2026 Audi SQ8 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

$99,700 · Crossover

$90,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The battle between the 2026 Audi SQ8 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS pits raw performance against refined practicality. The Audi SQ8 bursts onto the scene boasting a mighty 500 hp and a massive 568 lb-ft of torque, promising exhilarating acceleration, though its 16 MPG combined will demand frequent premium fuel stops. Conversely, the larger GLS offers a more measured 375 hp, relying on superior efficiency, achieving a 21 MPG combined rating, which is a notable 5 MPG advantage over the Audi. While the SQ8 is significantly shorter at 197.0 inches versus the GLS's substantial 205.0 inches, the Audi squeezes out more usable space with 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLS's 17.4 cu ft. This comparison hinges on whether buyers prioritize the SQ8's potent 125 hp advantage or the GLS's lower $90,250 starting price and better fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The GLS wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 21 MPG combined versus the SQ8's 16 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi SQ8

The SQ8 is favored for families needing accessible cargo hauling, offering 33.7 cu ft compared to the GLS's smaller 17.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi SQ8

The 2026 Audi SQ8 dominates in outright performance with 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS presents better immediate value by costing $9,450 less than the Audi SQ8 while offering superior fuel efficiency.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

You require explosive acceleration fueled by 500 horsepower.
You prioritize driver engagement and higher torque figures (568 lb-ft).
You need maximum accessible cargo space in a performance package (33.7 cu ft).

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS if...

Your driving demands frequent, efficient mileage, leveraging its 21 MPG combined rating.
You are sensitive to the $9,450 initial purchase price difference.
You need the commanding physical presence of a larger vehicle, measuring 71.8 inches in height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ8	Mercedes-Benz GLS
Length	197.0"	205.0"
Width	79.0"	79.9"
Height	67.0"	71.8"
Wheelbase	118.0"	123.4"

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	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable 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	375 hp @ 5800 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	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

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.	452.2/571.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	23.8 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	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓

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	590W
Speaker System	17	13
Subwoofer Count	1	2
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 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 Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	37.1 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	59.3 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
Front Hip Room	—	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.2 in.	41.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	60.0 in.
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	22 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	285/40R22	315/40R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	21 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 GLS.

How significant is the performance gap between the SQ8 and the GLS?

The Audi SQ8 offers a substantial power advantage, delivering 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, which dwarfs the GLS's 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, creating a clear edge for driving enthusiasts.

Which crossover costs less to run on a daily basis?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is significantly cheaper to run day-to-day because it achieves 21 MPG combined, besting the Audi SQ8's 16 MPG combined rating, despite both requiring premium fuel.

Does the larger size of the GLS translate to better cargo capacity?

Surprisingly, no; although the GLS is longer (205.0 inches vs 197.0 inches), the Audi SQ8 offers almost double the primary cargo space at 33.7 cu ft compared to the GLS’s 17.4 cu ft.

What is the initial price difference between these two luxury SUVs?

The 2026 Audi SQ8 commands a higher MSRP of $99,700, making it $9,450 more expensive than the Mercedes-Benz GLS, which starts at $90,250.

Are there major differences in transmission technology?

The GLS utilizes a slightly different setup with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the SQ8 features an 8-speed shiftable automatic.

Which vehicle might offer a more traditional SUV stance?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS presents a taller, more traditional profile, standing at 71.8 inches high, compared to the sleeker 67.0-inch height of the Audi SQ8.