Audi Q8 e-tron vs Mercedes-Benz EQS
Two electric cars 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.
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q8 e-tron starts from $140,600 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS opens at $209,900. That makes the Audi Q8 e-tron the more affordable entry point by $69,300.
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 $230,890 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.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQS hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Audi Q8 e-tron and 96% for the Mercedes-Benz EQS.
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 EQS.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q8 e-tron features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q8 e-tron stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz EQS. The Mercedes-Benz EQS counters with Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 EQS responds with a Electric making 245kW and 568Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.
The Audi Q8 e-tron has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 245kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi Q8 e-tron is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 95kWh (Audi Q8 e-tron) vs 107.8kWh (Mercedes-Benz EQS), giving WLTP ranges of 491km and 708km. DC fast charging peaks at 170kW (Audi Q8 e-tron) vs 200kW (Mercedes-Benz EQS).
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q8 e-tron measures 4,915mm long on a 2,928mm wheelbase, 301mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz EQS at 5,216mm (3,210mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQS generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 569L in the Audi Q8 e-tron and 610L in the Mercedes-Benz EQS, giving the Mercedes-Benz EQS a 41L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz EQS leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.4m 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 12.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
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 EQS). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q8 e-tron if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQS if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz EQS takes 5 of 8 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz EQS 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 EQS?
The Audi Q8 e-tron is the cheapest at $140,600 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz EQS by $69,300.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS has the most range at 780km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS accepts the highest DC charging at up to 200kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQS all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS has the largest boot at 610L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
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.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
