2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe vs 2026 Audi Q8

$76,400 · Crossover

$75,600 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe attacks the luxury crossover segment with more sheer vigor, boasting 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque ready to push its flowing profile forward. Conversely, the 2026 Audi Q8 presents a slightly more restrained but equally sharp package, priced marginally lower at $75,600 compared to the Mercedes' $76,400 starting point. While the GLE Coupe flexes its muscle with a 40-horsepower advantage over the Q8's 335 hp, both vehicles demand premium unleaded fuel. Practicality sees a slight swing to the Audi, which offers a marginally larger cargo capacity at 33.7 cu ft versus the Benz's 31.6 cu ft, though the Mercedes benefits from a slightly higher combined MPG rating of 21 to the Audi's 19. Furthermore, the GLE Coupe utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission, granting smoother power delivery than the Q8's 8-speed unit in their respective AWD setups.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe

The GLE Coupe's marginally better combined MPG of 21 offers slightly reduced running costs for the daily grind.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi Q8

The 2026 Audi Q8 provides superior utility for families, offering 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLE Coupe's 31.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe pulls ahead decisively for performance seekers with its 375 hp engine, a full 40 hp more than the Audi Q8.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi Q8

The Audi Q8 secures the value verdict by offering a compelling package for $800 less than the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe if...

You prioritize raw acceleration, as the 375 hp output is notably higher than the competitor's 335 hp.
You prefer the refinement of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission for slightly smoother transitions.
You seek slightly better fuel economy, achieving 21 combined MPG versus the Q8's 19.

Choose the Audi Q8 if...

You need maximum utility, benefiting from the Q8's 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Sticker price matters, as the Q8 starts at $75,600, saving $800 immediately.
You prefer a slightly more substantial footprint, as the Q8 is 1.5 inches longer at 196.0 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe	Audi Q8
Length	194.5"	196.0"
Width	79.3"	79.0"
Height	68.1"	67.0"
Wheelbase	115.6"	118.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	375 hp @ 5800 rpm	335 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
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	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/25 MPG	17/23 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	19 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	427.5/562.5 mi.	382.5/517.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 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	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	3 months
Stereo Power	—	180W
Speaker System	—	10
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	37.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.3 in.	59.5 in.
Front Hip Room	60.8 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Rear Head Room	36.9 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.9 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.3 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.8 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	20 x 9.0 in	21 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	275/50R20	285/45R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
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 GLE-Class Coupe and 2026 Audi Q8.

How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 GLE Coupe and the 2026 Q8?

The difference is substantial; the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe delivers 375 hp, which is 40 horsepower more than the Audi Q8's 335 hp, giving the Mercedes a noticeable edge in straight-line speed, though both share identical 369 lb-ft of torque.

Which crossover is better suited for road trips requiring luggage capacity?

The 2026 Audi Q8 is the winner in cargo space, offering 33.7 cu ft behind the rear seats, slightly exceeding the 2025 GLE Coupe's 31.6 cu ft.

Do these luxury crossovers require the same grade of fuel?

Yes, both the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and the Audi Q8 specify that premium unleaded fuel is required for their engines to perform optimally.

What is the difference in efficiency between the two all-wheel-drive models?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe edges out the Audi Q8 in efficiency, achieving 21 combined MPG compared to the Q8's 19 combined MPG, which likely stems from its 9-speed transmission versus the Q8's 8-speed unit.

Is there a significant price difference between the base models?

The Audi Q8 starts at $75,600, making it $800 cheaper than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, which is listed at $76,400.

How do their physical sizes compare, especially for parking?

The vehicles are very similar in scale, though the Audi Q8 is slightly longer at 196.0 inches versus the GLE Coupe's 194.5 inches, while the Mercedes is slightly taller at 68.1 inches compared to the Audi's 67.0 inches.