VS
At a Glance
Power
471 kW
380 engine kW
Torque
850 Nm
730 Nm
Fuel
12.2 l/100km
13.7 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.6 s
4.9 s
Engine
3996 cc
3982 cc
Choosing between the Audi Rsq8 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi Rsq8 delivers 471 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLS produces 380 engine kW. On fuel, the Rsq8 returns 12.2 l/100km while the GLS uses 13.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 266 100 for the Rsq8 and R2 972 800 for the GLS. 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 Rsq8RS Q8 Performance Quattro TIP (471kw) 2025 - From R3 266 100
Mercedes-Benz GLS580 4matic (mild Hybrid) 2024 - From R2 972 800
Performance
Power Output
471 kW
380 engine kW
Torque
850 Nm
730 Nm
0-100 kph
3.6 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
3982 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
Optional
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.2 l/100km
13.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
277 g/km
310 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5022 mm
5207 mm
Width
2007-2190 mm
1956-2030 mm
Height
1699 mm
1823 mm
Wheelbase
2998 mm
3135 mm
Kerb Weight
2350 Kg
2640 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
605-1755 l
355-2400 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
660 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)
9
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 15000) /
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Rsq8
Fuel Economy
Rsq8
Value
GLS
Practicality
GLS
Pros & Cons
Audi Rsq8
More powerful engine (471 kW)
Better fuel economy (12.2 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.6 ss)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz GLS
Lower starting price (R2 972 800)
Higher fuel consumption (13.7 l/100km)
Less power than rival (380 engine kW vs 471 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rsq8 or GLS?
The Rsq8 uses 12.2 l/100km and the GLS uses 13.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Rsq8 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 Rsq8 or GLS?
The Rsq8 produces 471 kW and 850 Nm of torque while the GLS delivers 380 engine kW and 730 Nm of torque. The Rsq8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Rsq8 and GLS?
The Rsq8 starts from R3 266 100 and the GLS from R2 972 800. The GLS is cheaper by R293 300 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Rsq8 or GLS?
The Rsq8 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the GLS can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rsq8 or the GLS?
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.