2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2025 Audi Q7

The 2025 Audi Q7 showcased a refined exterior with a new front fascia, featuring standard Matrix-design LED headlamps and distinctive daytime running lights. Audi's design updates included a tweaked front spoiler, rear diffuser, and a grille with vertical inlays, all contributing to a more cohesive look. Customization options allowed buyers to choose different finishes for the front bumper, door trim, and rear diffuser, with the Black Optic package adding black accents and Anthracite Gray Audi rings. The laser-etched badging on the B-pillar was a unique touch, and the Q7 was available in nine colours, including the new Sakhir Gold. The interior saw minimal updates, with limited choices in wood and carbon trim inlays and standard interior colours. Despite the lack of variety, the interior maintained a sleek appearance with stacked infotainment screens and extensive HVAC vents.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its heritage dating back to 1979. Subtle styling updates included a new grille and front and rear bumpers, while traditional features like the flat hood, prominent corner lights, and beefy doors remained unchanged. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the base G 550 models. The G-Class offered a wide range of wheel options and over a million combinations of exterior paint colours and interior trim through the Manufaktur program. Inside, the G-Class boasted a luxurious cabin with large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, creating a sci-fi aesthetic. The AMG models featured sportier steering wheels, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Audi Q7 offered two engine options for buyers. The base 45 TFSI featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 55 TFSI, standard on the Progressiv and Technik trims, boasted a 3.0-litre turbo V6 with 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The Technik trim provided smooth power delivery through an eight-speed automatic transmission, although the steering and transmission response in Dynamic mode left room for improvement. The Q7's handling was impressive, with minimal body roll, thanks in part to available all-wheel steering. Drive modes included Comfort, Dynamic, Individual, All Road, and Off Road, catering to various driving conditions. Fuel economy for the 55 TFSI was rated at 13.0 L/100 km in the city, 10.0 on the highway, and 11.7 combined, while the smaller engine offered slightly better efficiency.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class lineup included the gasoline G 550 and AMG G 63 models, along with the all-electric G 580. The G 550 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Both models incorporated a mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent four-wheel drive. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 96 km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved the same in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road performance. The G-Class excelled in off-road capabilities, with the G 63 offering a more luxurious and powerful experience.

The 2025 Audi Q7 featured heated front seats as standard, with additional amenities like a 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The Technik trim added a Bang & Olufsen stereo system and rear door sunshades, while the Luxury package included a massage function for the front seats. The Q7's three-row seating configuration was best suited for children in the third row, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space measured 402 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,011 and 1,970 litres with the seats folded. Small storage spaces were limited, with a shallow centre console and door pockets.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, offered a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom. The driving position was upright, reflecting its utilitarian origins. Cargo space was limited, with 640 litres available with the rear seats in place. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, comparable to midsize pickup trucks. Despite its size, the G-Class provided good forward visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2025 Audi Q7 featured the Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system with a 10.1-inch centre screen and a smaller screen for HVAC controls. The digital gauge cluster was configurable, and the menu structure was user-friendly, though the screen required a firm touch. Audi's navigation system, powered by Google Maps, was a standout feature, offering satellite view on the gauge cluster. The Audi App Store allowed downloads of third-party apps like Spotify and YouTube.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two 12.3-inch screens served as the gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen, creating a seamless display. The off-road menu provided useful information, and the "Transparent Hood" feature aided in navigating obstacles. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition enhanced the driving experience, while a Burmester 3D surround sound system and rear-seat entertainment system added to the luxury.

The 2025 Audi Q7 came equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the lane-centring feature was less robust compared to competitors. The Q7 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top marks in crashworthiness from the IIHS for the 2024 model.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was expected to include standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for potential crashes. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature.