Audi Q8 vs Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
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 GLS-Class opens at $199,900. That makes the Audi Q8 the more affordable entry point by $56,485.
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 $219,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi Q8 by roughly $2,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q8 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q8 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Audi Q8 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q8 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q8 stands out with heated front seats, ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class counters with Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 GLS-Class responds with a Petrol making 270kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 210kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is 0.2s 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, 221mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class at 5,207mm (3,135mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 660L in the Audi Q8 and 680L in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class a 20L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 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.
12.5m to 12.8m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.8m 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 $2,394/year for the Audi Q8 and $2,993/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. That is a $599 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q8.
Estimated annual total: $2,394 (Audi Q8) vs $2,993 (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class). The Audi Q8 saves you roughly $599 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 GLS-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q8 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Audi Q8 will save you roughly $599 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 GLS-Class?
The Audi Q8 is the cheapest at $143,415 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class by $56,485.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q8 uses the least fuel at 8.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q8 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 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 GLS-Class has the largest boot at 680L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class makes the most power at 270kW. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
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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