Model Year | 2014 | 2012 | |
Model | Mercedes-Benz GL | Volkswagen Passat | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 121.0 in | 110.4 in | 10.6 in |
Length | 201.6 in | 191.6 in | 10 in |
Width | 76.4 in | 72.2 in | 4.2 in |
Height | 72.8 in | 58.5 in | 14.3 in |
Curb Weight | 5401 lb. | 3166 lb. | 2235 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 26.4 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 7.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 38.3 in | 2.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.5 in | 56.9 in | 1.6 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.3 in | 42.4 in | -2.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.0 in | 37.8 in | 2.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.3 in | 57.0 in | 1.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.5 in | 39.1 in | -0.6 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) | 81.5 in (over 2 rows) | 32.3 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.0 ft3 | 15.9 ft3 | 0.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 49.4 ft3 | 15.9 | 33.5 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 93.8 ft3 | 15.9 ft3 | 77.9 ft3 |
2014 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL.
2012 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | Volkswagen's research must have found that Americans highly value rear legroom, because the Passat has an abundance of it. Unless you're an NBA center you'll have plenty of room to stretch out in the back of this sedan. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2012 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
SEL Premium seating is fantastic. Definitely worth the cost of the upgrade over the mid-grade seats. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
rear seat room is exceptional. can handle long-legged folks with ease and those with large shoe sizes. enter and exiting with larger folks not a problem either. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Older teenagers like the extra room see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
HUGE amount of rear legroom! see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tons of room while driving. I am 6'4" and have plenty of leg and headroom. see full Volkswagen Passat review |