Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs Audi SQ8 e-tron
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 GLS-Class starts from $199,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi SQ8 e-tron opens at $180,090. That makes the Audi SQ8 e-tron the more affordable entry point by $19,810.
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 $219,890 and $198,099 respectively.
The Audi SQ8 e-tron qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class stands out with Burmester audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Audi SQ8 e-tron. The Audi SQ8 e-tron counters with heated front seats, ventilated seats, V2L and Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class uses a Petrol producing 270kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.
The Audi SQ8 e-tron responds with a Electric Motor making 370kW and 718Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
The Audi SQ8 e-tron has the clear power advantage at 370kW vs 270kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi SQ8 e-tron is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class measures 5,207mm long on a 3,135mm wheelbase, 292mm longer than the Audi SQ8 e-tron at 4,915mm (2,928mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 680L in the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and 569L in the Audi SQ8 e-tron, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class a 111L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class seats 7 vs 5.
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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi SQ8 e-tron). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
The Verdict
The Audi SQ8 e-tron takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and Audi SQ8 e-tron?
The Audi SQ8 e-tron is the cheapest at $180,090 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class by $19,810.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class uses the least fuel at 10.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 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 GLS-Class has the largest boot at 680L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
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.
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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