2026 Audi Q8 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

$75,600 · Crossover

$62,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The battle between the 2026 Audi Q8 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE pits raw power against smart economy. The Audi Q8 instantly captivates with its muscular stance and impressive output, delivering 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, suggesting an exhilarating on-road presence despite its slightly lower 19 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz GLE charms with superior efficiency, boasting a 23 MPG combined rating, significantly better than the Audi's. With a $13,350 MSRP disparity, starting at $62,250 versus the Q8's $75,600, the GLE offers substantial savings. While the Q8 boasts 80 more horsepower, the GLE counters with better mileage and a taller 70.7-inch stature, making these two luxurious crossovers distinct choices for different priorities.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLE wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 23 MPG compared to the Audi Q8's 19 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi Q8

The Audi Q8 offers marginally more utility with 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, slightly edging out the GLE's 33.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi Q8

The 2026 Audi Q8 is the clear choice for enthusiasts, offering a significant 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque advantage.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLE provides better overall value, costing $13,350 less upfront while delivering better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Audi Q8 if...

You prioritize brute force acceleration and performance figures (335 hp).
You require the reassurance of standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied conditions.
You prefer the slightly longer body style, measuring 196.0 inches in length.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if...

You are looking to save $13,350 on the initial purchase price.
Fuel efficiency is critical, as the GLE delivers 23 MPG combined versus 19 MPG.
You prefer a slightly taller profile for improved road visibility (70.7 inches high).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi Q8	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Length	196.0"	194.3"
Width	79.0"	76.7"
Height	67.0"	70.7"
Wheelbase	118.0"	117.9"

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	✓	✓
Headlight Washers	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	335 hp @ 6400 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
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	rear wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	17/23 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	382.5/517.5 mi.	472.5/630.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	22.5 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	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather 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	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	21 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	285/45R21	255/50R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 30000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Audi Q8 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE.

How much more power does the Audi Q8 have over the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The 2026 Audi Q8 delivers substantially more power, generating 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This provides an 80 horsepower advantage over the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE, which produces 255 hp.

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLE significantly more fuel-efficient than the Audi Q8?

Yes, the GLE offers a distinct advantage in fuel economy, achieving a combined 23 MPG versus the Q8's 19 MPG combined rating. This 4 MPG difference translates to fewer stops at the pump for GLE owners.

Which vehicle is the more affordable entry point?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE is significantly more affordable with an MSRP of $62,250. The 2026 Audi Q8 commands a premium, starting at $75,600, resulting in a $13,350 price gap.

Do both SUVs come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

No, the standard configuration differs; the Audi Q8 comes equipped with All-Wheel Drive, while the standard 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE utilizes a Rear Wheel Drive setup.

How do the sizes compare in terms of width and height?

The Audi Q8 is notably wider at 79.0 inches, giving it a broader stance than the GLE's 76.7 inches. However, the GLE is taller at 70.7 inches compared to the Q8's 67.0 inches.

Are the transmission types identical between the two models?

While both utilize shiftable automatics, they have different gears; the Audi Q8 uses an 8-speed automatic, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLE employs a 9-speed automatic transmission.