The luxury Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment in India has been dominated by German car manufacturer Audi in the recent past. Models like Q3, Q5 and Q7 have enjoyed a loyal customer base in India and any challenge from rivals has been faced well by Audi. However, the success of Audi has been rivalled by Mercedes-Benz, which has devised a new aggressive strategy with the introduction of several new cars. The competition in the SUV segment has been brewing up since the launch of Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, which is taking on the likes of Audi Q7. A lot of reports have been made, wherein analysts have compared the GL Class SUV and the Q7.
It has been a long time since Audi Q7 made its debut in the Indian auto market and since then, the model has received plenty of changes whether be it in the engine or design. Presently, the car is available in both petrol and diesel fuel options in the Indian auto market. The petrol version of Q7 is equipped with a V6-cylinder direct fuel injection engine, which has a displacement of 2995 cc. Owing to the 245 bhp of maximum power and 440 Nm of peak torque, it can clock from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6.9 seconds. On the other hand, the auto maker has offered two variants with its diesel engine. The standard 3.0-litre V6 TDI quattro engine produces 180 bhp of power while giving away a torque of 550 Nm. Q7 is also available in a powerful V8-cylinder 4.2-litre quattro version, which generates a peak output of 250 bhp while attaining a maximum torque of 800 Nm. These three versions come along with the same 8-speed tiptronic transmission system, which channelises the produced output to the wheels.
While talking about the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, the auto maker has offered it as GL 350 CDI Launch Edition in the Indian auto market. The model has been equipped with a 6-cylinder 2987 cc engine, which overpowers its rival's base diesel variant from 258 bhp of peak power and 619 Nm of highest torque. As told by the company officials, this car can clock speed of 0 to 100 kmph in 7.9 seconds. Mercedes-Benz GL-Class has a 7-gear automatic transmission system with an all-wheel drive electronic traction system. This car is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 220 kmph.
On comparing the engine and performance, both the cars of their respective companies derive power from almost same engines, but the SUV of Mercedes-Benz scores over Audi Q7 by small whisker, owing to its powerfully tuned engine. The sole credit that rests in hand of Audi Q7 can be its 4.2-litre TDI engine, which has been specifically tuned to offer a superlative performance. Taking about the other important aspects of designing the car, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class clearly overshadows Audi Q7 through its Modular Front Architecture platform. The main reason of GL-Class enjoying a good response in India is due to its aggressive and newly styled front fascia. Apart from it, the car is much more wider than Audi Q7. In terms of advancements, the Mercedes-Benz SUV is provided with contemporary features that helps in providing utmost comfort to its passengers.
As far as pricing of both the cars are concerned, the base model of Audi Q7 comes at an ex-showroom price Rs. 61 lakh, which can further go up till Rs. 1 crore. While for GL-Class, the price now starts from Rs. 72 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). So, the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class scores a notch above Audi Q7, which is fast ageing and demands a facelift version any time soon in order to counter the growing competition.
