Replacing my Q7 - Comparing the usual suspects
 

I have a 2007 Q7 Premium 4.2L with 133k on it and getting something newer. After some initial issues the last 8 months of ownership have been trouble free, but I am itching to get something else.

The primary reason for getting the Q7 was it would pull my boat and had room for 7. It has done those things very well, but just like the idea of getting something new to me. I went out last weekend
and drove the following: 2012 Audi Q7 S-Line, 2012 MB GL550, and 2013 BMW X5 M-Sport Xdrive35i.

First I drove a Q7 V6T. It was interesting driving this to compare to my V8. It actually was in a little worse shape than mine, but I got an idea of what it was like. It is pretty much the same SUV, but with a
different drivetrain. The V6T puts out its power early and tampers off. The V8 is the opposite. It loves to twist the tach to redline. I could see how the V6T would get better mpg and between the lower
rpm power delivery and 8-speed transmission, it should be better at towing. Overall it felt a little slower and didn't have the nice throaty sound of the V8.

Second up was the GL550. It was in great shape and like new. Beautiful machine, but MB's have always felt like a Lincoln to me. The shifter was on the tree. The way the seat controllers work and then
the ride felt a little more floaty. Despite having 382hp and a 7-speed transmission it didn't feel as quick as my V8 powered Q7. The interior is pretty but didn't fit me well. I am 6'2" 205lbs and wear a 46L
jacket. My shoulders just don't fit in the front seat. My wife loved it though. My kids didn't like the middle row and overall like the Q7 better.

Third up and final drive was an X5 M-Sport Xdrive35i. It was by far the smallest, but to me, it felt at home instantly. The 3rd row is horrible. Middle row was similar to Q7 for comfort. Driving dynamics it felt more
like a car. If I had to have one car it would be it, but I am worried about it for towing. I don't think the drivetrain is built for it. It will do it, but the drivetrain life will likely be greatly shortened. The diesel version has
a different transmission and has better reviews so it could be an option. I really liked the idea of adding another N55 powered car since I am very familiar with them.

My ranks ended up:
Towing - 1st - GL550 2nd - Q7 3rd - X5
Comfort for 5 - 1st - X5 2nd - Q7 3rd - GL550
Comfort for 7 - 1st - GL550 2nd - Q7 3rd - X5
Style - 1st - GL550 2nd X5 3rd - Q7
Value - 1st - X5 2nd - Q7 3rd - GL550
Handling - 1st - X5 2nd - Q7 3rd - GL550

Depending on the trim level, the gasser 3.0 makes 280hp or 333hp. The 280hp variant comes in the base Premium trim. The 333hp variant comes in the Premium Plus and Prestige. 280hp version is slower than the 4.2L whereas the 333hp is slightly faster. The 333hp does it in 6.9s, the 4.2 does it in 7.0 and the 280hp does it in 7.7s. Food for thought.

That said, I love the diesel now that I have one (a P+ 2013). Totally different demeanor than the 4.2L, which is the only other V8 based on the RS4's engine (to my knowledge). Mine was Stage 1, but I'm pretty sure the '13-15 diesel is faster, I've seen it quoted as low as 6.4s versus 8.4s quoted for the '09-12.

All I have to say is, your nuts for thinking the 4L q7 has is more comfortable for 7 people. I fit nice in the 3rd row of a GL...forget about it in the Q7. 6"3" 230.
2nd row also not big enough for me in our Q...but I do fit really really nice in the driver seat which is what matters most I guess

I drove the Q7 S-Line with 333hp. I would be itching to chip it. It is interesting about the TDI's. I have seen them clocked between 6.4 and 8.4 from 0-60. The X5 has been clocked 6.1 for the 3.5d.

The GL is bigger in the back, but I didn't even try sitting back there. I went off what my kids said. They are all under 5'8" and they didn't like it as much as the Q7. They said it was more on par with our 2016 Honda Pilot. It surprised me.
They value they actual feel of the seat over legroom. I wanted to love the GL550. I love the rugged looks, bigger size, larger tow capacity, and powerful 5.5L V8, bu the driver seat might be the eventual deal breaker. My wife liked it, but
she really doesn't care as long as it doesn't give her trouble. (thus the Pilot)

Reliability has taken the X5 out of the running for me. The E70's had a recall for driveshafts and that just tells me it ain't built to tow.

The TDI's seem to bring a premium when I look. I need to find one and drive it. I am concerned they are slow compared to gas models when not towing.

I am going to have to check out a 2013+ GL450/550. I am curious how the sit. They will cost me more than I want to spend, but 429hp with 516lbs of torque in GL550 should be awesome.

Q7 is gone. Good and bad. Of course, my wife drove it yesterday and commented on how she liked it. First time I heard her say that.

Interesting. I am having troubles finding much bad about them. Below was the best I found.

X164
2007: early build GL450s have the dreaded balance shaft issue. GL320CDI very reliable.
2008: GL450s aren't bad, GL550 5.5L became a thing and are just AWESOME. GL320CDI still great.
2009: All GLs got a facelifted interior (mostly the front of the cabin.. BlueTEC became a thing unfortunately . I'd stay away from any BlueTEC diesels because they are nightmares. Do your research.
2010: Exterior facelift for GL350 and 450. Ugly mirrors though. 550 wasn't facelifted in the front for whatever reason... Would still stay away from BlueTEC. Interior ambient lighting became a thing on vehicles with premium leather package.
2011/12: Mirrors were facelifted on all mainly to acquire blind spot assist. GL550 front bumper was updated. GL450 & GL550 outstanding, very reliable. GL350 may had oil cooler seals updated. Still would stay away.

X166
2013/14: Entire new vehicle. M278s are just amazing and as reliable as they come. I don't have much knowledge on the BlueTEC but I've heard that the oil cooler still leaks... New AMG model was introduced.
2015/16: 3rd row fixed sunroof removed from then on, nothing too interesting here.
2017+: Facelift.


One guy's 150k review.