Model Year | 2012 | 2006 | |
Model | Mercedes-Benz GL | Volkswagen Passat | |
Engine | 5.5L V8 DOHC-4v 382 hp@6000 391 lb-ft@2800 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 280 hp@6200 265 lb-ft@2750 |
|
Transmission | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 121.1 in | 106.7 in | 14.4 in |
Length | 200.6 in | 188.2 in | 12.4 in |
Width | 76.0 in | 71.7 in | 4.3 in |
Height | 72.4 in | 58.0 in | 14.4 in |
Curb Weight | 5545 lb. | 3829 lb. | 1716 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 7.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.1 in | 38.4 in | 1.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.3 in | 55.7 in | 2.6 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.3 in | 41.4 in | -1.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.6 in | 37.8 in | 2.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.9 in | 54.6 in | 4.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 39.5 in | 37.7 in | 1.8 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) | 79.1 in (over 2 rows) | 34.9 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 14.3 ft3 | 14.2 ft3 | 0.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 43.8 ft3 | 14.2 | 29.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 83.3 ft3 | 14.2 ft3 | 69.1 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.
2006 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
larger than chief competitors (BMW 3 series, Audi A4) see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Well bolstered seat, best seat heaters I ever had (have had Land Rovers and own a SAAB). see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good amount of rear leg room see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Plenty of room in the front seat without squeezing the backseat. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Plenty of room in the back seats. Room for three comfortably. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2005 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual AWD |
Firm, but not hard, adj lumbar, good wearing materials see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 134hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Soft, well supporting seats see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 134hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good for adults see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2006 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
No thigh support, not as comfortable as my 2000 Passat see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
My two teenagers complain that the rear seat cushion is low and not very comfortable to sit on for long distances. the leg room is great. see full Volkswagen Passat review |