Audi SQ7 VS Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Audi SQ7
Likes
- Growling V8 soundtrack
- Spacious, classy cabin
- Impressive ride and handling
Dislikes
- Lacks clever interior storage
- Engine is thirsty
- Expensive to service
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Likes
- Refinement
- Practicality
- Safety
Dislikes
- Modest steering feel
- So-so warranty
- Pricey servicing
Summary
Audi SQ7
The Audi Q7 has come in for its second facelift as it enters its ninth year of production while the younger Q8 is in for its first refresh.
But these two aren't like the Mitsubishi ASX and Eclipse Cross pair; Audi's MLB underpinnings were cutting edge at their launch 2015 and remain stand-out in the class with advanced suspension and chassis tech, connectivity and refinement.
A host of small visual and performance tweaks aim to make the range-topping SQ7 we're driving even better. But should you make the sensible seven-seat decision or go a little rogue and choose the sloping-roofed SQ8?
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4.0L turbo |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 12.1L/100km |
| Seating | 7 seats |
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
If you’re in the market for a full-size, seven-seat, luxury SUV you’re obviously living life large. Big family, lots of friends, dogs and cats, and heaps of activity - horses, boats, camping?
You’re not in the BIG big-buck orbit of the Bentley Bentayga, nor are you ready to plug into the electrified matrix with the Tesla Model X.
You’re aiming at a six-figure bullseye between $130,000 and around $150,000. On a three-year novated lease, somewhere around three grand a month.
Which takes in the chunky Lexus LX and German ‘Big Three’ - the Audi Q7, BMW X7, and this car, the new, third-generation, Mercedes-Benz GLS.
Mercedes-Benz Australia invited us to experience the car on a launch drive across city, suburban and rural roads.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.0L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid with Premium Unleaded |
| Fuel Efficiency | 9.2L/100km |
| Seating | 7 seats |
Verdict
Audi SQ77.9/10
There are newer options than the current Audi SQ7 and SQ8, including those which use the same platform, but don't write these luxury large SUVs off just yet.
It's a rare thing that a vehicle costing $200,000 has an air of pragmatism about it, but the SQ7 does. Its sensible leather upholstery, decent practicality, towing capability and near-excess of interior space make it a great family wagon.
As a counterpoint, the sharper looking SQ8 has minimal trade-off in comfort and interior room (at least for five) and is the kind of statement piece you'd expect for the price — especially in one of its loud paint colours.
Whichever way you leap, it's true that while the SQ7 and SQ8 are ageing, they are doing so gracefully and remain a superb option in this segment.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class8/10
The new GLS is everything you’d expect of a Mercedes-Benz with an S in its name. Luxury, performance, space, and in this case, thoughtful practicality. A super-capable, super-sized family truckster with the lot.
Design
Audi SQ7
If you're getting an SQ7, you'll want to tick the 'Black Pack' box because otherwise there are a lot of high-gloss silver details, especially at the rear that don't suit this tall and slightly awkward SUV.
The SQ8 is more convincing, appearing wider on the road with its new 'singleframe' grille design seemingly sucking it even closer to the tarmac like some kind of overgrown Audi RS3.
Both get an attractive new 2D design for the Audi rings and L-shaped grille details. These aid the SQ7's front end which is more muscular and purposeful than before.
The attractive lights have moved higher up the front end for enhanced presence, too. You get Matrix LEDs as standard but these candles are the hardcore HD Matrix items that feature laser light for further even longer light throw at night. They are simply awesome.
Fresh 22-inch alloy wheels and minor changes to badges finish off the exterior treatment for both cars.
The SQ8's bold specification — finished here in 'Sakhir Gold' — sets it apart from other SUVs as the metallic gold paint shimmers in the sunlight. The SQ8 is also available with whopping great 23-inch alloy wheels that you see here.
Inside, both cars share a similar architecture with 10.1-inch touchscreen for the multimedia and an 8.6-inch item below for heating and ventilation settings.
The SQ7 is a great example of a design ageing without dating, its confident horizontal lines and well-proportioned cabin features are as attractive as they were at launch, if less impressive than the related VW Touareg's whopping 15-inch screen or the minimalist Range Rover Sport.
Adding to the feeling of quality is that signature Audi smell — a combination of leather and the Sensory Package's perfume, no doubt. The SQ7 keeps a round-bottom steering wheel which remains one of the best in the business, it's just the right size and diameter trimmed with dimpled leather.
Final flourishes include the optional contrast red stitching and seatbelts as well as eye-catching turned aluminium trims.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class7/10
Launched globally in mid-2019, Merc describes the GLS as the S-Class of SUVs, which is apt given its 5.2m length, 2.5-tonne mass, and ultra-premium specification.
As mentioned, the GLS is big; a step up from the already substantial model it replaces. Built with the US market in mind, in fact it’s produced in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, it’s more than five metres long, close to two metres wide, and over 1.8m tall. And there’s more than three metres between the axles, a 60mm wheelbase increase over the previous model.
And despite the size of the canvas, the Benz design team has managed to make the GLS look like a modern Merc. Signature elements include obvious ones like the slatted grille with a couple of three-pointed stars on the nose.
But there’s also, the carefully chiselled twin ‘power dome’ bonnet, scowling LED headlights and vents to aid front brake cooling and smooth aero performance around the front of the car.
The big beast’s off-road intent is highlighted by extensions around the wheelarches, with big optional 22-inch rims sitting underneath. The fact they look right-sized for the car speaks volumes about its scale.
The racy AMG Line package is standard, and a recess and pronounced character line, tightening the lower waistline is a familiar Merc treatment, plus alloy roof rails toughen the look while dialling up practicality.
The rear is relatively simple, borderline generic, with tapered tail-lights offering the only strong whiff of design personality. But believe it or not, thanks to careful detail sculpting of the body, and smoothing underneath the car it boasts a drag figure of Cd 0.32. Outstanding aero performance for a large SUV.
The driver and front passenger are presented with a sweeping dashboard dominated by twin 12.3-inch digital screens, one primarily covering the instruments, and the central screen managing the MBUX media system, including audio, nav, phone integration, car set-up, and more, plus ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control.
The overall feel is simple, and restrained, yet massively confident, with a subtle colour palette, large squared-off elements defined by brushed metal finishes, and an obvious, intense attention to detail, from the haptic controls to the beautifully finished, multi-function steering wheel.
And the standard Burmester audio system includes a two-way in-car communication function that subtly amplifies the driver and front passenger’s voices for those in the third row, and vice versa. Sheer genius.
Practicality
Audi SQ7
The difference between aged and dated is best summed up, though, by the excellent usability of the SQ7's cabin controls.
The separate screen for ventilation, for example, makes it simple to adjust seat or vent temperatures without interrupting the main screen's navigation instruction or other media systems.
When using wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto the top screen is entirely devoted to the other software with no remnants of Audi's system. It runs smoothly at all times.
Switching back to Audi's system, and there's a lack of contrast to the dark main screen and navigation. The touch targets are huge, though, and the satisfying click of the haptic feedback is welcome when driving. It seems expensive and natural in a world of feel-free touch operation.
Audi's 12.3-inch digital driver's display remains one of the best in the business. Legible and customisable with bespoke sport modes and the ability to show a full-size map, if you wish.
You can keeping devices charged with a wireless pad or there are two USB-C ports under the cushy centre armrest. A 12-volt socket is also available, and two more charge points are found in the back.
If there's one criticism in the front, it's the fairly limited storage. The door bins are big enough for a 600mL bottle but not much more and beneath the armrest the tray is shallow. The only other storage spots are the two cupholders which are the perfect size for a small take-away coffee.
While on the critiques, the drive mode selector is awkwardly hidden near the passenger below the touchscreen.
The seats are amazingly comfortable with ample support and power adjust for everything, including under-thigh length and bolsters. Several massage programs can be accessed through the menus, too.
Continuing the comfortable seating, the SQ7's second row is capacious with plenty of head, leg and toe room even for those over 180cm.
The bench slides forwards and backwards manually and the backrest is adjustable. A fold-down armrest contains two more small cupholders, and there are two separate climate zones, two vents and heated outboard seats.
However, folding and unfolding the second row is a bit complex and quite heavy work with a strange mix between electric and manual movement to access the third row — a Nissan Pathfinder does this better.
Once back there, the third row is passable for adults providing the second row is slid forward.
There are ISOFIX ports and top tether anchors for both power-deployed third row seats, so you can fit up to five children's seats in an SQ7.
The SQ8's second row is still generous but you do lose a small amount of headroom owing to the sloping roof design.
You also sacrifice some boot space, at 608L with five seats and 1755L with the second row folded. That's still a lot but the spacious SQ7's 793L/1921L figures are even better and 295L with all seven seats up is respectable. Both have sturdy 40/20/40 split-fold rear seats.
As the vehicles are equipped with air suspension, owners can raise or lower the boot floor to make it easier to load bulky objects if needed. A power tailgate is standard on both models.
A retractable luggage cover, netted pocket, boot lights and some underfloor storage complete the boot, however both cars lack a spare tyre of any sort. A tyre inflation kit is included.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class9/10
Space is obviously a critical factor here, and no surprise there’s copious amounts of it inside the GLS.
Front seat passengers enjoy plenty of breathing room, without feeling remote from one another, and there’s lots of storage in the shape of a large lidded box/armrest between the seats, a decent glove box, two big cupholders and jumbo door pockets with room for large bottles.
There’s one data-enabled USB port in the front, two charge-ports in the second row, and four in the third row. Shouldn’t be any complaints about powering mobiles, tablets or games.
The second row feels every millimetre the SUV limo. Simply getting in and out is made easier because an auto lowering function drops the car 25mm when one of the doors is opened.
I was able to sit behind the driver’s seat set for my 183cm position with heaps of head and legroom on offer. And there’s an extra 10cm of electrically adjustable travel to play with if those in the third row agree.
The fold-down centre armrest features a lidded storage tray and twin pop-out cupholders. There are netted pockets on the front seatbacks, and again, the door bins are big enough for large drink bottles.
Three adults across the rear is a breeze, there’s climate control ventilation, and a huge glass sunroof is standard. Rather than asking ‘Are we there yet?’ the kids will be disappointed when you arrive!
Then there’s what the Cleary family refers to as ‘the way back seat.’ A pair of third row seats for the lucky kids that get to inhabit their own little world. Getting in and out is relatively civilised thanks to electric slide and tilt for the second row seats, and space is generous. I could sit comfortably, so the kids will be all smiles.
With all seats upright cargo capacity is enough for a seven-person day trip (355L VDA). Press the button to fold the 50/50 split-fold third row down and your options expand substantially (890L). And with 40/20/40 split-folding second row lowered, transportation of a full, three-ring circus is on the cards (2400L). Overall, more space than the arch enemy BMW X7.
Plus, the ability to lower the car 50mm thanks to the standard air suspension makes life even easier. And one button lowers the second and third rows at the same time.
The spare is a collapsible space-saver, and towing capacity for a braked trailer is 3500kg, with a tow ball weight of up to 140kg. The ESP system also features a trailer stabilisation function that counters oscillation with “braking intervention.”
Price and features
Audi SQ7
Audi's range of Q7 and Q8 large SUVs starts at $117,284 for the 45TDI and there's a plug-in hybrid version from $152,284, both before on-road costs. The flagship SQ7 and SQ8 are $174,815 and $178,815, respectively.
The pair is a rare example of a discounted new car, albeit by a slim $585, so you'd expect these behemoths to offer comprehensive standard specification.
Features such as 22-inch alloy wheels, ambient interior lighting, soft close doors, power-adjust heated and ventilated seats, quad-zone climate control, 'Valcona' leather upholstery, a 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, full-length sunroof, navigation and a head-up display are included.
Naturally, options are available in packs and standalone choices with all vehicles we drove featuring at least one of the expensive box-ticks.
The 'Sensory Pack' seems a logical choice, bundling a 23-speaker, 1920-watt sound system with raising tweeters, 'Dinamica' headlining, massage seats, heated rear seats, Audi's air ioniser and interior perfume, extended leather upholstery and rear sun shades for $14,400.
Another major option is the $10,900 'Dynamic Package' with active roll stabilisation and Quattro Sport rear differential.
Stand-out stand-alone options include HD Matrix LED and Laser headlights combined with customisable OLED rear signatures ($3950) and the black exterior styling packages ($1850, or $2550 for the Plus version).
The as-tested price for the tow pack-equipped ($1500) 'Daytona Grey' car we spent most time in was rather high at $209,215 before on-road costs — that's over $30K worth of extras.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class8/10
The GLS launches in Australia with two models, the turbo-petrol GLS 450 4Matic at $146,500, before on-road costs, and the turbo-diesel GLS 400 d 4Matic at $153,300.
Specification is identical across the two variants, and when you’re competing against the likes of the Lexus LX570, Audi Q7 and BMW X7, as you might expect the list of standard features is lengthy.
Aside from the comprehensive suite of safety tech, covered in the Safety section below, the GLS equipment list includes, 21-inch alloy rims, adaptive high beam assist, air suspension, alloy roof rails, AMG body kit, a huge panoramic sliding glass sunroof, privacy glass from the B-pillar back, auto tailgate, keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, LED headlights, and power closing doors.
The power closing doors are a big plus for parents not wanting to disturb kids nodding off in the car, with the soft-touch function drawing the door in for the last few millimetres to an almost silent close.
Inside there’s ambient lighting (64 colours), strategically placed open pore oak wood trim, 13-speaker/590-watt Burmester surround sound audio, electric folding second and third row seats, a head-up display, ‘Mercedes-Benz’ branded illuminated sills, leather seat upholstery (‘Artico’ faux leather on the dash and doors), multi-adjustable electric seats in the front and second row (memory in the front), electrically adjustable steering column, leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, and five-zone climate control.
The multi-media system is spectacular, incorporating the twin 12.3-inch digital screens, the central media unit managing nav, digital radio, mobile device connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus vehicle tracking. There are also remote vehicle status functions (door locking, valet parking, etc), global search (Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Yelp, and Trip Advisor), and a wireless device charging pad.
The basket of goodies can hold its head high in this part of the market, so the value equation stacks up well.
Under the bonnet
Audi SQ7
The SQ7 and SQ8 both use a 4.0-litre twin-turbo 'hot vee' V8 petrol after the diesel SQ7 was abandoned in mid-2022.
It is the same engine you'll find in just about every application of this MLB platform, including the Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus — though it makes more power elsewhere.
In Audi's two medium-sporty SUVs it produces 373kW at 5500rpm and 770Nm between 2000-4000rpm.
In practice, it's a swelling, punchy engine without much top-end sparkle — though 4.1 seconds to 100km/h is nothing to scoff at.
The V8 also produces a rather splendid soundtrack, striking the right balance between Detroit burble and motorsport bark for this application.
An eight-speed torque converter auto transmission has been retuned for improved shift logic and it remains buttery smooth. It's pleasing enough just manoeuvring slowly around a car park, where you can feel just well calibrated the long travel throttle and transmission logic are.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class8/10
There are two engines on offer. The 3.0-litre (M256) in-line six-cylinder turbo-petrol GLS 450 4Matic, and the 2.9-litre (OM656) in-line six-cylinder turbo-diesel GLS 400 d 4Matic.
The all-alloy, twin-scroll single-turbo petrol engine delivers peak power of 270kW from 5500-6100rpm, and maximum torque of 500Nm across a broad plateau from 1600-4500rpm. It also features a 48-volt electrical system driving the ‘EQ Boost’ set-up, able to deliver an extra 16kW/250Nm for short periods. The integrated starter-generator also enables energy recuperation.
Although the all-alloy, twin-turbo diesel features variable valve lift it gives some ground on power, offering up 243kW between 3600-4000rpm, but torque is a solid whack, with 700Nm on tap from 1200-3000rpm. Worth noting, that to minimise emissions this engine features a “selective catalytic reduction converter” in the exhaust, which brings with it the use of an ‘AdBlue’ reducing agent. The separate AdBlue tank has a capacity of 31.6 litres.
The nine-speed auto transmission is the same in both versions, although the diesel has a slightly lower final drive ratio.
Efficiency
Audi SQ7
With 2340kg to heave around, not even the 48-volt mild hybrid system can save the SQ7's fuel consumption — it's a thirsty beast.
The rated ADR combined cycle (urban, extra-urban) figure is 11.8L/100km and indulging in the ample performance resulted in 16.5L/100km on the trip computer. The SQ8 was much the same.
The SQ7 is certified to tow up to 3500kg (braked), equal to a Toyota LandCruiser or Nissan Patrol.
A fairly large 85L tank gives the SQ7 a theoretical driving range of around 720km from a fill-up. Naturally, 98 octane unleaded is required.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class8/10
Claimed fuel economy for the combined (ADR 81/02 - urban, extra-urban) cycle for the GLS 450 is 9.2L/100km, the more frugal GLS 400 d trimming that to 7.7L/100km. The petrol 450 emits 210g/km of CO2 in the process, the diesel 400d dropping that slightly to 202g/km.
Stop-start is standard, you’re looking at premium unleaded for the 450 GLS, and you’ll need 90 litres of dinosaur juice to full the tank on both models.
Driving
Audi SQ7
Our drive loop started in South-East Sydney where the SQ7's burbly V8 and air suspension fitted right in, easily soaking up the worst of the concrete expansion joints and sharp-edged potholes.
It is a joy to waft around in the refined SQ7 with its remarkably good vision out the front and back (with 360-degree cameras to help elsewhere). Standard rear-wheel steer allows the back tyres to rotate up to 5.0 degrees, giving the 5072mm long SQ7 a better turning circle (12.5m) than a Q3 small SUV.
Its driven home further by the excellent drive mode customisation. Along with the standard programs, you can set an 'Individual' mode up with various selections for the suspension, steering, powertrain response and exhaust noise.
Following the SQ7, our time in the SQ8 took in some more twisting roads and the combination of 23-inch alloys with firmer suspension settings meant that, even in 'Comfort', 'Auto' or 'Balanced' drive modes, the coupe-styled model had a busier ride.
Both SQ7 and SQ8 featured 'Sport' adaptive air suspension, sitting 15mm lower than normal with the ability to drop the ride height up to 40mm in 'Dynamic' mode or raise it 50mm in lift mode to get out of sticky situations.
Audi chose not to specify the Dynamic pack on the SQ8, though, and the difference is noticeable compared to the SQ7. The coupe SUV rolls a little more in hard cornering and doesn't engage the rear end in quite the same way.
Back in the SQ7, turn in may feel a little less sharp owing to the taller height but the active roll stabilisation and Quattro electronically-controlled limited-slip differential splitting power between the two rear wheels makes for a more confident vehicle with better punch out of corners.
Grip is prodigious and the SQ7 is always in control with 285/35R22 Bridgestone Turanza T005 tyres.
A 2.4-turn lock-to-lock steering system is well-judged, remaining light in Comfort but adding enough weight and precision in Dynamic.
The brakes — 400mm front rotors clamped by six-piston calipers with optional ceramics — are reassuring and feel Autobahn ready.
The Audi SQ7 with Dynamic Pack is like an Olympic swimmer that's put on some kilos and had a few kids but can still gap his teenage son in a 50-metre freestyle race.
This is perhaps the perfect expression of Audi's 'S' models USPs, being totally normal when pottering despite huge reserves of talent.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class7/10
Merc claims the GLS 450 will sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.2sec, and the 400 d in 6.3sec. Not hanging around for a 2.5 tonne mothership. But the standout is the 400 d’s torque. All 700Nm of it available from just 1200rpm to 3000rpm; right in the mid-range sweet spot.
The nine-speed auto transmission is smooth yet responsive, with paddles on the wheel for manual shifts when you want to pick the ratio. The combination of effortless grunt and the nine-speeder keeping things on the boil is an impressive one.
Suspension is by double wishbones at the front and multi-links at the rear, and while you can feel the weight in cornering, the standard Airmatic air suspension (which does away with steel springs) is superb in terms of ride comfort and body control.
We took a deep breath and pushed enthusiastically through a series of sweeping corners and the fat (285/45 fr - 325/40 rr) Continental ‘PremiumContact 6’ rubber wrapped around our car’s (optional) 22-inch rims gripped hard.
The ‘4Matic’ all-wheel drive system also seamlessly shuffles torque between the front and rear axles (theoretically up to 100 per cent in each direction).
Merc has put extra focus on body rigidity, the tuning of engine and suspension mounts, and sound absorption, and it shows. The GLS 400 d is beautifully refined on the highway. A neat touch is the car automatically lowering 15mm at motorway speeds or when ‘Sport’ mode is selected.
Steering is electromechanically assisted, and Merc says the front suspension geometry has been revised to minimise vibration through the wheel. And yes, feedback is minimal, but unfortunately so is road feel with only a general connection between your hands on the wheel and the front tyres on the bitumen.
When you’re steering a large beast like this, often with something substantial hitched to the back, you want to know braking performance is up to the task, and the GLS’s big ventilated discs all around deliver reassuringly strong stopping power, with nice, progressive pedal feel to boot.
The seats are adjustable six ways to Sunday, but beyond that they’re comfortable and supportive, even over long stints behind the wheel.
We stayed on the bitumen, because, let’s face it, that’s where this car will spend 99.9 per cent of its time, with the exceptions of the boat ramp, a ski weekend or pony club.
For those special occasions the optional ‘Off-road engineering package’ adds a low-range transfer case, inter-axle locking, hill descent control, and under body armour for more serious work.
Safety
Audi SQ7
The Audi SQ7 is currently unrated by local ANCAP safety authority but Euro NCAP awarded a Q7 50TDI a maximum five stars in 2019.
It features eight airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, surround-view monitor and exit-warning system to stop occupants dooring cyclists.
The adaptive cruise control is smooth and natural, although we found the lane-keep and lane-trace programs to be a little overbearing. Both can be easily disabled by holding the button at the end of the indicator stalk for about five seconds.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class10/10
At the time of this launch drive the GLS hadn’t been safety assessed by ANCAP, but you could make a small wager, like every penny you have to your name, that it will score a maximum five stars.
The expected active features are there, including ABS, ASR, and ESP, with additional tech including ‘Active Blind-Spot Assist’, ‘Active Brake Assist' (Merc-speak for AEB), active lane keeping and lane change assist, ‘Adaptive Brake’, ‘Attention Assist’, ‘Evasive Steering Assist’, ‘Parktronic’ (active parking assist with 360-degre camera), rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign assist, and a tyre pressure warning system.
Then, if all that isn’t enough to avoid an impact the GLS is equipped with nine airbags (front and pelvis side for driver and front passenger, side for outer rear seat occupants, full-length curtain, and a driver’s knee bag), an active bonnet to minimise pedestrian injuries, and the ‘Pre-Safe Plus’ (flashes rear hazards to warn drivers closing too quickly from behind, tightening the belts at the same time, and locking the brakes if the GLS is stationary with a rear impact imminent).
Ownership
Audi SQ7
Audi recommends SQ7 and SQ8 owners bring their car in for a service every 12 months or 15,000km.
Service pricing is not cheap, with a five-year package costing $4600 for either model. For reference a basic service plan for a BMW X5 costs $3450 for five years.
Audi has moved to a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty with owners able to extend that (for a fee) up to nine years with Audi Advantage. An extra two years of warranty and scheduled servicing costs $4360 for the SQ7 and $4160 for SQ8.
Additionally, customers get access to Audi's loyalty programs with event invitations, ambassador experiences and discounts offers from select partner companies.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class7/10
The Mercedes-Benz range is covered by a three year/unlimited km warranty, which, like Audi and BMW continues to lag behind the mainstream market where the majority of players are now at five years/unlimited km, with some at seven years.
On the upside, Mercedes-Benz ‘Road Care’ roadside assistance is included in the deal for three years.
Service is scheduled for 12 months/25,000km (whichever comes first) with pricing available on an 'Up-front' or 'Pay-as-you-go' basis.
As a guide, service pricing for the outgoing GLS is set at $2600 per service (up-front) and $3250 (PAYG), a saving of $650 a pop. Fourth and fifth services are also available for pre-purchase ($3550 and $4900).