 Hyundai Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Have the Limited with leather heated seats. They are not as comfortable as expected. The seat bolsters are a little tight for my back side. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
uncomfortable - back pain see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Although adequate, long drives with more than two people in the car would be cramped. see full Hyundai Sonata review |