Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV vs Audi Q8 e-tron

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV starts from $134,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q8 e-tron opens at $140,600. That makes the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV the more affordable entry point by $5,700.

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 $148,390 and $154,660 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.

Both the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and Audi Q8 e-tron hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and 91% for the Audi Q8 e-tron.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q8 e-tron packs more ADAS features with 10 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 8 in the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and 8 in the Audi Q8 e-tron.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi Q8 e-tron gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV stands out with panoramic roof and Burmester audio that you will not find on the Audi Q8 e-tron. The Audi Q8 e-tron counters with Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV gets artico man-made leather upholstery while the Audi Q8 e-tron offers leather.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV uses a Electric producing 180kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.

The Audi Q8 e-tron responds with a Electric making 250kW and 664Nm, paired to a two-stage planetary gearbox with single gear driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.

The Audi Q8 e-tron has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 180kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi Q8 e-tron is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 90.6kWh (Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV) vs 95kWh (Audi Q8 e-tron), giving WLTP ranges of 586km and 491km. DC fast charging peaks at 170kW (Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV) vs 170kW (Audi Q8 e-tron).

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV measures 4,863mm long on a 3,030mm wheelbase, 52mm shorter than the Audi Q8 e-tron at 4,915mm (2,928mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and 569L in the Audi Q8 e-tron, giving the Audi Q8 e-tron a 49L advantage.

For towing, the Audi Q8 e-tron leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,050kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q8 e-tron). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV)—.