2026 Audi SQ8 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz Amg Gt
Comparison Overview
The primary measurable divergence between the 2026 Audi SQ8 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT lies in fuel economy, where the AMG GT achieves a 5 MPG advantage (21 combined MPG vs. 16 combined MPG). Power figures heavily favor the Audi SQ8, delivering a substantial 138 horsepower surplus (500 hp vs. 362 hp) and 199 lb-ft more torque (568 lb-ft vs. 369 lb-ft). The SQ8, priced slightly lower at $99,700 compared to the AMG GT's $102,100 MSRP, also offers significantly more utility with 33.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, more than double the 16.1 cu ft provided by the AMG GT. Conversely, the AMG GT features a slightly taller final drive ratio reflected in its 9-speed automatic transmission versus the SQ8's 8-speed unit, contributing to its superior efficiency figures (19/24 MPG city/highway vs. 14/20 MPG). These performance and capacity disparities define the two offerings.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz Amg Gt
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is the winner for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 21 MPG compared to the Audi SQ8's 16 MPG.
2026 Audi SQ8
The Audi SQ8 is preferred for families because its 33.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity is substantially larger than the AMG GT's 16.1 cubic feet.
2026 Audi SQ8
The Audi SQ8 is the enthusiast choice, boasting 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, easily outgunning the AMG GT's 362 hp and 369 lb-ft.
2026 Audi SQ8
The Audi SQ8 provides superior performance metrics and significantly greater utility for a $2,400 lower initial MSRP of $99,700.
Choose the Audi SQ8 if...
- You prioritize raw acceleration and output, benefiting from 500 horsepower.
- Your routine demands significant hauling capability, utilizing the 33.7 cu ft cargo volume.
- You prefer the slightly more substantial physical footprint, measuring 197.0 inches in length.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz Amg Gt if...
- Fuel efficiency is critical, as evidenced by the 21 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer a lower vehicle stance, with the AMG GT standing only 57.3 inches high.
- You require the slight gearing refinement offered by the 9-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi SQ8 | Mercedes-Benz Amg Gt |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.0" | 199.0" |
| Width | 79.0" | 76.9" |
| Height | 67.0" | 57.3" |
| Wheelbase | 118.0" | 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 |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 500 hp @ 5500 rpm | 362 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 568 lb-ft @ 2000 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 |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.2 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 57.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 22 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 285/40R22 | 285/40R19 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| 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 SQ8 and 2026 Mercedes-Benz Amg Gt.
What is the precise difference in power output between the two vehicles?
The 2026 Audi SQ8 produces 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is rated at 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This results in a 138 hp deficit for the AMG GT.
How much more expensive is the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT compared to the Audi SQ8?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT carries an MSRP of $102,100, making it $2,400 more expensive than the Audi SQ8, which starts at $99,700. Both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle offers better utility for carrying passengers and luggage?
The Audi SQ8, classified as a Crossover, offers significantly more utility with 33.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The AMG GT, designated as a Wagon, provides only 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
What accounts for the AMG GT's better fuel economy despite both being AWD?
The AMG GT's superior efficiency (21 combined MPG) is partly due to its less powerful engine tune and its 9-speed automatic transmission, compared to the SQ8's 8-speed unit, resulting in a 5 MPG advantage.
How do the exterior dimensions differ between the two models?
The AMG GT is slightly longer at 199.0 inches versus the SQ8's 197.0 inches, but the SQ8 is substantially taller (67.0 inches vs. 57.3 inches) and wider (79.0 inches vs. 76.9 inches).
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