Audi SQ2 vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class
What's the difference?

Audi SQ2

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2021 price

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

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2025 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2021 Audi SQ2

2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

By Laura Berry

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.0L/100km (combined)

Electric range

434 km

Energy consumption

23.1 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

116.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Good value
SQ2 has great performance
Angular looks

Performance (on- and off-road)
G-Turns!
Quality

Dislikes

Cabin feels old
Could have more standard safety tech
Rear legroom limited

Firm ride
No spare tyre on Edition One
Tailgate door opens right-to-left

2021 Audi SQ2 Summary

Audi’s littlest and most affordable SUV, the Q2, has been updated with new looks and tech, but something else has snuck in with it. Or should I say roared in? It’s the SQ2, with a whopping 300 horsepower and a snarling bark.

So, this review has something for everybody. It’s for those who want to know what’s new for the Q2 in this latest update - those thinking of buying a cool-looking little SUV from Audi - and for those who want to wake their neighbours up and frighten their friends.

Ready? Let’s go.

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2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Summary

Imagine jumping in the time machine, zapping back to the late 1970s and bringing the team that produced the original Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen into 2025 and showing them where their creation has landed close to half a century later.

They’d be amazed a vehicle looking so much like their military-focused, first-generation model even existed! And once they’d absorbed that incredible fact they’d be stunned to see what lurks under its familiar bodywork.

Because this is the most recent iteration of what’s now referred to as the G-Glass, the pure-electric G580 featuring four individually controlled electric motors - one at each wheel - collectively producing enough energy to power a small town.

Stay with us as we explore this take-no-prisoners EV 4WD that has multiple show-stopping, high-tech party tricks lurking up its sleeve.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Audi SQ2 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Verdict

The Q2 is good value and great to drive – especially the SQ2. The exterior looks new, but the cabin feels older than the larger Q3, and most other Audi models.

More standard advanced safety tech would make the Q2 even more appealing, as would a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. While we’re at it, a hybrid variant would make enormous sense.

So, a great car, but Audi could offer more to make it an even better proposition for buyers.

Verdict

As per the 1979 original, the current G-Class is produced by Magna Steyr in Arnie’s home town of Graz in Austria. And many fundamental things haven’t changed since then. But clearly this EV monster’s exotic electric powertrain is a huge departure.

It retains impressive off-road ability and straight-line speed. But will it hit the mark with top-end luxury 4WDers? Short story, this thing is wild, and it will be irresistible for a likely narrow band of tech-focused ‘must have the latest and greatest’ buyers. Nothing like impressing friends and family with a tank turn.

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

Audi SQ2 vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi SQ2 vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class
What's the difference?