Audi SQ8 e-tron vs Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
Two electric SUVs 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.
Audi SQ8 e-tron
From $180,090
SUV
Electric
Electric Motor
370kW
—
ANCAP: no data
569L
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
From $225,900
SUV
Electric
Electric
265kW
—
5★ ANCAP
645L
Track the Audi SQ8 e-tron & Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Audi SQ8 e-tron starts from $180,090 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV opens at $225,900. That makes the Audi SQ8 e-tron the more affordable entry point by $45,810.
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 $198,099 and $248,490 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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
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
106kWh 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 (22kW AC, 170kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
108.4kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 200kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 200kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Audi SQ8 e-tron features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV gets a 12.8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi SQ8 e-tron stands out with V2L and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV counters with Burmester audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi SQ8 e-tron gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV offers nappa leather.
Drivetrain
The Audi SQ8 e-tron uses a Electric Motor producing 370kW and 718Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV responds with a Electric making 265kW and 800Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The Audi SQ8 e-tron has the clear power advantage at 370kW vs 265kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi SQ8 e-tron is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 114kWh (Audi SQ8 e-tron) vs 107.8kWh (Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV), giving WLTP ranges of 471km and 616km. DC fast charging peaks at 170kW (Audi SQ8 e-tron) vs 200kW (Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV).
Space & Comfort
The Audi SQ8 e-tron measures 4,915mm long on a 2,928mm wheelbase, 210mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV at 5,125mm (3,210mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 569L in the Audi SQ8 e-tron and 645L in the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, giving the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV a 76L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV seats 7 vs 5.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.4m diameter
Large
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 SQ8 e-tron) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi SQ8 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 SUV if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi SQ8 e-tron takes 6 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 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 SQ8 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV?
The Audi SQ8 e-tron is the cheapest at $180,090 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV by $45,810.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV has the most range at 698km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV accepts the highest DC charging at up to 200kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 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 SUV has the largest boot at 645L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi SQ8 e-tron makes the most power at 370kW. The Audi SQ8 e-tron is quickest to 100km/h in 4.5s.
Free: Chinese Cars in Australia Cheat Sheet
Sign up free and we'll email you our Chinese Cars Cheat Sheet (PDF) — all 22 brands ranked on service, parts, warranty and dealer experience. Plus new-car launches, reviews and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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!
