2025 Audi SQ8 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

$97,600 · Crossover

$148,250 · SUV

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Audi SQ8 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a classic dilemma: do you prioritize accessible high performance or iconic, rugged luxury? The SQ8 hits the road with significantly more muscle, boasting 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, making it the clear performance leader despite its lower $97,600 MSRP. Conversely, the G-Class asks a hefty premium, coming in at $148,250—a difference of $50,650. While the SQ8 offers superior horsepower, the G-Class pulls ahead slightly on efficiency and utility, achieving 18 combined MPG versus the SQ8's 17, and offers marginally more cargo space at 34.8 cu ft compared to the Audi's 33.7 cu ft. Furthermore, the G-Class’s towering 77.7-inch height hints at its off-road capability, contrasting with the SQ8's lower, crossover stance, making the final choice depend heavily on your priority between outright power and legendary stature.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 is the better commuter due to its lower MSRP of $97,600 and its more accessible size for city driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers marginally more cargo space at 34.8 cu ft and a taller structure, providing a sense of security for passengers.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ8

The 2025 Audi SQ8 is the enthusiast's choice, packing 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, significantly more power than the G-Class's 443 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 wins on value by offering 57 more horsepower for a sticker price that is $50,650 less than the G-Class.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

You want the superior outright performance, given the SQ8's 500 hp output.
You need to save over $50,000, as the SQ8 starts at $97,600.
You prefer a slightly lower vehicle profile (67.0 inches high) for easier garage parking and handling.

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

Your budget comfortably accommodates the $148,250 price tag for iconic styling.
You need the slight edge in cargo capacity, offering 34.8 cu ft.
You prioritize a taller stance, as the G-Class stands 77.7 inches high.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ8	Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Length	197.0"	190.0"
Width	79.0"	76.0"
Height	67.0"	77.7"
Wheelbase	118.0"	113.8"

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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
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	500 hp	443 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	568 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	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	four wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
4WD System Type	—	Full Time
Transfer Case Gearing	—	Electronic Hi-Lo
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/21 MPG	17/19 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	18 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	337.5/472.5 mi.	448.8/501.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	26.4 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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

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	760W
Speaker System	17	18
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 Brand Stereo System	—	Burmester
Premium Speaker Brand	—	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	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

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	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

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	58.5 in.	57.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	22 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	285/40R22	275/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Full Size Matching
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Outside Rear Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
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 SQ8 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

How significant is the fuel economy difference between the two SUVs?

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is slightly more frugal, achieving 18 combined MPG compared to the Audi SQ8's 17 combined MPG. While both require premium unleaded fuel, the SQ8 uses slightly more gas in city driving (15 MPG vs. G-Class's 17 MPG).

Which vehicle offers better acceleration or power delivery?

The 2025 Audi SQ8 is the powerhouse here, producing 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. The G-Class lags behind with 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Audi will feel significantly quicker off the line.

Is the price difference between the two vehicles justifiable based on size?

No, the price difference is not justified by size; the Audi SQ8 is actually 7 inches longer at 197.0 inches, yet it costs $50,650 less than the G-Class.

Which car is more practical for hauling gear?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the minor advantage in cargo capacity, offering 34.8 cubic feet compared to the Audi SQ8’s 33.7 cubic feet.

Do the transmissions offer vastly different driving experiences?

The G-Class features a 9-speed automatic transmission, whereas the SQ8 uses an 8-speed automatic, suggesting the Mercedes might offer slightly finer gear selection at speed.

Is AWD different enough between the two to matter to a typical buyer?

The Audi SQ8 features standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the G-Class features Four-Wheel Drive (4WD); for the average driver, both offer excellent traction, though 4WD often implies more robust low-range gearing for serious off-roading.