When it comes to luxury SUVs, the Audi Q8 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe are two top contenders. Both offer sleek designs, powerful performance, and premium features. But which one is the right choice for you? In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at these two luxury SUVs to help you make an informed decision.
The Audi Q8 boasts a bold and aggressive design with sharp lines and a wide stance. The octagonal Singleframe grille and slender LED headlights give it a distinctive look that commands attention on the road. The Q8's muscular proportions and sloping roofline create a sporty and dynamic silhouette.
Inside, the Q8 features a spacious and well-appointed cabin with high-quality materials and advanced technology. The interior design is clean and modern, with a focus on horizontal lines and a minimalist aesthetic. Premium features like Valcona leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system create a luxurious and comfortable environment.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, on the other hand, has a more sleek and sporty appearance. Its sloping roofline and muscular curves create a coupe-like silhouette that stands out from traditional SUVs. The front fascia features a large diamond-block grille and angular LED headlights for a bold and distinctive look.
The interior of the GLE Coupe is equally impressive, with luxurious touches like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system. The cabin design is elegant and sophisticated, with flowing lines and high-quality materials like leather, wood, and aluminum.
Under the hood, the Audi Q8 comes with a choice of powerful engines. The base model features a 3.0-liter V6 that delivers 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. For even more power, the top-of-the-line RS Q8 boasts a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. All Q8 models come standard with quattro all-wheel drive and an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission for smooth and responsive performance.
The Q8's adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering provide a comfortable and agile ride, even on rough roads or tight corners. Drive Select allows you to customize the driving dynamics to your preferences, with modes like Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe also offers a range of powerful engine options. The base GLE 350 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 with 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Higher trim levels offer more powerful options, like the AMG GLE 53's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque or the AMG GLE 63 S's handcrafted 4.0-liter V8 with 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.
All GLE Coupe models feature 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a 9G-TRONIC transmission for confident performance in any driving conditions. The available AIRMATIC air suspension with ADS PLUS adapts to the road for a smooth and stable ride. Dynamic Select allows you to tailor the driving experience with modes like Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual.
The Audi Q8 features the latest version of Audi's MMI touch response system. The dual touchscreens (10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower) provide intuitive access to infotainment, navigation, and vehicle settings. The system supports handwriting recognition and natural language voice control for easy operation. Other tech features include:
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe comes standard with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. The voice-controlled system uses artificial intelligence to learn your preferences over time. Dual 12.3-inch displays (one for the instrument cluster and one for multimedia) create a sleek, widescreen cockpit. Other available tech features include:
The Audi Q8 offers a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features to enhance safety and convenience. Available technologies include:
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe also offers an extensive array of safety and driver assistance technologies. Some of the key available features are:
| Audi Q8 | Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $70,800 | $77,500 |
| Engine Options | 3.0L V6, 4.0L V8 | 2.0L I4, 3.0L I6, 4.0L V8 |
| Horsepower | 335 - 591 hp | 255 - 603 hp |
| Torque | 369 - 590 lb-ft | 273 - 627 lb-ft |
| All-Wheel Drive | Standard (quattro) | Standard (4MATIC) |
| Transmission | 8-speed Tiptronic | 9G-TRONIC 9-speed |
| Cargo Space | 30.5 - 60.7 cu ft | 27.5 - 63.2 cu ft |
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offers slightly more maximum cargo space at 63.2 cubic feet compared to the Audi Q8's 60.7 cubic feet. However, the Q8 has more cargo room with the rear seats up (30.5 vs. 27.5 cubic feet).
Both offer powerful V8 options, but the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe's handcrafted 4.0-liter V8 with 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque tops the Audi RS Q8's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft.
The Audi Q8 features the MMI touch response system with dual touchscreens, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe uses the MBUX system with voice control and AI learning. Both offer premium sound systems, navigation, and smartphone integration.
Both SUVs offer comprehensive suites of driver assistance technologies. Key features include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and more. The GLE Coupe also offers Active Stop-and-Go Assist.
Both the Q8 and GLE Coupe have highly luxurious cabins with premium materials, comfort features, and advanced technology. The Q8 has a slightly more modern and minimalist design, while the GLE Coupe offers a bit more traditional luxury.
Ultimately, the choice between the Audi Q8 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you prioritize bold styling, cutting-edge technology, and a slightly roomier cargo area, the Q8 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sportier look, more powerful engine options, and the cachet of the Mercedes-Benz brand, the GLE Coupe might be more appealing.
Regardless of which luxury SUV you choose, you can expect a thrilling driving experience, head-turning design, and an array of premium features to keep you comfortable and connected on the road. Both the Audi Q8 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe are exceptional vehicles that showcase the best of German engineering and craftsmanship.