Mercedes-Benz GLE 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.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLE starts from $128,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q8 opens at $143,415. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLE the more affordable entry point by $14,515.
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 $141,790 and $157,757 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLE by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi Q8 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 91% for the Audi Q8.
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 GLE.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 8 in the Audi Q8.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLE features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Audi Q8 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE stands out with Burmester audio that you will not find on the Audi Q8. The Audi Q8 counters with ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses a Diesel producing 195kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 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 Audi Q8 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 195kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi Q8 is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLE measures 4,924mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 62mm shorter than the Audi Q8 at 4,986mm (2,995mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE and 660L in the Audi Q8, giving the Audi Q8 a 30L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLE seats 7 vs 5.
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.
12.1m to 12.5m
Based on 12.1m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLE and $2,394/year for the Audi Q8. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs $2,394 (Audi Q8). The Mercedes-Benz GLE saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLE) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q8). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLE if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi Q8 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi Q8 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz GLE will save you roughly $285 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, Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi Q8?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the cheapest at $128,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q8 by $14,515.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi Q8 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q8 has the largest boot at 660L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi Q8 makes the most power at 210kW. The Audi Q8 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
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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