Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Audi Q8
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.
Data checked: specs 30 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$214,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$143,415RRP
- with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class's standard kit: $143,415 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class starts from $214,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q8 opens at $143,415. That makes the Audi Q8 the more affordable entry point by $71,485.
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 $236,390 and $157,757 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi Q8 by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- REC-006071 · published 3 Sep 2024The jack provided with the vehicle may not include a base plate.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2023
- REC-005747 · published 8 Aug 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel delivery unit may fail causing the fuel pump to switch off.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- REC-005667 · published 4 May 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the front axle wiring harness may come in contact with the oil cooler.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2022
- 10 more on the model page.
Audi Q8
- REC-006473 · published 5 Nov 2025Due to a manufacturing issue, the modules installed in the high voltage battery may be defective.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2024
- REC-005898 · published 15 Feb 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the front passenger airbag may not have been installed correctly.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005841 · published 30 Nov 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the outer backrest frame of the front seats may have been incorrectly welded.Year range on the notice: 2023
- 3 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi Q8 gets a 10.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class stands out with Burmester audio — features our data doesn't list for the Audi Q8. The Audi Q8 counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz G-Class gets nappa leather upholstery while the Audi Q8 offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class uses a Diesel producing 270kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.
The Audi Q8 responds with a Diesel MHEV making 210kW and 600Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 210kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class measures 4,825mm long on a 2,890mm wheelbase, 181mm shorter than the Audi Q8 at 5,006mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and 605L in the Audi Q8, giving the Audi Q8 a 125L advantage.
For towing, the Audi Q8 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 13.0m
Based on 13.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,480/year for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and $2,024/year for the Audi Q8. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q8.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz G-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q8). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz G-Class if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi Q8 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Audi Q8: Top CarSorted Score, 69 vs 65
The Audi Q8 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (69 vs 65), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Audi Q8 ahead by 15), value (Audi Q8 ahead by 5), practicality (Audi Q8 ahead by 5). The Audi Q8 will save you roughly $456 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi Q8 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, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Audi Q8?
The Audi Q8 is the cheapest at $143,415 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz G-Class by $71,485.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q8 uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Audi Q8 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q8 has the largest boot at 605L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class makes the most power at 270kW. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 5.8s.
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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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