Audi Q8 e-tron vs Mercedes-Benz EQE

The Audi Q8 e-tron starts from $140,600 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz EQE opens at $149,900. That makes the Audi Q8 e-tron the more affordable entry point by $9,300.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $154,660 and $164,890 respectively.

Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.

Both the Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQE hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Audi Q8 e-tron and 95% for the Mercedes-Benz EQE.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q8 e-tron packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Mercedes-Benz EQE.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Audi Q8 e-tron and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz EQE.

The Audi Q8 e-tron features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz EQE gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q8 e-tron stands out with ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz EQE. The Mercedes-Benz EQE counters with Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Audi Q8 e-tron uses a Electric producing 250kW and 664Nm of torque, sent through a single speed to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE responds with a Electric making 215kW and 565Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.

The Audi Q8 e-tron has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 215kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi Q8 e-tron is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 95kWh (Audi Q8 e-tron) vs 90.6kWh (Mercedes-Benz EQE), giving WLTP ranges of 491km and 571km. DC fast charging peaks at 170kW (Audi Q8 e-tron) vs 170kW (Mercedes-Benz EQE).

The Audi Q8 e-tron measures 4,915mm long on a 2,928mm wheelbase, 31mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz EQE at 4,946mm (3,120mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQE generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 569L in the Audi Q8 e-tron and 430L in the Mercedes-Benz EQE, giving the Audi Q8 e-tron a 139L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz EQE leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q8 e-tron) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQE). Both match on warranty length.