2025 Audi RS Q8 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

$136,200 · Crossover

$89,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Picking between the 2025 Audi RS Q8 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class often comes down to balancing raw performance against practicality and price. If your daily drive is about thrilling acceleration and cornering prowess, the $136,200 RS Q8 demands attention with its massive 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. However, daily economics lean heavily toward the GLS-Class, which starts at a significantly lower MSRP of $89,200 and offers superior efficiency, achieving 21 combined MPG versus the Audi's 16 combined MPG. This nearly $47,000 upfront savings, combined with the 5 MPG efficiency gap (24 highway vs. 20 highway), means the Mercedes will be substantially cheaper to run. While the Audi boasts 33 cu ft of cargo space, the larger GLS is nearly 7.3 inches taller and 7.3 inches longer overall, suggesting a different kind of usable room inside its cabin, even if its stated cargo capacity is slightly less at 17.4 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The GLS-Class wins for commuters due to its 5 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy, making daily driving less costly.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is the better family hauler because its greater height (71.8 inches) and length (205.0 inches) likely translate to better passenger comfort.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS Q8

The Audi RS Q8 is the clear enthusiast choice, crushing the competition with 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

With a $47,000 lower MSRP and better fuel economy, the GLS-Class offers substantially greater value.

Choose the Audi RS Q8 if...

You prioritize outright speed, demanding the 631 hp delivered by the 2025 Audi RS Q8.
You prefer the tighter utility footprint, with the Audi being almost 7 inches shorter in length (197.7 inches vs. 205.0 inches).
Maximum usable cargo capacity for gear is key, as the RS Q8 offers 33 cu ft compared to the GLS's 17.4 cu ft.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if...

Saving $47,000 on the initial purchase price is a major factor ($89,200 vs. $136,200).
You want to spend less time at the pump, benefiting from the 21 combined MPG rating.
You need the maximum height possible for overhead clearance or a commanding road presence, as the GLS stands 71.8 inches tall.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS Q8	Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Length	197.7"	205.0"
Width	79.0"	79.9"
Height	67.5"	71.8"
Wheelbase	117.9"	123.4"

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
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

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	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	627 lb-ft	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	32	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
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	14/20 MPG	19/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	16 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	315.0/450.0 mi.	452.2/571.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	23.8 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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Four 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	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Stereo Power	730W	590W
Speaker System	17	13
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Subwoofer Count	—	2
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	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.1 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	59.3 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Front Hip Room	—	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.2 in.	41.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.4 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	60.0 in.
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	22 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	295/40R22	315/40R21
Wheel Size	—	21 x 11.0 in.
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	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 RS Q8 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

How big is the performance gap between the Audi RS Q8 and the Mercedes GLS-Class?

The performance gap is substantial; the 2025 Audi RS Q8 produces 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, whereas the standard 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offers 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 256 hp difference.

Which vehicle is more economical for a daily commute?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is significantly more economical, achieving 21 combined MPG, while the high-performance Audi RS Q8 only manages 16 combined MPG, a noticeable 5 MPG difference.

If I need maximum cargo space, which crossover should I consider?

The 2025 Audi RS Q8 has a slightly better published cargo capacity at 33 cubic feet, compared to the 17.4 cubic feet offered by the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

How much more does the high-performance Audi cost upfront?

The 2025 Audi RS Q8 carries a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $136,200, which is $47,000 more than the $89,200 starting price of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.

Do both SUVs require premium fuel?

Yes, both the Audi RS Q8 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class specifically require premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance and engine health.

Are there any noticeable differences in size between the two models?

Yes, the GLS-Class is the physically larger vehicle; it is 7.3 inches longer overall (205.0 inches vs. 197.7 inches) and nearly 1 inch taller, though both share the same wide stance.