2025 Audi Q8 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class establishes a substantial $12,550 MSRP advantage over the 2025 Audi Q8, starting at $61,850 versus the Q8's $74,400 entry point. This price gap is accompanied by significant powertrain disparities: the Q8 boasts 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the GLE-Class's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft output, representing an 80 hp difference. Conversely, fuel economy heavily favors the GLE-Class, achieving a 23 MPG combined rating compared to the Q8's 19 MPG combined, providing a 4 MPG efficiency lead. While the GLE-Class is marginally shorter at 194.3 inches, the Q8 stands 3.7 inches taller in overall height, though cargo capacities are nearly identical at 33.7 cu ft (Q8) versus 33.3 cu ft (GLE-Class). The choice hinges on prioritizing immediate cost savings and efficiency versus superior horsepower figures.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The GLE-Class wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 23 MPG versus the Q8's 19 MPG.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The GLE-Class offers a significantly lower entry MSRP of $61,850, providing better value for family budgeting.
2025 Audi Q8
The Audi Q8 is the enthusiast's choice, delivering a commanding 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class presents better value by saving the buyer $12,550 upfront while offering 4 MPG better efficiency.
Choose the Audi Q8 if...
- Your driving demands necessitate the 335 horsepower output, an 80 hp advantage over the competitor.
- You require the inherent traction benefits of standard all-wheel drive for varied conditions.
- A larger exterior footprint is preferred, evidenced by the Q8's 196.0-inch length versus the GLE's 194.3 inches.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class if...
- Minimizing fuel stops is critical, as the GLE-Class achieves 23 MPG combined versus 19 MPG for the Q8.
- The initial purchase price is a primary constraint, as the GLE-Class saves $12,550 MSRP.
- A greater overall height is desired, with the GLE-Class measuring 70.7 inches tall compared to the Q8's 67.0 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi Q8 | Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.0" | 194.3" |
| Width | 79.0" | 76.7" |
| Height | 67.0" | 70.7" |
| Wheelbase | 118.0" | 117.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 17/23 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 382.5/517.5 mi. | 472.5/630.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.5 gal. | 22.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 2 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.1 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | 59.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Front Hip Room | — | 60.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.2 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 58.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 59.8 in. |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 21 in | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 285/45R21 | 255/50R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi Q8 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Audi Q8 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The 2025 Audi Q8 has a distinct power advantage, generating 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This significantly surpasses the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, which produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Q8 has 80 more horsepower.
How does the fuel cost compare for these two luxury crossovers?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is significantly more fuel-efficient, achieving a combined 23 MPG rating on premium unleaded fuel. The Audi Q8 requires premium fuel but only manages 19 MPG combined, leading to potentially higher annual fuel expenditures for the Q8.
Which vehicle has a higher starting price?
The 2025 Audi Q8 carries a substantially higher MSRP of $74,400 compared to the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, which starts at $61,850, establishing a $12,550 price delta.
Are there notable differences in drivetrain and transmission configurations?
Yes, the Q8 comes standard with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the base GLE-Class features rear-wheel drive and utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission.
How do the dimensions affect interior utility between the two models?
Cargo capacity is nearly identical, with the Q8 offering 33.7 cu ft and the GLE-Class providing 33.3 cu ft. However, the GLE-Class is 3.7 inches taller overall, while the Q8 is slightly longer at 196.0 inches.
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