Q7 I (4L) vs M-Class / GLE W164 (ML): which is better?
Audi Q7 I (4L) (2005–2015) vs Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W164 (ML) (2005–2011): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Audi Q7 I (4L)
Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W164 (ML)Specifications
| Audi Q7 I (4L) | Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W164 (ML) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2005–2015 | 2005–2011 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.6 FSI V6 | 3.5 V6 (ML350) |
| Power, up to | 280 hp | 272 hp |
| Torque, up to | 360 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 086 mm | 4 780 mm |
| Width | 1 983 mm | 1 911 mm |
| Height | 1 737 mm | 1 815 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3 002 mm | 2 915 mm |
| Fuel tank | 100 L | 95 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 69 075 ₸ | ≈ 68 375 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Audi Q7 I (4L)
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- Powerful versions: up to 280 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Large fuel tank: 100 L
Cons
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class / GLE W164 (ML)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 272 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 95 L
Cons
- Engine Mercedes M272 (V6): balance shaft and intermediate shaft gear wear on engines before 2008
- Gearbox Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9): control board failure (speed sensors)
Engine (Mercedes M272 (V6)): wear of balance shaft and intermediate shaft gears on pre-2008 engines; intake manifold flap leaks.
Gearbox (Mercedes 7G-Tronic (722.9)): control board failure (speed sensors); valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- Q7 I (4L) — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
- M-Class / GLE W164 (ML) — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Q7 I (4L) or M-Class / GLE W164 (ML)?
Q7 I (4L): up to 280 hp, M-Class / GLE W164 (ML): up to 272 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Q7 I (4L) — about 69 075 ₸, M-Class / GLE W164 (ML) — about 68 375 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.