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A Luxury SUV Comparison: The 2026 Audi Q7 vs the BMW X5 vs the Mercedes-Benz GLS

Are you searching for a large luxury SUV that represents an outstanding value? We believe the 2026 Audi Q7 fits that description better than its competition. The Q7 has an abundance of interior space, luxurious features, and first-rate performance, at a price that won't break the bank.

At the same time, we recognize that you might also be considering the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS. So here's a comparison of these three luxury vehicles to demonstrate that the Audi Q7 is the most appealing option.

What's new for 2026 in the Audi Q7?

The Audi Q7 in the Premium trim now has a Convenience Plus package available, and it comes with a heated steering wheel, a 360-degree camera, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, and the extra style of 20-inch wheels. When you get the Premium Plus trim with the V6 engine, the package includes ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, four-zone automatic climate control, and power closing doors. The Q7 Prestige model gives you a rear-wheel steering system, and the result is a tighter turning radius. This trim also offers a new Sport Plus trim level package, a luxurious massage capability, a sport-tuned air suspension system, and a leather interior.

The 2026 Audi Q7 vs the 2026 BMW X5

The 2026 Audi Q7 wins right out of the gate with its starting price of $63,890. That compares favorably with the more expensive starting price of $68,775 for the 2026 BMW X5. The newest edition of the Audi Q7 includes standard all-wheel drive (AWD), but you'd have to pay extra for that in the BMW X5. Another point worth noting is that the Audi Q7 with the V6 engine can tow up to 7,700 pounds. That beats the BMW X5 with a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. Both luxury SUVs operate with an eight-speed automatic transmission, so you'll get the benefit of a smooth and comfortable ride.

Even with its lower price tag, the Audi Q7 comes with three rows and can seat a family of seven. Meanwhile, the more expensive BMW X5 has seating for only five. The new Audi Q7 also features standard three-zone automatic climate control, and you can upgrade to four-zone climate control on the Premium Plus trim if you get the one with the V6 engine.

The 2026 Audi Q7 vs the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Audi Q7 also does well when it's compared with the Mercedes-Benz GLS, and the price advantage is even greater. Both the Q7 and the GLS have three rows with seats for up to seven. Both the Q7 and the GLS are the largest SUVs in their respective lineups. But the Audi Q7 gives you a lot more for your money. In fact, the Q7 starts at $63,890, and the Mercedes-Benz GLS has a far higher starting price of $91,400.

In other words, the GLS would cost you $27,500 more than the Audi Q7, and that's just at the entry level. Bottom line: The Audi Q7 offers many of the same benefits, including a high level of luxury, at a much more affordable price. Case in point. The Audi Q7 offers a V6 engine that can take you from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The comparable V6 engine in the Mercedes-Benz GLS is only slightly faster, reaching 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. It's hard to justify an extra $27,500 just to get a .4 of a second faster acceleration time, isn't it?

The Q7 gives you features similar to the GLS, without the high price

Both luxury SUVs have premium amenities like massaging seats, but the Audi Q7 provides leather seating as a standard, feature while you have to pay extra to get that in the GLS. The Audi Q7 not only costs thousands of dollars less, but it keeps saving you money with 26 MPG on the highway, compared with 24 MPG on the highway for the Mercedes-Benz GLS. As you can see, the Audi Q7 is an exceptional value, and it's well worth a test drive at Audi South Austin in Austin, TX.

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