VS
At a Glance
Power
335hp @ 5700
443hp @ 6100
Torque
369lb-ft @ 2800
413lb-ft @ 1950
Fuel
20 mpg est.
18 mpg est.
Towing
—
7000lbs
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the Audi Q8 and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi Q8 delivers 335hp @ 5700 while the Mercedes-Benz G-Class produces 443hp @ 6100. On fuel, the Q8 returns 20 mpg est. while the G-Class uses 18 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $74,400 for the Q8 and $153,900 for the G-Class. 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 Q8Premium 55 TFSI quattro 2025 - From $74,400
Mercedes-Benz G-ClassG 550 SUV 2026 - From $153,900
Performance
Power Output (hp)
335hp @ 5700
443hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
369lb-ft @ 2800
413lb-ft @ 1950
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
V
Inline
Cylinders
6
6
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
20 mpg est.
18 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17mpg
17mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
23mpg
19mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
22.5gal
26.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
196.6in
190in
Width (in)
78.5in
76in
Height (in)
67.2in
77.7in
Wheelbase (in)
117.9in
113.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5027lbs
5534lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
7000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
G-Class
Fuel Economy
Q8
Value
Q8
Practicality
G-Class
Pros & Cons
Audi Q8
Better fuel economy (20 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($74,400)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (18 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q8 or G-Class?
The Q8 gets 20 mpg est. and the G-Class gets 18 mpg est. 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 G-Class?
The Q8 produces 335hp @ 5700 and 369lb-ft @ 2800 of torque while the G-Class delivers 443hp @ 6100 and 413lb-ft @ 1950 of torque. The G-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q8 and G-Class?
The Q8 starts from $74,400 and the G-Class from $153,900. The Q8 is cheaper by $79,500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q8 or G-Class?
The Q8 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the G-Class can tow 7000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q8 or the G-Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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.