2025 Audi SQ8 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS

$97,600 · Crossover

$178,450 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi SQ8 explodes onto the scene with 500 horsepower, delivering a potent blend of high performance and relatively accessible German aggression, starting at an MSRP of $97,600. Conversely, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS offers unapologetic, towering luxury; while it boasts a slightly higher 550 horsepower, its stratospheric $178,450 price tag sets it apart as the ultimate indulgence. The SQ8 achieves a respectable 17 MPG combined and offers 33.7 cubic feet of cargo space, making it the practical performance choice. The significantly longer Maybach GLS (204.9 inches) prioritizes rear-seat opulence over utility, yielding only 18.4 cu ft of storage. The $80,850 gulf in entry cost, combined with the SQ8’s superior fuel economy and hauling capacity, positions it as the compelling dynamic counterpoint to the Maybach’s sheer status projection.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 wins for commuters due to its significantly lower $97,600 MSRP and better combined fuel economy of 17 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi SQ8

With 33.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Maybach's 18.4 cu ft, the SQ8 better serves the spatial needs of a family.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS

The Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS edges out the win for the sheer experience, boasting 550 horsepower from its engine.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 offers 500 horsepower and comparable AWD performance for $80,850 less than its competitor.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

You need practical hauling capability, indicated by its superior 33.7 cu ft cargo volume.
Budget consciousness matters, as the $97,600 MSRP is vastly lower than the rival’s price.
You prefer maximizing your driving range with the SQ8's better 17 MPG combined rating.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS if...

Ultimate rear-seat prestige and larger physical presence (204.9 inches long) are the top priorities.
You desire the slightly higher output of 550 horsepower for performance thrills.
The $178,450 investment is justifiable for extreme, top-tier luxury appointments.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ8	Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS
Length	197.0"	204.9"
Width	79.0"	79.9"
Height	67.0"	72.4"
Wheelbase	118.0"	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
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	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
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	500 hp	550 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	568 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
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/21 MPG	13/18 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	15 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	337.5/472.5 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
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
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	58.5 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 Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	22 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	Performance
Tire Size	285/40R22	325/40R22
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
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 SQ8 and 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS.

What is the primary difference in price between the 2025 Audi SQ8 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS?

The price discrepancy is substantial; the Audi SQ8 starts at $97,600, while the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS commands a much higher starting MSRP of $178,450, creating an $80,850 difference.

Which crossover has more usable space for gear and luggage?

The 2025 Audi SQ8 provides significantly more cargo room with 33.7 cubic feet available. The Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS offers a smaller 18.4 cubic feet, as its length is dedicated to passenger space.

How do the power outputs compare between these two high-performance SUVs?

The Maybach GLS holds a slight edge in raw power, generating 550 horsepower, whereas the Audi SQ8 delivers a robust 500 horsepower and slightly more torque at 568 lb-ft.

Is the fuel efficiency significantly different for daily commuting?

Yes, the SQ8 is the more efficient choice, achieving 17 MPG combined (15 city/21 highway), compared to the Maybach GLS's lower 15 MPG combined rating (13 city/18 highway).

Do both vehicles utilize an all-wheel-drive system?

Both the 2025 Audi SQ8 and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS are equipped standard with all-wheel drive capability to handle varying road conditions.