2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Audi SQ8

$148,250 · SUV

$99,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, starting at a hefty $148,250, commands attention with its iconic boxy silhouette and formidable off-road heritage, boasting 443 hp delivered through a 9-speed automatic. Contrast this with the sleeker, performance-focused 2026 Audi SQ8, which unleashes a potent 500 hp and a massive 568 lb-ft of torque, significantly undercutting the G-Class with an MSRP of just $99,700. While the G-Class is taller at 77.7 inches, maximizing interior headroom and presence, the SQ8 offers a slightly longer footprint at 197.0 inches, potentially aiding aerodynamics. The G-Class manages 18 combined MPG, a slight edge over the SQ8’s 16 combined MPG, though both demand premium fuel. For sheer presence and brand cachet, the G-Wagon is unmatched, but the SQ8 delivers 57 more horsepower for substantially less financial outlay.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8's superior 500 hp and slightly better highway efficiency (20 MPG) make it marginally more refined for daily driving despite its thirst for premium fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The taller, boxier design of the G-Class at 77.7 inches likely provides a more commanding ride height and potentially more usable passenger space than the lower-slung SQ8 crossover.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi SQ8

The 2026 Audi SQ8 decisively wins the pure performance metrics with 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the G-Class's 443 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 delivers 57 more horsepower for a substantial $48,550 less than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

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

You demand the ultimate off-road prestige, signified by its standard four-wheel drive and iconic design.
Interior vertical space is critical, given its commanding height of 77.7 inches.
You prefer the slightly more efficient transmission paired with the G-Class, utilizing a 9-speed automatic versus the SQ8's 8-speed.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

Blistering straight-line speed is paramount, leveraging the 500 hp and 568 lb-ft torque output.
Sticking closer to a six-figure budget is necessary, saving $48,550 off the G-Class MSRP.
You appreciate the marginally better highway fuel economy rating of 20 MPG, despite both requiring premium fuel.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention 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 Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	4.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	V8
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	443 hp @ 6100 rpm	500 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	413 lb-ft @ 1950 rpm	568 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	32
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	17/19 MPG	14/20 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	16 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	448.8/501.6 mi.	315.0/450.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	26.4 gal.	22.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control 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	✓	—
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Stereo System	Burmester	—
Premium Speaker Brand	Burmester	—
Stereo Power	760W	730W
Speaker System	18	17
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	3 months
Premium Brand Speakers	—	Bang & Olufsen
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Front Head Room	41.9 in.	37.1 in.
Front Leg Room	38.7 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.8 in.	59.5 in.
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Premium Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.4 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	6 yr./ 62000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class and 2026 Audi SQ8.

How much more powerful is the Audi SQ8 compared to the G-Class?

The 2026 Audi SQ8 boasts 500 horsepower, giving it a 57 hp advantage over the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which produces 443 hp.

What is the price difference between these two imposing SUVs?

There is a substantial $48,550 price gap, with the G-Class starting at $148,250 and the SQ8 beginning at $99,700.

Does the Mercedes G-Class offer better fuel economy?

Marginally, yes; the G-Class achieves 18 combined MPG compared to the SQ8's 16 combined MPG, though both require premium unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle offers more cargo space for trips?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class has a slight advantage in utility with 34.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, just beating the SQ8's 33.7 cubic feet.

Is the G-Class significantly larger than the SQ8?

Yes, the G-Class is taller, standing at 77.7 inches compared to the SQ8's 67.0 inches, although the SQ8 is slightly longer at 197.0 inches versus the G-Class's 190.0 inches.

How do the torque figures compare between the two high-performance models?

The SQ8's torque output is superior, measuring 568 lb-ft, which is significantly higher than the G-Class's 413 lb-ft, translating to immense pulling power.