Q8 vs GLE
Cross-brand comparisons are where priorities show. Audi’s Q8 and Mercedes-Benz’s GLE target the same midsize luxury suv space in different ways. Where the Q8 shines on engine & performance, the GLE counters on fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Q8 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range GLE wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.6
- Fuel Economy & Range5.9
- Engine & Performance0.7
- Fuel Economy & Range8.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Q8 has 80 hp more power
The GLE is clearly behind on total system output (255 hp against 335 hp), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The GLE has better fuel economy
On this line of the spec sheet, the GLE is in a different league: 23 mpg, next to 19 mpg for the Q8. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The Q8 has 74 lb-ft more torque
For torque, the Q8 leads by a wide margin: 369 lb-ft versus 295 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The GLE has better city fuel economy
This is a headline difference. With 21 mpg to the Q8’s 17 mpg, the GLE has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the GLE starts from a better baseline.
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The GLE has better highway fuel economy
Put simply, the GLE is far ahead here: 28 mpg compared with 23 mpg. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Q8 leads
If engine & performance is high on your list, the Q8 makes the stronger case by a wide margin. In its favor, the Q8 has 80 hp more power. The Q8’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. On engine & performance alone, the Q8 gets the nod.
Total system output
Q8: 335 hp GLE: 255 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Q8: 369 lb-ft GLE: 295 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
GLE leads
This is one of the GLE’s strongest areas. On fuel economy & range, the Q8 falls well short. The GLE brings better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the GLE is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (combined)
Q8: 19 mpg GLE: 23 mpg The GLE uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Q8: 17 mpg GLE: 21 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On space & practicality, both deliver about the same. Both cover space & practicality well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. Net result on off-road & towing: level.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the Q8 and the GLE each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q8 | GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 335 hp (winner) | 255 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft (winner) | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (4MATIC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q8 | GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg | 23 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 17 mpg | 21 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 23 mpg | 28 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q8 | GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q8 | GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,700 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q8 | GLE |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Q8 if…
- you want more power (335 hp vs 255 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (369 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Audi and happy with it
Choose the GLE if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (23 mpg vs 19 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (21 mpg vs 17 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (28 mpg vs 23 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Q8 or the GLE?
Neither wins outright. Choose the Q8 if engine & performance matters most, or the GLE if fuel economy & range does.
Executive Summary
The Q8 versus the GLE is a matchup I find genuinely interesting, because Audi and Mercedes-Benz made different bets. The Q8 earns my vote first and foremost with 80 hp more power. Fairness check: the GLE does come with better fuel economy.
For engine & performance, the Q8 fits better. For fuel economy & range, the GLE is the better match.
My pick: whichever matches your priority, since engine & performance means the Q8 and fuel economy & range means the GLE.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.