dtl919

Hi folks,

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with both the GLS580 and the Audi SQ7 or if anyone has cross-shopped these two SUVs. We need a bigger vehicle to accommodate our growing family and will be replacing a '18 GLE350.
Any comments is much appreciated!

AKSwift

I'm going to get some popcorn for this...

ksalno

We cross shopped the Q7 and GL in 2010, when we bought a GL350, but the Q7 was just too small for our needs, and it didn't have some of the convenience items like the push button folding rear seats. Didn't look at Audi again in 2020 when we bought our 580, primarily due to the interior size difference.

EWL5

It's funny that the GLS and X7 are constantly being compared to each other but the Q7/SQ7 has more in common size-wise to the X7 (especially the trunk space w/all 3 rows up!).

AKSwift

There are a few Audis that I like the look of, but the Q7 just never felt quite right, compared to GL/S/X7. One of the neighbors traded his in for an R1S, which is the same length as the Q7, but feels much larger on the inside. Still not on par with a GLS, though.

nc211

Me personally, if we didn't feel the need for the 3rd row, we'd have the Audi instead of our GLS. I like the interior feeling more in the GLS, no doubt about it, feels more relaxed and serene. But in terms of driving experience, the Audi is a winner in my book. I am a fan of the VW / Audi / Porsche universe, primarily because of their transmissions (especially their dual-clutch), but also like their build quality and overall feel too. Not to knock the GLS, if I did I wouldn't have one, but when it comes to the transmissions and how they manage the driving experience, Mercedes is nowhere near the top of the German list.

I took my GLS in this morning to finally have the torn front seats replaced. No loaners, so they had Enterprise bring me a car instead......A BMW!! Haha! How funny is that! I am driving a 2023 X3 3.0 at the moment. It is light years ahead of MB in the power delivery realm and is actually quite fun to drive. Sounds like a lawnmower when you start it, and the seats are not as comfortable, but it is a fun little thing for sure. But the gearbox is just, so much better, yet that isn't even close to the Audi dual clutch box. I've had 3 of them, starting with the first generation on the 2007 GTI, followed by the 2013, and then again on the 2015. All of them, phenomenal. Never a single problem, and utterly perfect. In all honesty, the VW DSG is the primary reason why I kept buying them back to back to back. MB isn't even in the same arena. But, also acknowledge there really isn't any need for a dual clutch on a GLS type of vehicle either. But how MB could release a vehicle of such stature and importance with that utterly bullcrap hiccuping as it comes to a stop from 3-2-1 gearing, is just a 100% pure fail on their part. If I had spent $150k on a car, and every time I came to a gentle rolling stop in it would result in my frappamochacrappa coffee spilling over, I would be livid.

EWL5

X3 seats are not the most comfortable and a GLC probably would have it beat in comfort (I have the 4-cylinder xDrive 30i). I'm sure if I drove the i6 version, I might leave the 4-cylinder behind!

One of my favorite sedans was a 2015 A6 3.0L. It was pure fun and of all the things it could have done better included the center console cupholder. I must have punctured at least 3 coffee cups in that hard-nubbed monstrosity!

chassis

The only distinguishing feature of the GLS imo is space in the third row seating area. Q7 has third row seating, but as mentioned is a slightly smaller vehicle than the GLS.

If the size difference doesn't matter to you, get the SQ7. The EA825 4.0TTV8 + ZF8HP powertrain is excellent. It is faring well in Audi, Porsche, Bentley and Lambo installations. And possibly best of all, no cursed 48V system like the GLS has. Second best of all, the Audi has a ZF transmission. MB boxes are bad across the board.

Agree on @nc211 's comments on the X3. Reliable, peppy and efficient engine with a beautifully programmed ZF8HP. It is the best German luxury SUV in that size category. Better than GLC by far, better than Q5 and better than the Macan with a not-super-reliable PDK transmission.

dtl919

Thanks for all the input guys!

Safety, comfort, and space will be top priorities for me. I'm not too concerned with "fun driving" with an SUV, since we have an E-coupe for that The third row will be exclusively used for our easily excited 90lbs German shepherd and the second row for a baby. We do quite a bit of car camping during the fall and spring months, so space is also a concern. And to be totally honest, what really caught my eye with the Audi SQ7 is the price! A similarly spec'ed V8 is about $18k cheaper + a $7500 manufacture discount.

chassis

Is 2-row seating better for a dog? A large 90lb dog standing or sitting on the reduced area seat surface seems less effective than a 2-row configuration with larger luggage floor for the dog. What do you think about this?

3-row SUVs are highly compromised in the rearmost space, because balancing luggage vs seating space compromises both use cases. Unless you go to an Escalade/Suburban size class, a 2-row vehicle is better for your use case for people and dog.

To illustrate the space compromise further, have a look at the 3-row GLB, it’s a joke in the rearmost area for both people and luggage.

nc211

We have two kids now 15 and 13, and a 110lb lab dog. We rarely use the 3rd row (only in a jam for say school sport carpools). Jack the dog would never fit in our GLS with the 3rd row in use.

If you do go the route of the GLS, I do recommend the bench seat configuration for the second row. It helps to keep fiddo in the back and not roaming throughout the car while driving. Plus if you really need to, you can fold down the center seat backing to create a parrier between the kids, and Fiddo can lay between them at their height.

rickth

@dtl919 I find myself in a somewhat similar situation. Recently, my family expanded with the arrival of our baby just a month ago, and with two dogs, one weighing 40 lbs and the other 80 lbs. Considering that we'll be traveling frequently, we're looking for a vehicle that offers ample space for cargo and to accommodate all of us comfortably.I've already placed a deposit on a fully loaded 2024 GLS 450, which will total around $110k once everything is factored in. However, my decision-making process became more complex when someone from Audi reached out to me about the Q/SQ7. They're offering substantial discounts, nearly 15% off, for a fully loaded SQ7. What's particularly tempting about the SQ7 is its impressive engine power, driving experience, and exhaust system. Given the current economic climate, I'm uncertain whether spending $110k on a Mercedes is the most prudent choice, even though we can afford it. Concerns like the reliability of the 48v battery further complicate matters.

On the other hand, the issue of space is a real consideration for us, especially with a baby and two dogs. It's important to note that my wife prefers a car that's not too large, ruling out options like an Escalade.

So, I'm currently grappling with this decision, trying to strike the right balance between performance, cost, and practicality for our growing family.

EWL5

GLS should be roomier for dogs/people and Audi is not w/o it's reliability issues (and hence the desperation discounts, etc.).

You'll never see Costco offer discounts on MB or BMW whereas Audi currently has $1500 off for Q7/SQ7 right now from Costco through end of Oct. If maximizing value for your money, then have at it and get an Audi. Just make sure you're ok w/the smaller trunk!

dtl919

Talk about first-world problems. Lol

Indeed the 48V battery issues is a real concern. I can't even imagine if the vehicle breaks down during one of our camping trips where we have little to no cell reception!

On the other hand, I've also heard that on the Audi SQ7, it is very common to burn through 2qts of oil in between the scheduled oil changes.

CityBoy

I am watching this thread. 2023 SQ7 was not on my radar at all until I learned about $7500 rebate expiring this Sat. With an additional $1.5%K rebate for Costco members, it's $9K discount. So the lease price with the same cash on delivery is almost identical between $105K SQ7 and $93K GLS450. SQ7 is quick and grabby and feels "smaller" on the road. Inside it feels more like a passenger car than a truck. GLS feels more like a truck and the seating position is much higher. GLS feels more comfortable on the road as far as comfort during driving. I am leaning towards GLS despite $9K price advantage with 2023 SQ7. Thoughts?

js_cls

GLS if you need a 3-row most days with decent space in it and behind it. SQ7 if you are really looking for a 2-row SUV with an occasional use of a third row.

CityBoy

we rarely use 3rd-row seats - only when we have a company. An extra trunk space is important as we have two kids and constantly carry things for them.

EDIT: switching from MB to Audi is a no-go due to negative equity in the car if Audi buys it. With MB, we'll use 3-month "pull ahead" or whatever they call it when MBFS wipes 3 payments. So we are getting another GLS450.

ColeBlooded

Based on my experience with MB and Audi. Audi's drivetrains are nearly perfect. No hiccups with the transmissions and no 48v problems.

js_cls

Audi had there fair share of 48v issues same as MB with failure to starts/charges as well. If I remember correctly they sent out a TSB for all 48v vehicles.

CityBoy

I am no expert on Audi and from my limited online research, it looks that used Audi tank their prices like there is no tomorrow. Is this true?

js_cls

Audi's, Bimmers, and Benz's aside from the rare few models all do this. GLS is no different.

dtl919

Geez, that's really disappointing. It seems like this 48V battery issue has been ongoing for several years already and there's still no fix for both Mercedes and Audi. Maybe it's time to look at the BMW X7 or Lexus LX600.

CityBoy

We had no issues with the 48V battery or electronics in our 2021 GLS450.

js_cls

New X7's are having issues too, brake boosters have been failing, there's a stop sale, but even replacement boosters have failed, and there are a lot of drivetrain issues with the new S68 V8, as well as iDrive 8.0 gremlins. If getting an X7 I'd advise a pre-facelift 6-Cylinder.

For what its worth, the reports of MY23 and MY24 48V issues on GLE and GLS seem to be non-existant compared to MY20-22, but as always, YMMV.

dtl919

Thanks, that's a bit reassuring. Plus, I'm sure most GLS owners, especially those whom did not experience this issue would be showing up on forums.

I just took a peek at the BMW forums, and apparently, the new X7 also has issues with the knee air bags which initiated another stop sale.

Between the GLS580 and SQ7, I think I'm leaning more towards the GLS. I still feel our family should get a vehicle that's "fit-for-purpose" and a sporty SUV just doesn't vibe with me. It's not like I will be zipping around town or the back country roads with my new born child and a German shepherd in the back seats!