Audi RSQ8 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 RSQ8 starts from $239,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class opens at $199,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class the more affordable entry point by $40,000.
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 $263,890 and $219,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi RSQ8 by roughly $2,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi RSQ8 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Audi RSQ8.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class adds a 360-degree camera that the Audi RSQ8 misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi RSQ8 stands out with Apple CarPlay, 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 wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, Burmester audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi RSQ8 uses a Petrol producing 463kW and 800Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.6 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 Audi RSQ8 has the clear power advantage at 463kW vs 270kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RSQ8 is 2.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi RSQ8 measures 5,012mm long on a 2,998mm wheelbase, 195mm 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 605L in the Audi RSQ8 and 680L in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class a 75L 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 2,700kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.8m diameter
Large
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 RSQ8 and $2,993/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. That is a $599 annual difference in favour of the Audi RSQ8.
Estimated annual total: $2,394 (Audi RSQ8) vs $2,993 (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class). The Audi RSQ8 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 RSQ8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi RSQ8 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Audi RSQ8 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Audi RSQ8 will save you roughly $599 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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