Audi Q4 e-tron vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Mercedes-Benz G-Class a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q4 e-tron features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q4 e-tron stands out with power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class counters with head-up display, wireless charging and Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q4 e-tron gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class offers nappa leather.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q4 e-tron uses a Electric producing 210kW and 545Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed (two-stage planetary) to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class responds with a Diesel making 270kW and 750Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 210kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q4 e-tron measures 4,588mm long on a 2,764mm wheelbase, 237mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class at 4,825mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 480L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, giving the Audi Q4 e-tron a 40L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 2,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Audi Q4 e-tron's turning circle is 1.8 m tighter, 11.2 m against 13.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Audi Q4 e-tron costs about $835 a year (17.4 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class about $2,480 a year (8.7 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q4 e-tron) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz G-Class).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q4 e-tron: the lower starting price ($84,900 against $214,900) and the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 480L).

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class: more power (270kW against 210kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 1,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi Q4 e-tron scores higher, 74 vs 65

The Audi Q4 e-tron scores 74 to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class's 65 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Audi Q4 e-tron ahead by 29 points), safety (Audi Q4 e-tron ahead by 21 points), practicality (Mercedes-Benz G-Class ahead by 19 points). Boot space with the seats up: 520L in the Audi Q4 e-tron, 480L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Common questions