2026 Audi RS Q8 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz Amg Gt

$138,300 · Crossover

$102,100 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Audi RS Q8 explodes onto the scene, leveraging a monstrous 631 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, offering supercar thrust in a high-riding Crossover package with an MSRP starting at $138,300. Contrast this brute force with the stunning 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Wagon, a sleek, performance-oriented machine delivering 362 horsepower and sipping premium fuel more efficiently at a combined 21 MPG versus the Audi's 16 MPG. The $36,200 price disparity is significant; the Mercedes commands attention for less upfront cost, while the Audi demands it through sheer velocity and a commanding 67.5-inch height. While the RS Q8 offers a substantial 33 cubic feet of cargo space, the AMG GT counters with superior fuel economy derived from its lighter power output and 9-speed automatic. This battle pits raw, upper-echelon power against accessible, efficient performance style.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz Amg Gt

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Wagon is the superior commuter due to its better fuel economy, achieving 21 combined MPG versus the RS Q8's 16 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi RS Q8

The Audi RS Q8 wins for families because it offers significantly more utility with 33 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the AMG GT's 16.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi RS Q8

The 2026 Audi RS Q8 is the clear enthusiast choice, boasting an earth-shaking 631 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz Amg Gt

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT provides superior value, undercutting the Audi's $138,300 MSRP by $36,200 while still offering AWD performance.

Choose the Audi RS Q8 if...

You demand the absolute maximum output, leveraging the massive 631 horsepower available in the RS Q8.
You need substantial utility, benefiting from the Crossover's generous 33 cu ft of cargo space.
Your budget allows for the $138,300 starting price point for top-tier Audi performance.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz Amg Gt if...

Maximizing efficiency is key, utilizing the Wagon's superior 21 combined MPG rating.
You prefer a lower initial investment, saving $36,200 compared to the RS Q8's MSRP.
You desire a slightly lower driving position and more nimble handling suggested by the 57.3-inch height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi RS Q8	Mercedes-Benz Amg Gt
Length	197.7"	199.0"
Width	79.0"	76.9"
Height	67.5"	57.3"
Wheelbase	117.9"	116.2"

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
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	631 hp @ 6000 rpm	362 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	627 lb-ft @ 2300 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	32	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
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	14/20 MPG	19/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	16 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	315.0/450.0 mi.	400.9/506.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	21.1 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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Stereo Power	730W	640W
Speaker System	17	14
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Premium Brand Stereo System	—	Burmester
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

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.	40.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	3
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Material: Leatherette/Sueded Microfiber	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.2 in.	—
Rear Shoulder Room	58.4 in.	57.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Diameter	22 in	—
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	295/40R22	285/40R19
Wheel Size	—	19 x 11.0 in.

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 RS Q8 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz Amg Gt.

How significant is the performance difference between these two premium vehicles?

The difference is dramatic; the Audi RS Q8 generates a massive 631 horsepower, while the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Wagon produces 362 horsepower, resulting in a 269 hp gap favoring the Audi.

Is the Audi RS Q8 impractical for daily driving due to its low fuel economy?

Its 14 city MPG and 20 highway MPG are certainly thirsty compared to the AMG GT's 19/24 split, meaning the Audi will require nearly 30% more frequent premium unleaded fill-ups.

Which vehicle is better suited for hauling family gear?

The Audi RS Q8 is the clear utility winner, providing 33 cu ft of cargo capacity—more than double the 16.1 cu ft offered by the AMG GT Wagon.

Considering the MSRP, what justifies the $36,200 price difference?

The extra cost for the RS Q8 buys significant power upgrades (627 lb-ft vs. 369 lb-ft of torque) and increased body volume, putting it in a higher performance bracket despite both using AWD.

Do both vehicles use the same drive system?

Yes, both the 2026 Audi RS Q8 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT are equipped with all-wheel drive systems for optimal traction.

Are the transmissions similar in operation?

The AMG GT utilizes a slightly more geared 9-speed shiftable automatic, whereas the RS Q8 employs an 8-speed shiftable automatic, potentially offering slightly different shift characteristics under hard acceleration.