Model Year | 2013 | 2008 | |
Model | Mercedes-Benz GL | Subaru Outback | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 121.0 in | 105.1 in | 15.9 in |
Length | 201.6 in | 188.7 in | 12.9 in |
Width | 76.4 in | 69.7 in | 6.7 in |
Height | 72.8 in | 63.2 in | 9.6 in |
Curb Weight | 5401 lb. | 3330 lb. | 2071 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 26.4 gal. | 16.9 gal. | 9.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 40.5 in | 0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.5 in | 54.4 in | 4.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 51.0 in | -51 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.3 in | 44.1 in | -3.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.0 in | 39.1 in | 0.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.3 in | 53.7 in | 4.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 52.6 in | -52.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.5 in | 33.9 in | 4.6 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) | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 35.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.0 ft3 | 33.5 ft3 | -17.5 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 49.4 ft3 | 33.5 | 15.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 93.8 ft3 | 66.2 ft3 | 27.6 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.
2008 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
A little tight in the left portion of the footwell; small dead pedal. see full Subaru Outback review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Footroom too short. see full Subaru Outback review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
not long enough for a 6 foot 2 inch frame but I manage see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I was amazed at how small the back seat is in this car. Really no bigger than a compact sedan, eg Civic or Corolla. I can't fit my 3 kids (in car seats) back there, and feel bad when co-workers pile in to go to lunch. Surprisingly small for a vehicle this size, and marketed as a "family car." If you plan to put adults or 3 kids back there regularly, look at the '10 or newer (or at something else -- the rear seat in my co-worker's Accord is far bigger and more comfortable). see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Leg and head room lacking for over 6 footers. see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Seat back a bit low for 6 footers. see full Subaru Outback review |