Audi Q8 vs Mercedes-AMG GLE63
What's the difference?

Audi Q8

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2025 price

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Mercedes-AMG GLE63

$127,888 - $189,990

2021 price

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Summary

2025 Audi Q8

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE63

By Emily Agar

By Justin Hilliard

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

2.6L/100km (combined)

12.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Comfortable cabin
Crazy acceleration
Unbelievable handling

Dislikes

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

Coupe compromises
Hard door-bin plastics
Significant price rises

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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2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Summary

The SUV craze is such that high-riding wagons are increasingly being tasked with also doing the job of sports cars, despite the immutable laws of physics clearly working against them.

While the results have been mixed, Mercedes-AMG has some serious form in this area, so much so that it’s been confident enough to unleash the second-generation GLE63 S.

Yep, this large SUV is looking to do its best impersonation of a sports car, so we’re looking to find out if it’s a convincing Jekyll and Hyde. Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi Q8 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE63

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

There’s little wonder the GLE63 S is back for a second go around, after clearly putting the frighteners on the Audi RS Q8 and BMW’s X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition.

After all, it’s a large SUV that sacrifices little in the way of practicality (especially the wagon) in its pursuit of high performance.

And for that reason, we’re itching to go for another drive – with or without the family.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel and meals provided.

Audi Q8 vs Mercedes-AMG GLE63 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi Q8 vs Mercedes-AMG GLE63
What's the difference?