2026 Audi Q8 vs. the Competition

Audi Q8 VS BMW X6

First up, we’re comparing the BMW X6. Both vehicles come with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. Both obviously also have a sloping coupe-like roofline, but the Q8 is a bit less aggressive, leaving more interior space. This is especially evident in the rear legroom, where the X6 has shockingly little room. The Q8 doesn’t need to steal from the front legroom or cargo space to achieve this either, as it comes out ahead of the X6 in those areas too. And while we’re talking about the larger proportions of the Q8, it’s worth noting that it also comes with bigger wheels. You can upgrade to a matching 21-inch set on the X6, but it’ll cost you extra money on a vehicle that already costs more than the Q8.

The X6 comes with adaptive headlights that swivel to match the steering angle. It’s a nice feature to have, but the Matrix LED headlights on the Q8 are far more advanced. These are made up of thousands of individual LEDs that can be independently dimmed or brightened to always provide maximum illumination without blinding other drivers. Laserlight high beams are also available, an Audi exclusive. The Q8 also comes with LED foglights, which you don’t get with the X6. For the price of these two vehicles, it’s normal to expect leather upholstery, and that’s what the Q8 comes with, but it’s just one more upcharge for the BMW. Equally shocking is the upcharge for adaptive cruise control, which isn’t just standard on the Q8; it also comes with a semi-autonomous mode. Both vehicles come with front cross-traffic collision mitigation, but only the Audi also has rear cross-traffic collision mitigation. And if the highly advanced headlights on the Q8 still aren’t enough, night vision is available too, something BMW doesn’t offer at all.

Audi Q8 VS Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The other main competitor to the Q8 is the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Like the other two, it comes with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. Performance versions of all three of these SUVs exist, and the GLE is offered in an AMG version with 603 horsepower. But the RS Q8 comes with 631 horsepower and delivers the quickest 0-60 time of the three. No matter which drivetrain you opt for, Audi simply takes performance more seriously than Mercedes-Benz. Further evidence of this is the adaptive suspension that improves both handling and ride comfort; it’s standard for the Q8, but optional for the GLE Coupe. Audi once again takes style a bit more seriously as well, with standard 21-inch wheels, another optional extra for the GLE Coupe.

Just like we saw before, the Q8 has more advanced headlights than its competitor, and that advantage is compounded thanks to standard LED foglights. Leather upholstery is standard for the Q8, but it’s optional for the GLE Coupe, and adds several thousand dollars more to the price of the already more expensive Mercedes should you want it. Another optional extra is adaptive cruise control, something Audi offers as standard across the whole model range. The Q8 comes with more speakers, but it’s important to note that the difference in stereo systems is much more pronounced when looking at the optional systems. An important thing for the audiophiles out there to remember. Lastly, the Q8 comes with 3 years / 30,000 miles of included routine maintenance as an added courtesy from Audi, while the GLE Coupe comes with none.

*Prices exclude $1,295 destination, taxes, title, other options and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.