2025 Audi Q8 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

$74,400 · Crossover

$59,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the imposing 2025 Audi Q8 and the sleek 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe often boils down to prioritizing size and raw power over efficiency and cost. The Audi Q8 starts at a hefty $74,400, commanding $14,750 more than the GLC Coupe's $59,650 entry price. This difference in outlay reflects the Q8's larger footprint (196.0 inches long) and significantly more robust engine, delivering 335 hp compared to the Mercedes' 255 hp. However, daily running costs lean heavily toward the GLC Coupe, which achieves a 26 MPG combined rating, easily beating the Q8's 19 MPG combined. While the Q8 offers substantially more space with 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the GLC Coupe's 19.2 cu ft, buyers must weigh that extra utility against the Q8's higher fuel consumption and premium price tag.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe wins for commuters due to its superior 26 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Q8's 19 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi Q8

The 2025 Audi Q8 is better for families needing more room, boasting 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLC Coupe's 19.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi Q8

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Audi Q8 for its stronger performance figures, delivering 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe offers better overall value by costing $14,750 less than the Audi Q8.

Choose the Audi Q8 if...

You need maximum hauling capability, as the Audi Q8 provides 33.7 cu ft of cargo space.
You prioritize sheer power, evidenced by the Q8's 335 hp engine.
You prefer a slightly larger vehicle with a length of 196.0 inches for a more commanding road presence.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe if...

Fuel savings are a priority, given the GLC Coupe's 7 MPG advantage (26 MPG combined).
You are looking to save $14,750 on the initial purchase price.
You prefer the slightly nimbler handling associated with a smaller footprint (187.6 inches long).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q8	Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
Length	196.0"	187.6"
Width	79.0"	74.4"
Height	67.0"	63.5"
Wheelbase	118.0"	113.7"

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	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	23/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	382.5/517.5 mi.	400.2/539.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	17.4 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	11.9 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	✓	✓

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.	38.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	40.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	57.3 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
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.2 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	57.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

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	235/55R19
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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe.

What is the biggest performance gap between the 2025 Audi Q8 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe?

The most significant performance difference is the horsepower; the Audi Q8 offers 335 hp, while the GLC Coupe provides 255 hp, resulting in an 80 hp advantage for the Audi.

How much more does the Audi Q8 cost compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe?

The 2025 Audi Q8 has an MSRP of $74,400, making it $14,750 more expensive than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, which starts at $59,650.

Which vehicle is better for long highway commutes based on fuel economy?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is far more efficient for commuting, achieving 31 MPG highway compared to the Audi Q8's 23 MPG highway rating.

Does the difference in cargo space significantly impact usability between these two crossovers?

Yes, the Audi Q8 offers 33.7 cu ft of cargo space, giving you significantly more room than the GLC Coupe's 19.2 cu ft, which is important for families needing to carry bulky items.