Audi Q8 vs Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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.
Data checked: specs 30 Aug 2026, price 4 Jul 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$143,415RRP
- with the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV's standard kit: $143,415 (nothing to add)
$134,900RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Audi Q8 starts from $143,415 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 $8,515.
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 $157,757 and $148,390 respectively.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Audi Q8
- REC-006473 · published 5 Nov 2025Due to a manufacturing issue, the modules installed in the high voltage battery may be defective.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2024
- REC-005898 · published 15 Feb 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the front passenger airbag may not have been installed correctly.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005841 · published 30 Nov 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the outer backrest frame of the front seats may have been incorrectly welded.Year range on the notice: 2023
- 3 more on the model page.
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
None open 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 ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
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 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, 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 stands out with ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for 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 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV offers artico man-made leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q8 and 4-zone in the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q8 uses a Diesel MHEV producing 210kW and 600Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 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 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 180kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi Q8 is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q8 measures 5,006mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 143mm 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 605L in the Audi Q8 and 520L in the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, giving the Audi Q8 a 85L advantage.
For towing, the Audi Q8 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 2,750kg 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) 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 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
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: Top CarSorted Score, 70 vs 69
The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (70 vs 69), taking 1 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: practicality (Audi Q8 ahead by 31), safety (Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV ahead by 27), performance (Audi Q8 ahead by 11). If boot space matters, the Audi Q8 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 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 by $8,515.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q8 uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Audi Q8, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q8 has the largest boot at 605L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi Q8 makes the most power at 210kW. The Audi Q8 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
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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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