2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS vs 2026 Audi RS Q8
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS embodies opulent isolation, cloaked in its majestic 204.9-inch length and promising supreme comfort, though its 550 hp might feel restrained next to the rival. Conversely, the 2026 Audi RS Q8 assaults the senses with raw power, boasting a blistering 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque that redefines the performance crossover segment. This rivalry boils down to luxury permanence versus outright aggression; the Maybach commands attention with its stately presence while managing a mere 15 MPG combined. The RS Q8, while significantly cheaper at $138,300 compared to the Maybach's $178,450 entry point, delivers 81 more horsepower and an impressive 33 cu ft of cargo capacity, far exceeding the Maybach's 18.4 cu ft offering. Ultimately, it is a choice between ultra-premium sanctuary and segment-leading, accessible performance fury.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS
The Maybach GLS prioritizes ride refinement and supreme cabin tranquility essential for daily commuting, despite its lower 13 MPG city rating.
2026 Audi RS Q8
The 2026 Audi RS Q8 offers substantially more utility with 33 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Maybach GLS's 18.4 cu ft.
2026 Audi RS Q8
The RS Q8 clearly dominates in performance metrics, delivering 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque for a truly visceral driving experience.
2026 Audi RS Q8
The Audi RS Q8 saves the buyer $40,150 while providing significantly more horsepower and greater everyday practicality.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS if...
- You require the absolute pinnacle of rear-seat luxury and a commanding physical presence indicated by its 204.9-inch length.
- Your priority is maximizing long-term cruising comfort over outright speed figures (550 hp vs 631 hp).
- You prefer the slightly better fuel economy ratings of 13/18 MPG city/highway over the RS Q8's 14/20 MPG due to the lower overall consumption demands of a dedicated luxury cruiser.
Choose the Audi RS Q8 if...
- You demand supercar-level acceleration, validated by its massive 631 hp output.
- You need genuine utility, as its 33 cu ft cargo volume dwarfs the 18.4 cu ft available in the Maybach.
- Saving over $40,000 on the MSRP is a deciding factor in your purchase decision.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS | Audi RS Q8 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.9" | 197.7" |
| Width | 79.9" | 79.0" |
| Height | 72.4" | 67.5" |
| Wheelbase | 123.4" | 117.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 4.0 L | 4.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V8 | V8 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 550 hp @ 6500 rpm | 631 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 538 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 627 lb-ft @ 2300 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 | 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 | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 13/18 MPG | 14/20 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 15 MPG | 16 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 309.4/428.4 mi. | 315.0/450.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 23.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing | — | ✓ |
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 | 1590W | 730W |
| Speaker System | 27 | 17 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 1 |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | With Real Time Traffic | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Subscription Duration | 36 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Premium Brand Speakers | — | Bang & Olufsen |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Sunroof Type | 1st Row Power Fabric Extended | — |
| Moonroof Type | 2nd Row Fixed Glass | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.5 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.3 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.3 in. | 59.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 12-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 12-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | 3 | 2 |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Ventilation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Ventilation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Massage Function | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 43.4 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level) | ✓ | — |
| Rear Seat Ventilation | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 22 x 11.5 in. | — |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 325/40R22 | 295/40R22 |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 22 in |
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 Maybach GLS and 2026 Audi RS Q8.
What is the true performance difference between the 2025 Maybach GLS and the 2026 RS Q8?
The 2026 Audi RS Q8 is significantly more potent, delivering 631 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, which vastly outmuscles the Maybach GLS's 550 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque. This nearly 100 lb-ft torque advantage suggests the RS Q8 will feel much quicker off the line and during passing maneuvers.
How much more practical is the Audi RS Q8 for family hauling?
The RS Q8 is considerably more practical for families, offering 33 cubic feet of cargo space. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS trails significantly, providing only 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row.
Considering the premium fuel requirement, which vehicle has better running costs?
The Audi RS Q8 is marginally more efficient, achieving 16 MPG combined compared to the Maybach GLS's 15 MPG combined. While both require premium fuel, the Audi's slightly better highway rating (20 MPG vs 18 MPG) will save a little at the pump over long journeys.
What justifies the $40,150 price gap between these two luxury crossovers?
The price difference reflects the Maybach's focus on ultra-luxury materials, bespoke craftsmanship, and brand exclusivity, which the standard-setting performance of the RS Q8, priced at $138,300, cannot match at its lower $178,450 price point.
Are the drivetrains fundamentally different between the two?
Yes, while both utilize all-wheel drive, the Maybach GLS employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission designed for silky, isolated shifts. In contrast, the RS Q8 uses an 8-speed automatic, optimized for faster, performance-oriented shifts to manage its higher torque figures.
How do their physical sizes impact maneuvering?
The Maybach GLS is the larger vehicle, measuring 204.9 inches long and 72.4 inches tall, suggesting a more stately presence but potentially more cumbersome parking. The RS Q8 is shorter at 197.7 inches and notably lower at 67.5 inches, likely aiding in slightly nimbler urban handling.
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