Model Year | 2013 | 2006 | |
Model | Mercedes-Benz GL | Volvo V70 | |
Engine | turbocharged 5.5L V8 DOHC-4v 550 hp@5750 560 lb-ft@2000 |
turbocharged 2.5L I5 DOHC-4v 300 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@1950 |
|
Transmission | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 121.0 in | 108.5 in | 12.5 in |
Length | 201.6 in | 185.4 in | 16.2 in |
Width | 76.4 in | 71.0 in | 5.4 in |
Height | 72.8 in | 57.7 in | 15.1 in |
Curb Weight | 5687 lb. | 3733 lb. | 1954 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 26.4 gal. | 18.5 gal. | 7.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 39.3 in | 1.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.5 in | 56.2 in | 2.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 55.0 in | -55 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.3 in | 42.6 in | -2.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.0 in | 38.9 in | 1.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.3 in | 55.9 in | 2.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 54.8 in | -54.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.5 in | 35.2 in | 3.3 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) | 77.8 in (over 2 rows) | 36 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.0 ft3 | 37.4 ft3 | -21.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 49.4 ft3 | 37.4 | 12 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 93.8 ft3 | 71.4 ft3 | 22.4 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.
2006 Volvo V70 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
best seats in the industry see full Volvo V70 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 161hp 2.4L I5 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lumbar support see full Volvo V70 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
It may seem strange to rate seat comfort so highly, but that's only if you have never driven in a Volvo. Amazing, ergonomic, adjustable, but those could describe many seats. What my wife would say (and I've read others express as well) is if you have back problems, get your Dr. to prescribe you a Volvo! They are that good. see full Volvo V70 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 300hp 2.5L I5 6-speed manual AWD |
Almost as good as the seats in the 92 960. Good support & position except left footrest small & too far left. Lumbar support too far down for a tall person but bearable. Electric memory allows easy switching of seat position on long trips. Bun warmer. see full Volvo V70 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Exceptionally comfortable seating for even very long trips. see full Volvo V70 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 300hp 2.5L I5 6-speed manual AWD |
Fantastic front seats see full Volvo V70 review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I have been driving Volvos for 45 years, starting with a PV444. With every model the seats are the most comfortable and best support for driving. They provide leg, lumbar, and side support, and both driver and passenger seats have 6 way controls. see full Volvo V70 review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Can travel for hours without feeling need to stop and stretch. Seat heaters are great too. see full Volvo V70 review |
2006 Volvo V70 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
no knee room see full Volvo V70 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Though not a big issue, the rear seats could be a bit wider for better 3-abreast seating (though most vehicles share this limitation). The greater need, however, is another few inches of legroom. It is adequate, but only that. Another 3 or 4 inches would make the rear seat amazing, but then again, that would come at the cost of rear cargo capacity ... no such thing as a "free lunch". see full Volvo V70 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
There is not much if the front seats are back see full Volvo V70 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
To give rear seats reasonable amount of room, you have to keep front seats forwards. see full Volvo V70 review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed automatic FWD |
I meant to choose the rear seat item. It could use more leg room in the rear. In the process of putting a lot of cargo space and comfortable front seat in a short car, the rear leg room took the hit. see full Volvo V70 review |