2025 Audi Q8 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

$74,400 · Crossover

$62,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Audi Q8 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE is the $12,150 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the GLE starting at $62,250 versus the Q8's $74,400. Performance metrics also diverge considerably: the Audi Q8 delivers 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, significantly outclassing the GLE's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. Conversely, fuel economy favors the GLE, achieving a 23 MPG combined rating compared to the Q8's 19 MPG combined, translating to 5 MPG better highway efficiency (28 MPG vs 23 MPG). Dimensions show the Q8 is marginally longer at 196.0 inches, while the GLE offers greater vertical presence with a height of 70.7 inches versus the Q8's 67.0 inches. Despite these trade-offs, cargo volume remains nearly identical, with 33.7 cu ft in the Q8 and 33.3 cu ft in the GLE.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLE offers 4 MPG better combined efficiency (23 MPG vs 19 MPG) and costs $12,150 less upfront, benefiting daily travel economics.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi Q8

The Audi Q8 offers more interior height (67.0 inches vs 70.7 inches for GLE implies a slightly more traditional SUV profile, but its base 335 hp provides more immediate passing power for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi Q8

The Audi Q8 dominates in raw output, boasting 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLE's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLE undercuts the Audi Q8 by $12,150 while delivering superior fuel economy at 23 MPG combined.

Choose the Audi Q8 if...

Absolute engine performance is paramount, as the Q8 delivers 80 more horsepower (335 hp vs 255 hp).
You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability directly from the base trim level.
You prefer a slightly longer overall vehicle length for perceived road presence (196.0 inches vs 194.3 inches).

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if...

Minimizing fuel costs is a priority, given the GLE's 23 MPG combined efficiency over the Q8's 19 MPG.
Your budget prioritizes savings, evidenced by the $12,150 lower MSRP ($62,250 vs $74,400).
You prefer the additional ground clearance provided by the GLE's 70.7-inch height compared to the Q8's 67.0 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q8	Mercedes-Benz GLE
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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE.

What is the direct performance gap between the 2025 Audi Q8 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Audi Q8 significantly outperforms the GLE in power, producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is 80 more horsepower than the GLE's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft.

How does the fuel economy difference impact long-term running costs?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE achieves 23 MPG combined versus the Audi Q8's 19 MPG combined, representing a 4 MPG advantage for the GLE which will result in fewer stops for premium unleaded fuel over the vehicle's lifespan.

Which vehicle offers better value based strictly on initial pricing?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE presents significantly better upfront value, with an MSRP of $62,250 compared to the 2025 Audi Q8's starting price of $74,400, creating a $12,150 savings.

Are the drive systems fundamentally different between these two crossovers?

Yes, the base configurations feature different primary drive types; the Audi Q8 comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLE utilizes rear-wheel drive.

Do the cargo capacities vary substantially between the two models?

No, the cargo capacities are highly comparable, with the Audi Q8 offering 33.7 cu ft and the Mercedes-Benz GLE offering 33.3 cu ft, resulting in a negligible functional difference.

Which transmission is equipped with more gears?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE features a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the 2025 Audi Q8 is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic.