A8 vs EQE
The A8 and the EQE sit in the same midsize luxury car class, but Audi and Mercedes-Benz don’t always agree on what matters most. Most of what matters is shared here; the differences are real but modest.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance A8 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The A8 has 47 hp more power
Big gap, real consequences. The A8’s 335 hp versus the EQE’s 288 hp changes how the two compare in daily use. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
A8 leads
This is one of the A8’s strongest areas. On engine & performance, the EQE falls well short. The A8 takes this one with 47 hp more power. The A8’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. That makes the A8 the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Total system output
A8: 335 hp EQE: 288 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on space & practicality; the numbers are close throughout. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A8 | EQE |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Electric |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6 | Single rear electric motor |
| Total system output | 335 hp (winner) | 288 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A8 | EQE |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 26 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 308 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A8 | EQE |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A8 | EQE |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A8 | EQE |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the A8 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (335 hp vs 288 hp)
- you prefer staying with Audi
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the A8 or the EQE?
On the specs compared here, the A8 makes more sense for most buyers; the EQE doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The A8 and the EQE are aimed at each other, and I think the gaps between them are more interesting than the headlines. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is 47 hp more power, and that goes to the A8.
For engine & performance, the A8 fits better. For the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the EQE is the better match.
My pick: the A8.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.