2019 GLS550 or Audi Q7 3.0T Prestige Luxury?

[Laszlo]

Okay, tomorrow I’m buying a new car. Replacing the ‘16 GL550 and it’s got to have the space and 7-seats. It is our family mobile and highway cruiser for our long trips.

I’ve got both dealerships positioned and it’s really down to choice now. The Benz I know well but the Audi, never owned one.

The Q7 looks amazing and comes with those new, beautiful 22s. It also has loads of tech including the upgraded suspension that includes four wheel steering. It’s Orca black with black interior, luxury package.

The Benz is gray, black interior with night package. It’s a nice looking rig but I’ve had some ups and downs with my GL. It’s built like a tank and safe. Not great in the rain and snow. The Audi should be amazing in the rain, probably the same in snow as the GL.

Argh... don’t know which one!! The Audi is so sexy.

We only use it for family related things, it’s not a daily.

Land Cruiser is out unfortunately.

Here’s a pic of the actual Audi I’m looking at, at Marin.

[Wesley Crusher]

Tough choice. Between the two, I’d say give the Q7 a shot since you’ve already owned the Benz. The Q7 is a real looker and the Quattro system is quite nice.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Tough choice. Between the two, I’d say give the Q7 a shot since you’ve already owned the Benz. The Q7 is a real looker and the Quattro system is quite nice.

I'm thinking the same thing, the Audi would be something different. I also have a choice of not getting the luxury package and that would save me some dime. It also gets better gas mileage. Hmmmm....

[mschafer]

I’ll get Q7, newer and different tech, the GLS update is coming next year. But if you only keep it a year or lease, there something about the MB built (I like our GLE). A friend has an older Q7 and it keeps on ticking and he’s happy.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by mschafer

I’ll get Q7, newer and different tech, the GLS update is coming next year. But if you only keep it a year or lease, there something about the MB built (I like our GLE). A friend has an older Q7 and it keeps on ticking and he’s happy.

The next gen GLS will be decent from what I've read. I spoke to my dealer about them and can order one in August (I think that's what he said.) Anyway, for the 550 I'm told mark-up. And that then puts me over a year-and-half away from the next gen.

[selpo]

We have a 2011 Q7 Prestige and is a solidly built vehicle, quatro is amazing and great technology but expensive to fix if you have any issues. We had a CEL come on at 51000 miles and ended up having to replace a couple of sensors and a hose, cost us $3200. One xenon light bulb replaced at 60000 miles for $400 and just now, replaced AC blower at 71000 miles for $1000.
It is also known to have issues with water leak from the panorama sunroof and blockage of the AC drain resulting in water coming in the footwell. We did not have the first issue but did have the drain blocked.
Have 2 MB sedans without any issue.
Extended warranty is not thru Audi but a third party.
Waiting for the new GLE and the 2020 GLS to be available.
Obviously, YMMW.
In the end, both are great vehicles and with an Extended warranty, should be fine.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by selpo

We have a 2011 Q7 Prestige and is a solidly built vehicle, quatro is amazing and great technology but expensive to fix if you have any issues. We had a CEL come on at 51000 miles and ended up having to replace a couple of sensors and a hose, cost us $3200. One xenon light bulb replaced at 60000 miles for $400 and just now, replaced AC blower at 71000 miles for $1000.
It is also known to have issues with water leak from the panorama sunroof and blockage of the AC drain resulting in water coming in the footwell. We did not have the first issue but did have the drain blocked.
Have 2 MB sedans without any issue.
Extended warranty is not thru Audi but a third party.
Waiting for the new GLE and the 2020 GLS to be available.
Obviously, YMMW.
In the end, both are great vehicles and with an Extended warranty, should be fine.

The new GLE is sweet and will be a home run for sure. I believe it goes on sale in late Nov '19.

[timedate]

Originally Posted by selpo

We have a 2011 Q7 Prestige and is a solidly built vehicle, quatro is amazing and great technology but expensive to fix if you have any issues. We had a CEL come on at 51000 miles and ended up having to replace a couple of sensors and a hose, cost us $3200. One xenon light bulb replaced at 60000 miles for $400 and just now, replaced AC blower at 71000 miles for $1000.
It is also known to have issues with water leak from the panorama sunroof and blockage of the AC drain resulting in water coming in the footwell. We did not have the first issue but did have the drain blocked.
Have 2 MB sedans without any issue.
Extended warranty is not thru Audi but a third party.
Waiting for the new GLE and the 2020 GLS to be available.
Obviously, YMMW.
In the end, both are great vehicles and with an Extended warranty, should be fine.

your definition of a great vehicle is the polar opposite of mine

[mfer]

I have a Audi salesman friend and he says the maintenance on them is incredibly steep. It is the perfect car to lease. He is speaking to the Q5/Q7.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by mfer

I have a Audi salesman friend and he says the maintenance on them is incredibly steep. It is the perfect car to lease. He is speaking to the Q5/Q7.

I usually sell or trade in before warranty expires. It's really hard owning any modern car these days more than 4-years. Extended warranties help but only if through the dealership/manufacturer. Third-party isn't great, so I avoid those situations. I've heard Audi's can be lemons though. But so can Mercedes. My wife's good friend had to return her Audi. But I know a guy at work and he's Audi has been flawless.

My GL550 has had a few major issues. The entire exhaust system has been replaced twice. There is this little fan inside that cools the turbos that disintegrated which pushed blade parts into the entire system which required a major job on the engine. The GL also has creaking (flexing), that's so bad that any imperfection in the road make noise in the b-pillar. There's absolutely nothing Mercedes can do to fix this. That's pretty much it.

And here are things that irk the heck out of me about Mercedes, and this GL. In 2013, it came with double-pane glass. It shared this w/GL63. So it was super sublime and quiet inside. In 2016, Mercedes cheapened this and removed the double-pane glass. So it's the loudest ride we have. My Golf R is literally more quiet. Second thing, Mercedes cheaps out again and remove the headlight washers. So on long trips in the winter the headlights get filthy. And even more penny pinching, only one mirror has defrost, the passenger one does not. All of this was removed from the GL550 in 2016. I really, really dislike that kind of value engineering to save a few pennies on a truck that has a very high MSRP.

... But... the materials used inside are top notch. Stereo is decent. Ride is great. And it can actually do pretty darn well off-road. And the GLS, does have improvements.

[BNA/LION]

I VOTE for 2019 Mercedes GLS550

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by BNA/LION

I VOTE for 2019 Mercedes GLS550

Thanks, Larry!

The GLS with night package is a looker. My current GL is huge. I can load it up like you wouldn't believe.

[1st amg]

We had a new generation GLS until recently. We have also had the previous two generations of GL. I can say that the GLS was a big improvement. Even ride quality was improved. I think that Q7 you posted pics of is a real looker. Maybe give it a try, you seem to move out of them after 3 or 4 years anyway. I sold the gls to try something competent different, and if anything, I can go back to MB whenever. Have fun with it. Change is good sometimes, it makes you realize what you had was good or maybe be pleasantly surprised with other brands. My vote is.....GLS is you want to lay it safe and the new Q7 to venture and explore. Isn't car shopping fun!

[GB-man]

I’d prolly stick to benz but given your history I can see why you’re considering jumping ship.

Have you entertained the Land Rover Discovery or Lincoln Navigator?

I feel like if I truly needed a 3rd row I’d want a monster like a navigator.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I’d prolly stick to benz but given your history I can see why you’re considering jumping ship.

Have you entertained the Land Rover Discovery or Lincoln Navigator?

I feel like if I truly needed a 3rd row I’d want a monster like a navigator.

The Navigator is awesome but my wife is scared to drive it. I definitely considered the Disco but there are none to be found. It’s odd. Only like 4 in the entire Bay Area. I do like them a lot but unfortunately timing isn’t good. Tomorrow will be interesting.

[GoingPlaces]

GLS no question. The 2019 is the last of the current generation which is always the better build since they have worked out the gremlins. Also, the GLS is a much more substantial vehicle than the Audi and you get a V8 which is an entirely different driving experience.

[BBL]

Hi Stephen: Interesting..........

Just did a look-see on internet.

One safety feature Audi has: Low-speed automatic emergency braking is standard on all trims (backing up collision brake assist).
See this article:

https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/audi_q7_2019


Further: comparison indicates slightly longer leg space front and mid, better fuel mileage and couple inches shorter for Audi (may help a wee bit parallel parking?). Other differences between the two 2019 cars, see link:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/compar...ass_d930_d2421



DM

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by BBL

Hi Stephen: Interesting..........

Just did a look-see on internet.

One safety feature Audi has: Low-speed automatic emergency braking is standard on all trims (backing up collision brake assist).
See this article:

https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/audi_q7_2019


Further: comparison indicates slightly longer leg space front and mid, better fuel mileage and couple inches shorter for Audi (may help a wee bit parallel parking?). Other differences between the two 2019 cars, see link:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/compar...ass_d930_d2421



DM

You’re absolutely the best!! :-) You know you’re my fav!

[swils8610]

MB for me. I’ve seen way to many Audi issues with reliability.


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[timepieceluvr]

Full disclosure: I’m a generally a Benz fan (I drive a 17 S550) but the wife has the 2018 GLS550, it’s been really great. She had a 2013 Range and a 2015 Escalade prior to the 550 and the Benz blows those both away. It just rides and drives much better. The interior is a little dated but the quality of materials is top notch. The Q7 is smaller, V6 only, just not the same as a twin turbo V8. The only thing I’d be concerned about is how vicious the depreciation is when the new one is released but 100K cars are hideous investments anyway. We can’t wait to see the new 2020.


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[tritium8]

I've put over 100k miles on my Q7 and I still get excited to drive it. With Summer tires (295/35/21) and the Quattro, it handles like a sports car. I have a deposit on an e-tron but I'm afraid it's too small to suit my needs. The new Q7 is on my short list of cars to replace my current car. I don't think you'll be disappointed. I've only driven the GLS450. We rented one for a week in Florida. It's a comfy ride but not as exciting at the Audi.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by tritium8

I've put over 100k miles on my Q7 and I still get excited to drive it. With Summer tires (295/35/21) and the Quattro, it handles like a sports car. I have a deposit on an e-tron but I'm afraid it's too small to suit my needs. The new Q7 is on my short list of cars to replace my current car. I don't think you'll be disappointed. I've only driven the GLS450. We rented one for a week in Florida. It's a comfy ride but not as exciting at the Audi.

Very kind assessment. The GL has not once tickled me in any emotional way. It’s a decent ride, but not emotive. It’s been somewhat of a tool verses something I actually ‘want’ to drive.

[btinl]

I have a 2017 Q7 3.0T prestige with the black optics package. I love it. It’s amazingly nimble for a larger vehicle. It’s quick. I haven’t had any issues with it over the past two years.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by btinl

I have a 2017 Q7 3.0T prestige with the black optics package. I love it. It’s amazingly nimble for a larger vehicle. It’s quick. I haven’t had any issues with it over the past two years.

Thank you.

[betterwatchit]

Audi! Have you thought about the Q8?

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by betterwatchit

Audi! Have you thought about the Q8?

The Q8 is fantastic but it doesn’t have as much space. But an impressive car nonetheless.

[Cru Jones]

Beteeen those two exact models, the M-B.

I don’t think I’d want 22 inch wheels for a family truckster/highway hauler.

[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

Beteeen those two exact models, the M-B.

I don’t think I’d want 22 inch wheels for a family truckster/highway hauler.

Has been a concern but the adaptive chassis off-sets what would normally be a harsh ride. That option alone is what’s selling me the most. If it wasn’t there I would not choose the Q7.

[Laszlo]

Poll is a dead heat.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Poll is a dead heat.

Still essentially a dead heat.

Exciting.