Audi Q8 e-tron vs Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Track the Audi Q8 e-tron & Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
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Price Breakdown
The Audi Q8 e-tron starts from $140,600 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV opens at $134,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV the more affordable entry point by $5,700.
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 $148,390 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.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 8 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
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 SUV.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
106kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 170kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 170kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
90.6kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 170kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 170kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q8 e-tron features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV gets a 12.8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. 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 SUV. The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV counters with Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi Q8 e-tron gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV offers artico man-made leather.
Drivetrain
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 SUV responds with a Electric making 180kW and 550Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Audi Q8 e-tron has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 180kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi Q8 e-tron is 1.3s 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 SUV), giving WLTP ranges of 491km and 586km. DC fast charging peaks at 170kW (Audi Q8 e-tron) vs 170kW (Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV).
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q8 e-tron measures 4,915mm long on a 2,928mm wheelbase, 52mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV at 4,863mm (3,030mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 569L in the Audi Q8 e-tron and 520L in the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, giving the Audi Q8 e-tron a 49L advantage.
For towing, the Audi Q8 e-tron leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,050kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.3m to 12.5m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
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 SUV). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q8 e-tron if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi Q8 e-tron takes 6 of 8 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Audi Q8 e-tron has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV?
The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is the cheapest at $134,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q8 e-tron by $5,700.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV has the most range at 586km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Audi Q8 e-tron accepts the highest DC charging at up to 170kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q8 e-tron has the largest boot at 569L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q8 e-tron has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi Q8 e-tron makes the most power at 250kW. The Audi Q8 e-tron is quickest to 100km/h in 6s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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