2025 Audi SQ8 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz Amg Gt
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi SQ8 explodes onto the scene with a potent 500 hp and a massive 568 lb-ft of torque, offering raw, unrelenting German power in a spacious Crossover body, contrasting sharply with the sleek 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Wagon, which prioritizes agility and efficiency with its 362 hp. While the SQ8 dominates performance with its superior output, the Mercedes counters with superior frugality, achieving a 21 MPG combined versus the Audi's 17 MPG combined. The Audi commands a lower initial investment at an MSRP of $97,600 compared to the Mercedes' $102,100. Furthermore, the SQ8 offers nearly double the utility, boasting 33.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to the AMG GT's 16.1 cu ft. This battle pits raw velocity and space (SQ8) against a more refined, efficiency-minded driving machine (AMG GT).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz Amg Gt
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Wagon is the winner for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, netting 21 MPG combined versus the SQ8's 17 MPG.
2025 Audi SQ8
The Audi SQ8 clearly serves families better with 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the AMG GT's 16.1 cu ft.
2025 Audi SQ8
Enthusiasts will favor the Audi SQ8 for its dominating power output of 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Audi SQ8
The Audi SQ8 provides significantly more power and cargo space for a lower entry price of $97,600.
Choose the Audi SQ8 if...
- You demand blistering acceleration, benefiting from the SQ8's 500 horsepower rating.
- Maximum utility is essential, leveraging the 33.7 cu ft of available cargo volume.
- You prefer saving $4,500 on the initial purchase price.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz Amg Gt if...
- Fuel economy is a primary concern, as the AMG GT achieves 24 MPG on the highway.
- You appreciate the slightly smaller footprint for urban maneuvering (76.9 inches wide vs. 79.0 inches).
- You desire a vehicle with a nine-speed automatic transmission for potentially smoother highway cruising.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi SQ8 | Mercedes-Benz Amg Gt |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.0" | 199.0" |
| Width | 79.0" | 76.9" |
| Height | 67.0" | 57.3" |
| Wheelbase | 118.0" | 116.2" |
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 |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| 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 | 2 |
| 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 |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Headlights | โ | โ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Integrated 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 | 500 hp | 362 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 568 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 | โ | โ |
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 | โ |
| Hill Descent Control | 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) | 15/21 MPG | 19/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 17 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 337.5/472.5 mi. | 400.9/506.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.5 gal. | 21.1 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 |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Sun Sensor | 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 | 640W |
| Speaker System | 17 | 14 |
| 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 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
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. | 40.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.7 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 | Power |
| 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 | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Sueded Microfiber | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | โ | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.2 in. | โ |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 57.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | โ |
| Wheel Diameter | 22 in | โ |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 285/40R22 | 285/40R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | โ |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | โ |
| Wheel Material | โ | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | โ | 19 x 11.0 in. |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear 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 SQ8 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz Amg Gt.
Which vehicle is significantly faster in a straight line?
The 2025 Audi SQ8 is substantially faster, delivering 500 horsepower, which dwarfs the 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT's 362 horsepower. This 138 hp advantage means the SQ8 will accelerate with significantly more urgency across its powerband.
How does the cargo space compare between these two models?
The Audi SQ8 offers a massive 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, making it the clear choice for hauling gear. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Wagon provides only 16.1 cu ft, suggesting a greater focus on passenger space and driving dynamics over pure utility.
Is the price difference of $4,500 justified by performance gains in the Audi?
Yes, for power seekers, the Audi SQ8 is a superior value proposition; you spend $4,500 less MSRP to gain 138 more horsepower and more than double the cargo volume.
Which vehicle is better for long road trips regarding fuel stops?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT excels on long trips, achieving 21 MPG combined compared to the Audi SQ8's 17 MPG combined. This 4 MPG difference means fewer stops for premium unleaded fuel.
Do both vehicles use All-Wheel Drive?
Yes, both the 2025 Audi SQ8 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT are equipped with all-wheel drive systems, ensuring capable traction in various road conditions.
How do the transmissions differ between the two?
The Audi SQ8 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT steps up to a 9-speed shiftable automatic, which may contribute to its slightly better overall fuel economy figures.
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