Model Year | 2013 | 2013 | |
Model | Mercedes-Benz GL | Hyundai Sonata | |
Engine | turbocharged 5.5L V8 DOHC-4v 550 hp@5750 560 lb-ft@2000 |
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 | 121.0 in | 110.0 in | 11 in |
Length | 201.6 in | 189.8 in | 11.8 in |
Width | 76.4 in | 72.2 in | 4.2 in |
Height | 72.8 in | 57.9 in | 14.9 in |
Curb Weight | 5687 lb. | 3338 lb. | 2349 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 26.4 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 7.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 40.0 in | 1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.5 in | 57.9 in | 0.6 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 | 40.0 in | 37.8 in | 2.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.3 in | 56.7 in | 1.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 54.9 in | -54.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.5 in | 34.6 in | 3.9 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) | 80.1 in (over 2 rows) | 33.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.0 ft3 | 16.4 ft3 | -0.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 49.4 ft3 | 16.4 | 33 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 93.8 ft3 | 16.4 ft3 | 77.4 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.
2013 Hyundai Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | According to the EPA's classification system, the Hyundai Sonata is actually a large car. You wouldn't guess this while sitting in the front seat. A steeply raked windshield and cockpit-like instrument panel design cut into actual roominess, and perceived roominess even more. The Sonata's firm front buckets could use more form-fitting contouring. Though not uncomfortable, they are the least comfortable buckets in this threesome. In the back seat, six-foot passengers' scalps might graze the headliner, but knee room is generous. There's a bit more room and a more comfortably padded and positioned rear seat cushion inside the Altima. But the Mazda6's rear seat is at least as low to the floor as the Sonata's and includes a couple inches less knee room. So the Hyundai has a slight edge over the Mazda. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2013 Hyundai Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The front driver seat is supportive yet firm and the power adjustments guarantee you'll get the right driving position for you. The heated seat feature is great on a cold morning too. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
2013 Hyundai Sonata Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 198-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Ride is comfortable but after about 2 or 3 hours, the leather seats get a bit hard on the butt. see full Hyundai Sonata review |
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 |