Compare the2024 Mercedes G-ClassVS 2024 Audi Q8

The Mercedes G-Class has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Q8 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The G-Class’ driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Q8 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the G-Class and the Q8 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras and rear cross-path warning.

The Mercedes G-Class weighs 505 to 793 pounds more than the Audi Q8. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

There are over 25 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the G-Class’ warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 20 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mercedes higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are more reliable than Audi With 37 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Mercedes higher than Audi.

The G 550’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 produces 81 more horsepower (416 vs. 335) and 81 lbs.-ft. more torque (450 vs. 369) than the Q8’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid. The AMG G 63’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 produces 242 more horsepower (577 vs. 335) and 258 lbs.-ft. more torque (627 vs. 369) than the Q8’s 3.0 turbo V6 hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mercedes G-Class is faster than the Audi Q8:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the G-Class’ fuel efficiency. The Q8 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The G-Class has 3.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Q8 (26.4 vs. 22.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes G-Class, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Q8.

The G-Class stops much shorter than the Q8:

For better traction, the G-Class’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Q8 (295/40R22 vs. 285/45R21).

The G-Class has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the Q8; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

For greater off-road capability the G-Class has a 3.7 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Q8 (9.5 vs. 5.8 inches), allowing the G-Class to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The G 550 is 6.9 inches shorter than the Q8, making the G-Class easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The G-Class has 4.8 inches more front headroom and 2.4 inches more rear headroom than the Q8.

The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Q8 with its rear seat up (38.1 vs. 30.5 cubic feet). The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Q8 with its rear seat folded (68.6 vs. 60.7 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the G-Class easier. The G-Class’ cargo hatch lift-over height is 29.3 inches, while the Q8’s liftover is 33.7 inches.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the G-Class uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Q8 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Q8’s cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The G-Class’ standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes G-Class has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Q8.

The G-Class has a 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Q8 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.