Audi Q8 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE
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.
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q8 starts from $143,415 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE opens at $128,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLE the more affordable entry point by $14,515.
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 $141,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q8 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets a 12.3-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 that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 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 GLE offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q8 and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
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 GLE responds with a Diesel making 195kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Audi Q8 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 195kW. In the real-world sprint, 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 4,986mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 62mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLE at 4,924mm (2,995mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 660L in the Audi Q8 and 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE, giving the Audi Q8 a 30L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLE seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.1m 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 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,024/year for the Audi Q8 and $1,881/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Estimated annual total: $2,024 (Audi Q8) vs $1,881 (Mercedes-Benz GLE). The Mercedes-Benz GLE saves you roughly $143 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q8 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi Q8 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz GLE will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. 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 GLE?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the cheapest at $128,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q8 by $14,515.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Audi Q8 and Mercedes-Benz GLE carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q8 has the largest boot at 660L.
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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