1. Introduction
Full size SUVs are again becoming the kings of the roads that they used to be. What with the plethora of compact SUVs and SUV juniors, and the war with mini vans, it's a wonder there are still full time SUVs out there still holding their own. Well, luckily for SUV lovers, there are as with the decline in crossovers, the full size SUVs are back. The good news is that automotive engineerig has not been idle as concerns the big guys.
Germany especially continues to churn out top power autos that are stronger, bigger and still give their core market a lot to smile about. In this article, Naijauto.com lines up 3 full size SUVs: Audi Q8, Mercedes-Benz GLS and the BMW X7! Thrilled as we are? Here is what you need to know about each of them:
2. Overview of the 2019 Audi Q8
The latest design of the Audi Q8 is sleek and impressive. It's acutally a softer edged Lamborghini Urus. It's been said that this car borrows from a lot of other full size SUVs like the Porsche Canyenne. After their presenting the concept in January 2017, at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit Michigan, Audi Q8 emerged all new in Malaysia in March 2019. The SUV is powered by a 3.0L engine.
| Price of Audi Q8 in Nigeria | |
| Model | Price |
| 2019 Audi Q8 (MSRP) | ₦24,264,000 - ₦27,558,000 |
| Tokunbo (foreign used) Q7 2007-2015 | ₦2,800,000 - ₦15,000,000 |
Audi Q8 is a Lamborghini Urus look alike
This vehicle is quite prepared to compete with the most luxurious full size SUVs in the business like the Land Rover Range Rover or Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q8 is buck full of features and runs on an 8-speed shiftable automatic in Hybrid version, with a powertrain that releases 335 hp @ 5000 rpm for if 3.0liter TFSI V6 engine. This can power up 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The car is also boosted with a well-equipped infotainment system.
Audi Q8 cockpit is elegant and has standard safety features
When producing this all-wheel drive vehicle, Audi did not shy away from a full outlay of all the security features that it needs as the car is equipped with Audi adaptive cruise assist, a feature that increases driving comfort, particularly when the driver is on a long journey. This system supports the driver with braking and lane positioning in congested traffic or at highway speeds.
Audi Q8 alloy wheel is sturdy
When compares to the compared to the Q7, The Q8 is slightly shorter in terms of both length and height and is slightly wider than the Q7. One drawback is the Q8 has less cargo space than the Q7.
>>> SUV vs Minivan: Which car should I buy to have more space with less money?
3. Overview of Mercedes-Benz GLS
We were not disappointed when the Mercedes-Benz GLS model 2020 debuted, as we expect everything that includes strength and durability from Mercedes everytime. The Range Rover had better watch out for this rival. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the third generation of since first production in 2006.
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a full-size luxury SUV optioned with an alternate engine for its two versions 450 and 580. The GLS 450 comes with a 3.0L turbo I6 and the GLS 580 approaches with 4.0L twin-turbo V8. The vehicle comes with spacious third-row seats that can accommodate adults and kids perfectly while still maintaining a spacious interior and a quiet cabin with comfy trim.
| Price of Mercedes-Benz GLS in Nigeria | |
| Model | Price |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS (MSRP) | ₦25,254,000 - ₦45,414,000 |
| Tokunbo (foreign used) Mercedes-Benz GLS 2008-2018 | ₦6,000,000 - ₦38,500,000 |
2020 Mercedes GLS in two trims, 450 and 580
GLS has three rows and seating for six and features backrest angle adjustment for the second row and electric folding for the third. The 2nd and 3rd rows folds to offer 94 cubic-feet of cargo room. Mercedes did not miss out on what their enthusiasts always love, which is speed; the GLS has a 4.0L twin turbo V8 with EQ Boost. The car also has a mild hybrid Mercedes-Benz GLS engine that puts out 504 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque to all wheels when the system is fully revving.
2020 Mercedes GLS has the trademark Benz high quality interior
The car interior is provided with features such as simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, driver-seat memory function, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a navigation system, voice controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 7-inch central display, Bluetooth, a 115-volt household-style power outlet, a sound system that incorporates USB ports, and an integration system that supports the Apple Car Play and Android Auto interface.
>>> See details here: Get excited with comprehensive lists of Mercedes Benz prices in Nigeria! (Update in 2019)
4. Overview of BMW X7
The BMW X7, unlike some luxury full-size SUVs like the Range Rover, has three rows of seats. When you sit in the X7, the middle row has the option of either a pair of luxurious individual seats, or a three-seat split bench which adds more to passenger comfort. The car comes with version xDrive50i with horsepower 456 at 0-60 MPH in 5.2 sec and X7 xDrive40i that runs on horsepower 335 and does 0-60 MPH in 5.8 sec.
| Price of BMW X7 in Nigeria | |
| Model | Price |
| 2019 BMW X7 2019 (MSRP) | ₦26,604,000 - ₦33,336,000 |
| Tokunbo (foreign used) BMW X6 2009-2015 | ₦8,500,000 - ₦39,000,000 |
BMW X7 redefines the traditional BMW elegance
The interior of BMW X7 is quite spacious with flawless materials, a stately design and top-notch interior construction. There is enough room behind the third-row seat for a couple of bags and the seat can accommodate kids and adults. In the car seats, there are pockets for your private items. The car is also an 8-speed shiftable automatic like the Audi Q8 and the seats are conveniently 16-way power front sport seats that include 2-way power side bolsters, a 4-way lumbar support and memory system for driver's seat and steering wheel
BMW X7's interior is also first class and spacious
With driver assists like the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), included Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying, Brake Stand-by features, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), and the Dynamic Brake Control, you are sure to enjoy a smoother ride and convenience.
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With the BMW X7 entertainment won’t be lost as it is jammed with Systems, speakers, Anti-theft AM/FM stereo with Radio Data System (RDS), CD player pre-wiring and the HiFi Sound System with 10 speakers and 205-watt digital amplifier.
BMW X7's cockpit has the latest tech gizmos
5. Comparison of Audi Q8, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and BMW X7 specs
To help you get better ideas over which one suits you more among three big boys, Naijauto has compiled this comparison table for you!
| Specification | 2019 Audi Q8 | 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS | 2019 BMW X7 |
| Price | ₦24,264,000 - ₦27,558,000 | ₦25,254,000 - ₦45,414,000 | ₦26,604,000 - ₦33,336,000 |
| Seats | No 3rd row, sits 5 | 3rd row seats, sits 6 | 3rd row seats, sits 7 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0L turbocharged V6. 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque | GLS 450 with 3.0L turbo I6 and the GLS 580 4.0L twin-turbo V8. | xDrive50i with 456 hp at 0-60 MPH in 5.2 sec and X7 xDrive40i 335 hp at 0-60 MPH in 5.8 sec. Also 8 speed shiftable transmission |
| Drivetrain | Quattro AWD | All wheel drive | AWD |
| Safety | Good safety feature | Mercedes safety standards | Standard plus safety |
| Wheels Interior |
Elegant interior | Trademark Mercedes interior | |
| Excellent interior | |||
| Exterior | Beautiful Urus like body | Solid and functional | Classic BMW design |
| Cargo | 60 cubic feet | 94 cubic feet | 90 cubic feet |
6. Verdict
Whichever of these full size boys you choose, you are bound to have a blast. However, it would appear the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7 both have a slight edge on th Audi Q8. If price is your biggest factor though, then the Aud Q8 is definitely your guy. Happy driving!
>>> Get more expert car reviews on Naijauto.com!
