2025 Audi RS Q8 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS

$136,200 · Crossover

$178,450 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 Audi RS Q8 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS is the $42,250 MSRP gap, with the Audi starting at $136,200 compared to the Maybach's $178,450. Performance specifications heavily favor the Audi RS Q8, which boasts 631 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Maybach GLS's 550 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency is marginally better for the Audi, achieving a 16 MPG combined versus the Maybach's 15 MPG combined, with the RS Q8 offering 14/20 MPG city/highway, whereas the GLS achieves 13/18 MPG. While the Maybach GLS is physically larger (204.9 inches long vs. 197.7 inches) and taller (72.4 inches vs. 67.5 inches), it sacrifices significant utility, offering only 18.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Audi's superior 33 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi RS Q8

The Audi RS Q8 offers superior combined fuel economy at 16 MPG versus the Maybach GLS's 15 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi RS Q8

The Audi RS Q8 provides substantially more usable space with 33 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Maybach GLS's 18.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi RS Q8

The Audi RS Q8 delivers higher output with 631 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, outmuscling the Maybach GLS's output of 550 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi RS Q8

The Audi RS Q8 offers substantially more horsepower for a price difference of $42,250 less than the Maybach GLS.

Choose the Audi RS Q8 if...

Your priority is outright engine performance, as the RS Q8 produces 631 horsepower.
You require maximum utility, benefiting from 33 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You want to save $42,250, as the MSRP is $136,200 compared to $178,450.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS if...

You prefer a more imposing physical presence, noted by its greater height of 72.4 inches.
You value a transmission with an extra gear ratio, utilizing a 9-speed automatic.
Your preference leans towards the physical dimensions of a longer vehicle at 204.9 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS Q8	Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS
Length	197.7"	204.9"
Width	79.0"	79.9"
Height	67.5"	72.4"
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	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	4.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V8
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	631 hp	550 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	627 lb-ft	538 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Number of Valves	32	32
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	13/18 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	16 MPG	15 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	315.0/450.0 mi.	309.4/428.4 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	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

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	1590W
Speaker System	17	27
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	With Real Time Traffic
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Premium Brand Stereo System	—	Burmester
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Satellite Radio Subscription Duration	—	36 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	2nd Row Fixed Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Sunroof Type	—	1st Row Power Fabric Extended
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.1 in.	42.5 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	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	12-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 Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.2 in.	43.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.4 in.	56.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓
Rear Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	22 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	295/40R22	325/40R22
Wheel Size	—	22 x 11.5 in.

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 Maybach GLS.

What is the performance deficit of the Maybach GLS compared to the RS Q8?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS produces 550 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, resulting in an 81 hp and 89 lb-ft deficit compared to the 2025 Audi RS Q8's output.

How does cargo capacity compare between these two high-end crossovers?

The Audi RS Q8 is the clear winner for utility, offering 33 cu ft of cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS offers significantly less storage at 18.4 cu ft.

Is the extra cost of the Maybach GLS justified by fuel economy improvements?

No, the Maybach GLS commands an MSRP of $178,450, but it yields slightly worse fuel economy at 15 MPG combined compared to the RS Q8's 16 MPG combined.

Which vehicle is physically larger overall?

The Maybach GLS is the physically larger vehicle; it measures 204.9 inches in length and 72.4 inches in height, substantially dwarfing the RS Q8's dimensions of 197.7 inches in length and 67.5 inches in height.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel for their performance engines?

Yes, both the 2025 Audi RS Q8 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS explicitly require premium unleaded fuel to achieve their stated horsepower and torque figures.