Audi Q8 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE400
What's the difference?

Audi Q8

—

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLE400

$53,990 - $89,800

2020 price

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Summary

2025 Audi Q8

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE400

By Emily Agar

By Matt Campbell

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

2.6L/100km (combined)

6.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Athletic and sporty looks a winning combo
Drives beautifully
Improved EV driving range

Stunning interior
Superb space
Comprehensive safety kit

Dislikes

High price tag is hard to justify
Lacks clever storage options
Small boot compared to siblings

Unpleasant ride
Four-cylinder diesel performance
Challenging styling

2025 Audi Q8 Summary

The Audi Q8 has had a mid-life upgrade and it brings a few minor tweaks to the design, technology and equipment.

Plug-in hybrids tend to rank a little lower on my excitement scale when it comes to available powertrains because I usually find the constant charging inconvenient.

However, the electric driving range of the 60 TSFIe quattro S Line grade has been bolstered by 27km, increasing it to 74km overall.

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2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE400 Summary

This is the first real Mercedes-Benz GLE. It's the second version of the SUV, but the last one was really just a big update of the old ML, and it never really soared to the heights it could have as a result of that.

But this new version - the 2020 GLE - is exactly that. It's new.

The exterior is new. The engines are new. The underpinnings are new. The interior - yep, you guessed it - new.

The big question is, though, is the GLE a competitor now? Can it stand up against the BMW X5, Maserati Levante, Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport, Volvo XC90 and even the VW Touareg?

Let's find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi Q8 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE400

Verdict

The updated Audi Q8 60 TFSIe quattro S line still looks good inside and out. It fits a family comfortably without feeling too big and there’s enough here to satisfy those who like the luxury features.

It's price tag will hurt it but the improved power outputs and driving range is a big plus and makes the plug-in hybrid powertrain make more sense.

Verdict

All told, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 2020 model is an improvement in many ways over its predecessor. It's safer, more high-tech, considerably more luxurious and practical inside, and offers better value, too.

But, in 300d guise at least, it's let down by a slightly underdone engine, and suspension that just doesn't do a good enough job on rougher roads. It's close, but not close enough to be best in class.

Maybe that'll be a different case for the higher-grade versions with the most high-tech engines and the tricky optional suspension... we'll have to wait and see.

Audi Q8 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE400 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi Q8 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE400
What's the difference?