Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.
| Q8 | GLS-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Monthly payment | — | — |
| Fuel type | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Fuel economy | 19.0 mpg | 16.5 mpg |
| CO₂ emissions | 459 g/mi | 428 g/mi–586 g/mi |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
The 2019-2020 Audi Q8 55 TFSI mild-hybrid models can experience a 48V belt-driven starter-generator (BSG) fault that causes sudden loss of motive power, engine stalling, or an 'Electrical System: Fault' warning. This can lead to limp-home mode, an inability to restart, and in some cases the engine cutting out while driving. Owners may notice the start/stop system malfunctioning before the full failure occurs. This issue has also been reported in 2020-2021 model years through service campaigns.
The only verified safety defect is a loose 48-volt ground cable located under the front passenger seat, part of a March 2024 recall covering 2019–2024 GLE and GLS models. For the GLS-Class, this affects the X167 generation built from 2020 through 2024 at the Vance, Alabama plant. If the cable was not properly tightened during assembly, the 48-volt system can generate excessive heat and create a risk of electrical failure or fire. Check the VIN for open recall status and have an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer inspect and tighten the cable at no charge.
Audi Q8 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.
Both models use Hybrid. Fuel economy is Q8 — 19.0 mpg; GLS-Class — 16.5 mpg. Q8 uses less energy in everyday driving.
The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.
Want to compare other models? Return to the full catalog or calculate financing using your own terms.
