VS
At a Glance
Power
183 kW
270 engine kW
Torque
600 Nm
750 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2700 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.0 s
5.7 s
Engine
2967 cc
2989 cc
Choosing between the Audi Q8 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi Q8 delivers 183 kW while the Mercedes-Benz GLE produces 270 engine kW. On fuel, the Q8 returns 7.8 l/100km while the GLE uses 7.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 968 700 for the Q8 and R2 395 267 for the GLE. 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.
Performance
Power Output
183 kW
270 engine kW
Torque
600 Nm
750 Nm
0-100 kph
7.0 s
5.7 s
Top Speed
220 Km/h
240 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2967 cc
2989 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
—
Optional
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
196 g/km
194 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4992 mm
4939 mm
Width
1995-2190 mm
1947-2157 mm
Height
1705 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2998 mm
2935 mm
Kerb Weight
2160 Kg
2295 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
605-1755 l
655-1790 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2700 Kg
Load Capacity
—
745 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
9
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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
service interval indicator (max 20000)
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLE
Fuel Economy
GLE
Value
Q8
Practicality
Q8
Pros & Cons
Audi Q8
Lower starting price (R1 968 700)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (183 kW vs 270 engine kW)
Mercedes-Benz GLE
More powerful engine (270 engine kW)
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.7 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q8 or GLE?
The Q8 uses 7.8 l/100km and the GLE uses 7.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLE is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q8 or GLE?
The Q8 produces 183 kW and 600 Nm of torque while the GLE delivers 270 engine kW and 750 Nm of torque. The GLE is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q8 and GLE?
The Q8 starts from R1 968 700 and the GLE from R2 395 267. The Q8 is cheaper by R426 567 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q8 or GLE?
The Q8 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the GLE can tow 2700 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q8 or the GLE?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - 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.