2025 Audi Q8 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe

$74,400 · Crossover

$76,400 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Audi Q8 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe often comes down to prioritizing classic SUV utility over sporty styling, even with a tight initial price difference. The Audi Q8 starts at a slightly lower MSRP of $74,400 compared to the GLE Coupe's $76,400. While the Mercedes edges out the Audi slightly in performance, boasting 375 hp against the Q8's 335 hp, the Audi is significantly more practical for regular use. The Q8 offers 33.7 cu ft of cargo space, noticeably beating the GLE Coupe's 31.6 cu ft, which is a key consideration for real-world hauling. Furthermore, the Q8 sips a bit less fuel, achieving 19 combined MPG versus the GLE Coupe's 21 combined MPG, despite both requiring premium unleaded fuel. The decision hinges on whether that extra 40 hp and slightly better fuel economy on the Mercedes justifies the reduced utility and higher entry price.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi Q8

The Audi Q8 offers a slightly better city fuel economy rating of 17 MPG compared to the Mercedes' 19 MPG highway/25 MPG highway dynamic which suggests slightly less efficiency in stop-and-go traffic.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi Q8

The 2025 Audi Q8 provides superior everyday usability with 33.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the GLE Coupe's 31.6 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe wins on sheer output, delivering 375 horsepower, which is 40 more than the Audi Q8’s 335 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi Q8

The Audi Q8 has a lower starting MSRP at $74,400 while offering a more practical cargo volume for its size.

Choose the Audi Q8 if...

You need maximum cargo space, as the Q8 offers 33.7 cu ft versus the GLE Coupe's 31.6 cu ft.
You prefer a lower initial outlay, with the Q8 starting at $74,400 against the Mercedes' $76,400.
You want a slightly less complex transmission pairing, utilizing the Q8's 8-speed automatic.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe if...

You prioritize maximum engine output, as the GLE Coupe provides a healthy 375 hp.
You want the best combined fuel economy, achieving 21 MPG versus the Q8's 19 MPG.
You appreciate a slightly quicker shifting experience with the standard 9-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q8	Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe
Length	196.0"	194.5"
Width	79.0"	79.3"
Height	67.0"	68.1"
Wheelbase	118.0"	115.6"

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	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	335 hp	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
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	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	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	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	382.5/517.5 mi.	427.5/562.5 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 Extended
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	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	21 in	20 x 9.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	285/45R21	275/50R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

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 Coupe.

Does the horsepower difference between the two crossovers feel significant in real-world driving?

The Mercedes GLE Coupe has a noticeable 40 hp advantage, putting out 375 hp compared to the Audi Q8's 335 hp, which might be felt during aggressive highway merging. However, since both have identical torque figures at 369 lb-ft, initial low-speed responsiveness should feel similar.

How much does the shape of the roof impact usability in the 2025 Audi Q8 vs. GLE-Class Coupe?

The styling compromise is evident in the cargo areas; the Q8, with its traditional SUV profile, provides 33.7 cubic feet of space. The GLE Coupe, opting for a sloping roofline, compromises utility slightly, offering only 31.6 cubic feet of space.

Are the fuel costs dramatically different given they both require premium fuel?

The difference is minor but present; the GLE Coupe is rated for 21 combined MPG, marginally better than the Q8’s 19 combined MPG. This means the Q8 driver will visit the premium fuel pump slightly more often over the year.

What is the base price difference between the 2025 Audi Q8 and the Mercedes GLE-Class Coupe?

The 2025 Audi Q8 carries a slightly more accessible starting MSRP of $74,400. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe comes in at $76,400, establishing a $2,000 starting price gap between these two large luxury crossovers.

How do the dimensions affect maneuverability on city streets?

The cars are very similarly sized, with the Q8 being 196.0 inches long and the GLE Coupe measuring 194.5 inches long, making both large utility vehicles. However, the GLE Coupe is negligibly wider at 79.3 inches, which might present a slightly tighter squeeze in narrow parking spaces compared to the Q8's 79.0 inches width.

Do the transmissions offer a tangible performance benefit in either model?

The GLE Coupe utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission, potentially offering finer gear spacing than the Audi Q8's 8-speed automatic. While both are shiftable automatics, the extra gear in the Mercedes could aid in optimizing that extra 40 hp under acceleration.