2025 Audi RS Q8 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Comparison Overview
The primary performance divergence lies in the horsepower deficit, where the 2025 Audi RS Q8 produces a commanding 631 hp, overwhelming the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class's 443 hp outputโa difference of 188 hp. This performance gap is reflected in acceleration expectations, though the RS Q8 is significantly lighter in stature, measuring 197.7 inches long versus the G-Class's 190.0 inches. The MSRP difference is substantial, with the G-Class costing $148,250 compared to the RS Q8's $136,200. Efficiency is marginally better in the G-Class, achieving 18 combined MPG versus the RS Q8's 16 combined MPG, utilizing premium fuel in both cases. While the G-Class offers slightly more utility with 34.8 cu ft of cargo capacity against the RS Q8's 33 cu ft, the Audi delivers significantly more torque at 627 lb-ft compared to the Mercedes' 413 lb-ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi RS Q8
The RS Q8's lower 14 City MPG compared to the G-Class's 17 City MPG suggests slightly higher running costs for daily driving, despite its superior overall power.
2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class provides slightly more practical utility with 34.8 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Audi's 33 cu ft.
2025 Audi RS Q8
The 2025 Audi RS Q8 is the clear winner for performance enthusiasts, boasting 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Audi RS Q8
The Audi RS Q8 offers 188 more horsepower for $12,050 less than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, making it the superior performance value proposition.
Choose the Audi RS Q8 if...
- Absolute peak power is the priority, as the RS Q8 delivers 631 hp.
- A lower initial investment is desired, with an MSRP of $136,200.
- Maximum torque output is needed, evidenced by its 627 lb-ft figure.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz G-Class if...
- A marginally better combined fuel economy of 18 MPG is preferred over the RS Q8's 16 MPG.
- Slightly more physical storage space is required, featuring 34.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- A taller stance is necessary, as the G-Class stands at 77.7 inches high compared to the Q8's 67.5 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi RS Q8 | Mercedes-Benz G-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.7" | 190.0" |
| Width | 79.0" | 76.0" |
| Height | 67.5" | 77.7" |
| Wheelbase | 117.9" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Brake Drying | โ | โ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Headlights | โ | โ |
| Cornering Lights | โ | โ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 4.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V8 | inline 6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 631 hp | 443 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 627 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft @ 1950 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 32 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| Hill Descent Control | โ | โ |
| 4WD System Type | โ | Full Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | โ | Electronic Hi-Lo |
| Center Differential Type | โ | Limited Slip |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 14/20 MPG | 17/19 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 16 MPG | 18 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 315.0/450.0 mi. | 448.8/501.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.5 gal. | 26.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Front View Camera | โ | โ |
| Side View Camera | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Four Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | โ | โ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Premium Brand Speakers | Bang & Olufsen | โ |
| Stereo Power | 730W | 760W |
| Speaker System | 17 | 18 |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Premium Brand Stereo System | โ | Burmester |
| Premium Speaker Brand | โ | Burmester |
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 | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.1 in. | 41.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | โ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | โ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 3 |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | โ | โ |
| Seat Material: Leather | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | โ | โ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.2 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.4 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | โ | โ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | โ | โ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 22 in | โ |
| Tire Type | Performance | All Season |
| Tire Size | 295/40R22 | 275/55R19 |
| Wheel Size | โ | 19 x 8.5 in |
| Spare Tire Type | โ | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | โ | Outside Rear Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Front Suspension Type | โ | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
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 | โ | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi RS Q8 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Which vehicle has the superior drivetrain setup?
Both utilize AWD systems, but the Audi RS Q8 features an 8-speed automatic transmission while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class uses a 9-speed automatic. The transmission difference is a technical deviation in approach, though both are shiftable automatics.
How does the size difference affect maneuverability?
The G-Class is shorter in length at 190.0 inches and narrower at 76.0 inches compared to the RS Q8 (197.7 inches long and 79.0 inches wide). This difference suggests the G-Class may offer marginally easier navigation in tighter urban environments.
Are the fuel requirements the same for both luxury SUVs?
Yes, both the 2025 Audi RS Q8 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class explicitly require premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.
What is the trade-off when prioritizing power over fuel economy?
Choosing the RS Q8 for its 631 hp sacrifices 2 MPG in combined efficiency (16 MPG vs 18 MPG for the G-Class). This translates to more frequent fuel stops for the higher-powered vehicle.
How does the cargo volume compare between the two crossovers/SUVs?
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers 34.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is marginally larger than the 33 cu ft available in the 2025 Audi RS Q8.
Is the performance gap reflected in the torque figures?
Significantly so; the RS Q8 generates 627 lb-ft of torque, far exceeding the G-Class's 413 lb-ft figure. This 214 lb-ft advantage directly supports the RS Q8's higher horsepower rating.
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