Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs Audi RS Q3
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

$170,169 - $424,900

2026 price

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Audi RS Q3

$78,880 - $99,990

2023 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

2023 Audi RS Q3

By Mark Oastler

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 6, 2.9L

Turbo 5, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.8L/100km (combined)

8.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Big GVM/GCM ratings
Active air suspension
Performance/economy

Dynamics
Refinement
Quality

Dislikes

No ANCAP rating
High purchase price
Intrusive voice activation

Front seats tricky to get in and out of
Sizeable turning circle
Only six airbags

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class Summary

The ‘Upper Large SUV over $120K’ segment of the Aussie new-car market is what you might call the top end of town, not only in terms of the extravagant models available but also their purchase prices, which stretch well into six figures and require monthly lease payments that rival home mortgages.

It’s where you’ll find some of the most prestigious marques in the automotive world including Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Range Rover, Lexus and BMW. And, of course, Mercedes-Benz with its big GLS which represents the flagship of the German manufacturer’s SUV fleet.

It was given a refresh in 2023 with cosmetic and multimedia upgrades along with powertrain enhancements, but there have only been minor changes since then. We were recently entrusted with the keys to the latest GLS to see if the ‘S-Class of SUVs’ leaves any room for improvement.

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2023 Audi RS Q3 Summary

Is 10 years long enough for a special birthday celebration? When you're a kid, hitting 'double figures' is a pretty big deal, and Audi's obviously in the mood to make some noise because it has lit the candles on a limited 10th anniversary version of its compact SUV rocket ship, the RS Q3.

Only 555 examples of the 'RS Q3 Sportback edition 10 years' will be produced for worldwide consumption, with Audi Australia capturing a batch of them and sending one our way for a brief blast as the fiery five-cylinder starts filtering into dealerships.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class 2023 Audi RS Q3

Verdict

The GLS450d impresses as an entry-level grade, as it’s a more family-friendly allrounder than the specialised AMG and Maybach variants. Its combination of a torque-rich diesel 48V hybrid drivetrain, air-cushioned suspension and plush interior are as well suited to luxury urban travel as they are to grand touring, where its heavy towing and generous load-carrying capabilities can shine. Whether it’s worth around $200K drive-away, only those who shop at the top end of town can decide.

Verdict

The Audi RS Q3 Sportback edition 10 years is dynamically brilliant, beautifully finished and surprisingly civilised on day-to-day duty. A polished compact performance package that even in this special 'get-it-while-you-can' guise offers compelling value relative to its direct competitors.

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs Audi RS Q3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs Audi RS Q3
What's the difference?