When you’re looking for a premium SUV, your options are vast, but there are key contenders that often top the list: Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. If you’re currently considering the Audi Q7 Technology but are wondering whether to stick with it or explore alternatives from Mercedes-Benz and BMW, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll break down the merits of the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and BMW X7, and give you the information you need to make the best decision based on your priorities.
1. Audi Q7 Technology – A Strong Contender
The Audi Q7 is a spacious and well-rounded luxury SUV that excels in several areas. Here’s why it might be a great choice for you:
Pros:
- Interior and Comfort: The Audi Q7 has a beautifully designed cabin with high-quality materials and an intuitive layout. The Technology trim comes with a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and a 8.6-inch lower touchscreen for climate and comfort settings. This tech-forward approach is especially appealing if you value cutting-edge technology in your vehicle.
- Quattro All-Wheel Drive: Audi’s signature Quattro system ensures that you’ll have excellent traction and stability in all driving conditions, whether it’s snowy weather or slick roads.
- Interior Space: The Q7 offers seating for up to seven passengers, and while its third row may not be as spacious as some competitors, it is still a good option for families or those who occasionally need extra seats.
- Driving Experience: It provides a smooth and comfortable ride, with adaptive air suspension available for a more refined experience. It also strikes a good balance between performance and comfort, with available turbocharged engines that offer plenty of power.
Cons:
- Price: Audi’s premium features and technology come at a price, and the Q7 is not the most budget-friendly in its segment.
- Third-Row Space: While usable, the third-row space in the Q7 may not be as comfortable for adults compared to some other SUVs in this category.
2. Mercedes-Benz GLE – The Luxury Powerhouse
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is another excellent premium SUV option, offering luxury, performance, and plenty of tech features. Here’s a closer look at what the GLE offers:
Pros:
- Refined Luxury: The Mercedes GLE offers one of the most luxurious interiors in its class, with impeccable materials and a tech-forward design. The MBUX infotainment system, with its 12.3-inch dual-screen setup and natural language voice recognition, is a standout feature.
- Powerful Engine Options: The GLE comes with a variety of powertrains, from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to a more potent 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid assistance. You can even opt for the AMG versions if you’re looking for something sportier.
- Excellent Ride Quality: The GLE features air suspension on higher trims, which ensures a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rougher roads.
- Spacious Interior: The cabin is spacious, and with options for three-row seating, the GLE is an excellent choice for larger families.
Cons:
- Price: Like the Audi, the Mercedes-Benz GLE comes at a premium price, especially when you start adding optional features and packages.
- Technology Learning Curve: While the MBUX system is cutting-edge, it can sometimes be overwhelming for those not used to complex infotainment systems. It may take time to learn all the features.
3. BMW X7 – Performance Meets Luxury
BMW’s X7 is a flagship luxury SUV that offers a perfect blend of performance, luxury, and technology. Here’s how it compares:
Pros:
- Impressive Performance: If driving dynamics are your top priority, the BMW X7 might be the best choice. Its inline-six and V8 engines deliver excellent power and performance, and the X7 handles like a much smaller vehicle thanks to precise steering and an adaptive suspension system.
- Luxurious Interior: Inside, the X7 is a true luxury experience with high-quality materials, ample space, and a 12.3-inch digital display for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The interior can be customized to suit your tastes, with multiple trim options.
- Third-Row Seating: The X7 offers a more spacious and comfortable third-row than many competitors, making it a strong contender if you regularly need seating for seven.
- Tech Features: BMW’s iDrive 7.0 system is highly regarded for being user-friendly while still offering plenty of advanced features like gesture controls, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Cons:
- Price: Like the Audi and Mercedes-Benz, the BMW X7 is on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, especially when you opt for premium features or engine upgrades.
- Cargo Space: The X7 has a decent amount of cargo space, but it isn’t the best in the class. If cargo capacity is a top concern, you may want to consider alternatives.
4. How Does the BMW 6 Series GT Factor In?
You’ve mentioned that you’re considering a 2018 BMW 6 Series GT, which is a luxury sedan, not an SUV. While the 6 Series GT is an excellent car, offering a more dynamic driving experience and premium luxury, it may not meet your needs if you’re specifically looking for an SUV. The 6 Series GT is lower in height and lacks the all-terrain capability, cargo space, and higher seating position that an SUV provides.
If you’re drawn to BMW’s driving dynamics but want an SUV, the BMW X5 or BMW X7 would be better alternatives. These models would provide the space, tech, and performance you’re after, while also fulfilling the practical needs of a premium SUV.
5. Decision Factors: What’s Best for You?
- For Luxury and Tech: If technology and a luxurious, high-tech cabin are your priorities, the Audi Q7 and Mercedes GLE are fantastic options. The Audi’s Virtual Cockpit and the MBUX system in the Mercedes are both top-tier in terms of user experience.
- For Performance and Driving Dynamics: If you value driving performance above all else, BMW X7 is the clear winner. It offers superior handling and a sportier, more engaging driving experience compared to the Audi Q7 and Mercedes GLE.
- For Space and Comfort: If you need plenty of room for passengers and luggage, the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLE are great choices, especially for families. Both offer ample interior space and comfortable third-row seating, while the Audi Q7 is a bit more compact in this regard.
Conclusion: Which SUV Should You Choose?
Ultimately, it comes down to your specific needs and priorities:
- Choose the Audi Q7 if you prefer a tech-forward SUV with a stylish design, a balanced ride, and the confidence of Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system.
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if you want refined luxury, cutting-edge tech, and a very comfortable ride, with options for both performance and practicality.
- Choose the BMW X7 if you want a high-performance luxury SUV that blends powerful engines with an upscale interior and top-tier driving dynamics.
Since you’re considering a 2018 BMW 6 Series GT, if your heart is set on a luxury SUV, it would be a better idea to explore the BMW X5 or X7 as they cater more directly to your needs for a premium SUV experience.