2025 Audi SQ8 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

$97,600 · Crossover

$90,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi SQ8 roars onto the scene, driven by a potent 500 hp engine ready to devour asphalt, contrasting sharply with the larger 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS, which prioritizes stately presence and efficiency. The SQ8 boasts a formidable 568 lb-ft of torque, promising ferocious acceleration for the performance purist, though its 17 MPG combined suffers for this power. Conversely, the GLS, priced $7,350 lower at $90,250, offers a more measured 375 hp, yet rewards drivers with a superior 21 MPG combined rating. While the SQ8 measures 197.0 inches long, the expansive GLS stretches to 205.0 inches, offering a different sense of scale. The significant 125 hp deficit in the GLS means the Audi retains the outright speed crown, making this a battle between raw German athleticism and superior luxury utility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS provides better fuel economy (21 MPG combined vs. 17 MPG) for daily driving, offsetting its larger size.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The GLS is physically larger at 205.0 inches long and taller, suggesting superior passenger comfort and potentially better third-row accommodation, despite its smaller quoted cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 delivers substantially more output with 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, offering a genuinely aggressive driving dynamic.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The GLS offers a lower MSRP ($90,250 vs. $97,600) while delivering better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

You demand absolute performance, leveraging the SQ8's 500 horsepower and massive 568 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint at 197.0 inches in length for city maneuverability.
You are willing to accept 15 MPG in the city for exhilarating, premium performance.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, as the GLS achieves 21 MPG combined versus the SQ8's 17 MPG.
You value a lower entry price point, saving $7,350 with the GLS's $90,250 MSRP.
You need the maximum road presence provided by the GLS's greater height (71.8 inches) and length (205.0 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ8	Mercedes-Benz GLS
Length	197.0"	205.0"
Width	79.0"	79.9"
Height	67.0"	71.8"
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	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
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	375 hp @ 5800 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	✓	✓

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	19/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	337.5/472.5 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
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

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	58.5 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 Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	22 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	285/40R22	315/40R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	21 x 11.0 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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS.

How much more power does the Audi SQ8 have over the Mercedes-Benz GLS?

The 2025 Audi SQ8 boasts 500 horsepower, giving it a massive 125 hp advantage over the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS, which produces 375 hp.

Which crossover is the better choice for long-term fuel costs?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS is superior for running costs, delivering 21 MPG combined compared to the performance-focused SQ8’s 17 MPG combined, despite both requiring premium fuel.

Is the price difference between these two performance SUVs significant?

Yes, the 2025 Audi SQ8 has an MSRP of $97,600, which is $7,350 more expensive than the starting price of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS at $90,250.

Does the size difference impact utility between the SQ8 and GLS?

The GLS is physically larger overall, measuring 8.0 inches longer than the SQ8, although surprisingly, the SQ8 quotes a higher maximum cargo capacity at 33.7 cu ft versus the GLS's 17.4 cu ft.

How do the transmissions differ between the two vehicles?

The Audi SQ8 utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission to manage its power, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS features a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.