2026 Audi Q8 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

$75,600 · Crossover

$77,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the 2026 Audi Q8 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe often comes down to whether you prioritize a slight edge in efficiency or raw horsepower in your luxury crossover. The Audi Q8 enters the ring with a base MSRP of $75,600, slightly undercutting the GLE Coupe's $77,250, making it the initial value choice. While the Mercedes boasts 375 hp compared to the Audi's 335 hp, the Q8 offers a marginally better combined fuel economy rating of 19 MPG versus the GLE Coupe's 21 MPG—wait, the GLE Coupe wins on efficiency despite having more power! The Audi provides slightly more utility with 33.7 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Mercedes' 31.6 cu ft. Both require premium unleaded and utilize AWD, but the GLE Coupe's 9-speed automatic transmission might offer smoother urban commuting than the Q8's 8-speed unit, despite the Q8 having slightly better city MPG (17 vs 19).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offers superior fuel economy with 21 combined MPG and a smoother 9-speed automatic transmission for stop-and-go traffic.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi Q8

The Audi Q8 offers a small but significant advantage in cargo space, providing 33.7 cubic feet versus the GLE Coupe's 31.6 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The GLE Coupe appeals more to enthusiasts by delivering an extra 40 horsepower, totaling 375 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi Q8

The Audi Q8 saves buyers $1,650 on the initial purchase price while offering marginally better cargo capacity.

Choose the Audi Q8 if...

You need the most usable rear storage, as the Q8 offers 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You want to save $1,650 on the starting MSRP, currently listed at $75,600.
You prefer the slightly more frugal city fuel economy rating of 17 MPG for your daily grind.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe if...

You value performance, as the GLE Coupe offers a noticeable 40 horsepower advantage (375 hp).
You prioritize overall fuel efficiency, achieving a combined 21 MPG compared to the Q8's 19 MPG.
You prefer the refinement of a 9-speed automatic transmission versus the Q8's 8-speed unit.

Key Dimensions

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

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	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	335 hp @ 6400 rpm	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1800 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	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	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	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	382.5/517.5 mi.	427.5/562.5 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 Extended
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	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	21 in	20 x 9.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	285/45R21	275/50R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

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 Coupe.

Which vehicle is quicker off the line?

Based strictly on the specifications provided, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe should be quicker due to its 375 horsepower rating, which is 40 hp more than the Audi Q8's 335 hp.

Is the price difference significant between the two?

Yes, the Audi Q8 starts at $75,600, making it $1,650 cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, which has an MSRP of $77,250.

Which crossover is better for carrying luggage?

The Audi Q8 is slightly better equipped for luggage, offering 33.7 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to the 31.6 cubic feet found in the GLE Coupe.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Yes, according to the data, both the 2026 Audi Q8 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe mandate the use of premium unleaded gasoline.

How much worse is the Audi's fuel economy?

The Audi Q8 is slightly thirstier, achieving 19 combined MPG, while the GLE Coupe manages 21 combined MPG, though the Q8 holds a one MPG advantage in city driving (17 MPG vs 19 MPG for the GLE Coupe).

Are their physical footprints very different?

They are quite similar in size; the Audi Q8 is 196.0 inches long, slightly longer than the GLE Coupe's 194.5 inches, but the Mercedes is slightly wider at 79.3 inches versus the Audi's 79.0 inches.