Comparison - Audi Q3 SUV 2017 - vs - Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 2017

General

Other Names:

Also called:

--

Also called:

GL-Class

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Model: 
Average Price: 
39,734
Updated: 
28 Nov 2016
74,929
Updated: 
01 Dec 2016
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2017
2016
Total Seating: 
5
7
Transmission: 
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
9-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
yes
Navigation: 
no
no
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
16.90gals
26.40gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Brilliant Black
#000000
Cortina White
#F3F2EE
Cuvee Silver Metallic
#8E9085
Florett Silver Metallic
#B2B2B2
Glacier White Metallic
#FFFFFF
Hainan Blue Metallic
#1E587E
Misano Red Pearl Effect
#B00108
Monsoon Gray Metallic
#505455
Mythos Black Metallic
#000000
Utopia Blue Metallic
#35435D
Color: 
Black
#000000
Dakota Brown Metallic
#403524
Diamond Silver Metallic
#C5CDD2
Iridium Silver Metallic
#ADB1B2
Lunar Blue Metallic
#18294B
Obsidian Black Metallic
#211810
Palladium Silver Metallic
#888785
Polar White
#E1E0DE
Steel Grey Metallic
#6A7575
designo Cardinal Red Metallic
#A02C32
designo Diamond White Metallic
#EDE4D7

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

he Audi Q3 is no longer the smallest Audi SUV – that mantle was taken by the dinky Q2 in 2016 – but that shouldn't put you off what is still a practical, well-built and desirable crossover.

On sale since 2011, the Q3 rivals cars like the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA. Its premium feel runs more than skin deep, as the compact Audi 4x4 offers an engaging, fun driving experience and genuine refinement thanks to solid design and engineering. Impeccable Audi build quality is reflected in a cabin that has a truly premium feel, too.

With a full range of safety kit and the desirable ‘four rings’ badge on its nose, the Audi Q3 is unsurprisingly in strong demand. The downsides? This quality doesn’t come cheap – especially if you go to town on the options – and despite its looks, the Q3 isn’t all that capable off-road.

Pros
Premium badge, classy interior, quattro 4WD option

Cons
Conservative styling, pricy extras, dated interior

By: 
autoexpress.co.uk

When it comes to luxurious interior design and a smooth ride, the 2017 Audi Q3 delivers. You'll also like how this baby Audi's sharp styling mimics that of the more expensive Q5. But read more to learn how the veteran Q3 stacks against newer rival crossovers.

For 2017, the Audi Q3 has a new Premium base trim level.

As the smaller sibling to Audi's popular Q5 compact crossover, the 2017 Audi Q3 has the qualities you'd hope to get from any Audi. You'll be quite comfortable driving it, and the cabin is quiet and crafted in high-quality materials. You get plenty of features for your money, too, at least relative to the more expensive Q5. But whether the Q3 is the best subcompact luxury crossover for you might depend on a few other factors.

Pros
Rides comfortably on rough roads
Quiet at highway speeds
High-quality materials inside the cabin
Cargo capacity beats some competitors
Plenty of available features.

Cons
Not the best option in the class for dynamic performance
Ranks at the back of the pack for fuel economy
Tight rear seating for adults
Less-than-ideal infotainment control placement.

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Audi Q3 isn't the most space-efficient or fuel-efficient in its class, but it gives compact luxury shoppers the ride comfort, easy maneuverability, and flexible cabin they seek.

The Audi Q3 is functionally attractive, but not as beautiful as some of the brand's larger models.

The 2017 Q3 is heavier than it should be, but it's remarkably maneuverable and nimble.

A smooth ride and good seats (especially the optional sport seats) help forgive the otherwise very tight, somewhat stark interior.

The 2017 Audi Q3 earns great crash-test ratings from the IIHS, but it's lacking front crash prevention.

Take it easy on the options; we think the Q3 is the best value in base all-wheel-drive form.

With highway ratings that don't reach 30 mpg on the highway, the Audi Q3 has unremarkable fuel economy.

Pros
Smart packaging for tight spaces
Great turbocharged engine
Great interface, maps
Excellent ride quality
Pert handling

Cons
Tight rear seat
More a hatchback than an SUV
Lackluster gas mileage
No manual here

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The GLS-Class officially makes its debut for 2017, though it's really a slightly revised version of the outgoing GL-Class. Highlights include modified exterior styling, a newly standard nine-speed automatic transmission (except on the AMG GLS 63) and a touchpad-operated infotainment system with a larger screen and available Apple CarPlay. Also, all engines except the GLS450's turbocharged V6 get a bit more horsepower this year.

Pros
Third row is large enough for adults
Spirited acceleration with any of the three gasoline engines
Impressive fuel economy with the diesel engine
Quiet cabin with high-end trimmings and features.

Cons
Diesel-powered model feels relatively slow when passing and merging
Big price jump from the six-cylinder models to the V8-powered versions.

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS gets the first-class upgrade along with its name change—and a Maybach edition is waiting in the wings.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class marks a significant, mid-cycle upgrade for what was previously knew as the GL-Class. As part of a nomenclature change sweeping the entire brand, each of the German luxury maker's sport-utility vehicles has received new badging and a full or partial makeover to bring the lineup into more obvious parallels with its sedans—so this large, three-row SUV becomes the GLS, to align it with the largest S-Class sedan. Hence the S in its new name.

Pros
Spacious, flexible interior
Rugged-lux, with some added panache
Great set of safety, infotainment features

Cons
Not an entirely new vehicle
Some switchgear looks dated
Cumbersome COMAND interface

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class ranks 1 out of 8 Luxury Large SUVs. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS hits most of the right notes for a large SUV. It boasts a supple ride, three powerful engine choices, three rows of roomy seats, and the same level of luxury that has come to be synonymous with the brand. However, the GLS has fewer standard features than many rivals do, and its available V8 engines are less fuel-efficient than those offered by many competitors.

Pros
Powerful engine lineup
Smooth ride
Three rows of spacious seats

Cons
Fewer features than some rivals
V8 engines get subpar fuel economy

By: 
usnews.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Premium Unleaded
Diesel
Fuel Economy City USA: 
20.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
28.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Diesel

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
16
24
Cylinders: 
4
Inline
6
V
Engine Size/Displacement: 
2.00L
3.00L
Torque: 
207ft-lbs
at 1 700rpm
455ft-lbs
at 1 600rpm
Horsepower: 
200hp
at 5 100rpm
255hp
at 3 600rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
38.70Feet
40.70Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
no
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
no
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Audio controls on steering wheel
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation)*
Roadside Assistance*
Destination Download*
Concierge Service*
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Manual rear seat easy entry

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
172.60in
201.60in
Width: 
72.20in
84.30in
Height: 
62.60in
72.80in
Ground Clearance: 
6.70in
8.50in
Front Track: 
61.90in
Rear Track: 
62.00in
Wheel Base: 
102.50in
121.10in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
37.00
41.20
Rear Head Room: 
37.40
40.00
Front Leg Room: 
40.00in
40.30in
Rear leg room: 
31.10in
38.50in
Front Hip Room: 
58.00in
Front Shoulder Room: 
55.80in
58.50in
Rear Hip Room: 
56.10in
Rear Shoulder room: 
53.60in
58.30in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
48.20cu.ft
93.80cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
4400lbs
7500lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
16.70cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
25.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
23.00degrees
Curb Weight: 
3494.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
no
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
no
yes
More Power Features: 
4 one-touch power windows
Heated mirrors
Remote keyless power door locks
4 one-touch power windows
Heated mirrors
Remote keyless power door locks
Reverse tilt passenger only provides curb view when vehicle in reverse

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
Multi-level heating passenger seat
8 -way power passenger seat
8 -way power driver seat
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Multi-level heating driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Height adjustable driver seat
Height adjustable passenger seat
Leather
Bucket front seats
10 -way power driver seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Leatherette
8 -way power passenger seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Rear Seats Features: 
Split-folding rear seatback
Folding with pass-thru center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts
Power folding split-bench third row seats
Reclining rear seats
Folding center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts
Split-folding rear seatback

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Multi-link front suspension
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
Multi-link rear suspension
Rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-wheel independent suspension, Front and rear stabilizer bar
Four-wheel independent suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
no
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Leather steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
Leather steering wheel
Sun sensor
Turn signal in mirrors

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
no
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
Bose premium brand speakers
14 total speakers
465 watts stereo output
Speed sensitive volume control
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media contro
1 subwoofer(s)
Surround audio surround audio (discrete)
3 Months of provided satellite radio service
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
USB connection
Memory card slot

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Variable intermittent rain sensing wipers
Rear window wiper
Roof rack
Variable intermittent rain sensing wipers
Remote sunroof operation
Privacy glass
Power glass sunroof
Roof rack
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
18 x 7.0
19 x 8.5
Wheels more: 
All season tires
Inside mounted spare tire
Temporary spare tire
Inside mounted spare tire
Temporary spare tire
Null spare wheel
All season tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
235.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R18
Width: 
275.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R19

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Ventilated front disc
Front ventilated disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
solid rear disc brakes
rear ventilated disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Xenon high intensity discharge headlamp
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Rear center 3-point belt
Turn signal mirrors
Rear height adjustable headrests
Post-collision safety system
Stolen Vehicle Tracking/Assistance*
Airbag Deployment Notification*
PARKTRONIC w/Active Parking Assist
Rear height adjustable headrests
Rear center 3-point belt
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Post-collision safety system
Brake drying
Pre-collision safety system
Emergency braking assist
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Turn signal mirrors
Rear Side Air Bags (SPC)
Emergency Service*
Vehicle Alarm notification*

Options

Packages: 
Convenience Package
Sport Package
Audi MMI Navigation Plus Package
Exterior Options: 
Audi Guard Wheel Lock Kit
19" 5-Double-Spoke Offroad-Design Wheels
Front Grille Filler Panel
Front License Plate Holder
Interior Options: 
Homelink - Black
Homelink - Silver
Stainless Steel Pedal Caps
First Aid Kit
Audi Cargo Box
Audi Guard Cargo Mat
Black Cloth Headliner
Audi Guard Protection Kit

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Black, leather
#2D2D2D
Chestnut Brown, leather
#543D37
Rock Gray, leather
#969690
Color: 
Black, leather
#131313
Black, leatherette
#131313
Crystal Grey/Black, leather
#A3A1A0
Espresso Brown, leatherette
#483F3D
Ginger Beige/Black, leather
#9E8B7C
Ginger Beige/Black, leatherette
#B6A598
Ginger Beige/Espresso Brown, leather
#BBA899
Ginger Beige/Espresso Brown, leatherette
#9E8B7C
Saddle Brown/Black, leather
#936555
designo Espresso Brown Exclusive Nappa, premium leather
#534A48
designo Porcelain/Black Exclusive Nappa, premium leather
#C4BDB9