VS
At a Glance
Power
183 kW
500 kW
Torque
600 Nm
1020 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.L/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.0 s
3.5 s
Engine
2967 cc
1991 cc
Choosing between the Audi Q8 and the Mercedes-AMG GLC is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi Q8 delivers 183 kW while the Mercedes-AMG GLC produces 500 kW. On fuel, the Q8 returns 7.8 l/100km while the GLC uses 11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 968 700 for the Q8 and R2 723 594 for the GLC. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi Q845tdi Quattro TIP Platinum Edition 2025 - From R1 968 700
Mercedes-AMG GLCAMG GLC 63 S E 2024 - From R2 723 594
Performance
Power Output
183 kW
500 kW
Torque
600 Nm
1020 Nm
0-100 kph
7.0 s
3.5 s
Top Speed
220 Km/h
275 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2967 cc
1991 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
65 l
CO2 Emissions
196 g/km
170 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
4992 mm
4749 mm
Width
1995-2190 mm
1920-2076 mm
Height
1705 mm
1635 mm
Wheelbase
2998 mm
2888 mm
Kerb Weight
2160 Kg
2235 DIN / 2310 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
605-1755 l
470-1530 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
—
575 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi Q8
3 / 4 categories
Performance
GLC
Fuel Economy
Q8
Value
Q8
Practicality
Q8
Pros & Cons
Audi Q8
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 968 700)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Less power than rival (183 kW vs 500 kW)
Mercedes-AMG GLC
More powerful engine (500 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.5 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.L/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q8 or GLC?
The Q8 uses 7.8 l/100km and the GLC uses 11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.L/100km on the combined cycle. The Q8 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q8 or GLC?
The Q8 produces 183 kW and 600 Nm of torque while the GLC delivers 500 kW and 1020 Nm of torque. The GLC is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q8 and GLC?
The Q8 starts from R1 968 700 and the GLC from R2 723 594. The Q8 is cheaper by R754 894 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q8 or GLC?
The Q8 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the GLC can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q8 or the GLC?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.