2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS vs 2026 Audi SQ8

$178,450 · Crossover

$99,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS and the 2026 Audi SQ8 is the $78,750 MSRP gap, with the Maybach starting at $178,450 versus the SQ8's $99,700. Performance figures show the Maybach commanding a 50 hp advantage, producing 550 hp to the Audi's 500 hp, though the SQ8 counters with superior torque at 568 lb-ft compared to the Maybach's 538 lb-ft. Fuel economy shows the SQ8 slightly ahead with 16 combined MPG versus the GLS's 15 combined MPG, aligning with its better city (14 vs 13 MPG) and highway (20 vs 18 MPG) ratings. Furthermore, practical utility heavily favors the Audi, which offers 33.7 cu ft of cargo space—nearly double the GLS’s 18.4 cu ft. Dimensions also vary significantly, with the Maybach being 7.4 inches taller and 5.9 inches longer overall.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi SQ8

The 2026 Audi SQ8 is the better commuter due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 16 combined MPG compared to the Maybach GLS's 15 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi SQ8

The 2026 Audi SQ8 is superior for families because it offers substantially more cargo capacity at 33.7 cu ft versus the Maybach GLS's 18.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS wins for enthusiasts due to its higher peak output of 550 hp compared to the SQ8's 500 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi SQ8

The 2026 Audi SQ8 provides significantly better value, offering nearly comparable performance for $78,750 less than the Maybach GLS.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS if...

Absolute top-tier horsepower (550 hp) is required, surpassing the SQ8's 500 hp output.
The driver prioritizes the largest available physical footprint, evidenced by its 204.9-inch length and 72.4-inch height.
The specific luxury branding and positioning of the Maybach line are non-negotiable requirements.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

Maximizing utility is a priority, given the SQ8's 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 18.4 cu ft in Car 1.
Achieving the best possible fuel economy (16 combined MPG) from this power segment is important.
The budget requires savings exceeding $78,000 while still securing 500 hp.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS	Audi SQ8
Length	204.9"	197.0"
Width	79.9"	79.0"
Height	72.4"	67.0"
Wheelbase	123.4"	118.0"

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	500 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	538 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	568 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

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	—
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.	58.5 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	—
Wheel Size	22 x 11.5 in.	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	325/40R22	285/40R22
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	22 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	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 Maybach GLS and 2026 Audi SQ8.

Which crossover has the better low-end acceleration based on torque figures?

The 2026 Audi SQ8 shows a clear advantage in torque output, delivering 568 lb-ft, which generally aids in responsiveness from a stop, compared to the 538 lb-ft produced by the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS.

How much does the difference in height impact ownership?

The 2025 Maybach GLS is 5.4 inches taller (72.4 inches vs 67.0 inches) than the SQ8, which may influence clearance in low-ceiling garages, although both are classified as crossovers.

Is the performance gap between 550 hp and 500 hp noticeable in daily driving?

While the 50 hp difference favors the Maybach GLS, the SQ8 compensates with 30 lb-ft more torque, suggesting that in many real-world scenarios, the difference in acceleration feel may be mitigated by the SQ8's superior torque curve.

Are both vehicles compatible with the same fuel type?

Yes, both the 2025 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS and the 2026 Audi SQ8 mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel for optimal engine performance.

What is the primary transmission difference between these two AWD models?

The Maybach GLS utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the SQ8 is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

How much more cargo room does the Audi SQ8 provide over the Maybach GLS?

The 2026 Audi SQ8 offers 15.3 cubic feet more cargo space than the 2025 Maybach GLS (33.7 cu ft vs 18.4 cu ft), which is a critical factor for users needing substantial storage capacity.