Verdict
At RM474,990, the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLE by RM23,898 while bringing a 114 kWh battery, 600 km EV range and 170 kW DC charging. Its 402 hp/664 Nm twin-motor drivetrain also reaches 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, half a second ahead. The GLE counters with a 1,999 cc petrol plug-in hybrid powertrain, 85-litre tank and 114 km EV range, so it suits drivers without dependable charging. It is roomier between the axles and better equipped for front-seat comfort, but costs more and has a smaller boot.
Pick the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback if home or workplace charging is available and you want 600 km of electric range, 170 kW DC charging and a 528-litre boot for less money.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLE if petrol-backed long-distance flexibility, a 2,995 mm wheelbase, ventilated massage front seats and a panoramic sliding roof matter more than full-electric driving.
Key differences
- Price: Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback RM474,990; Mercedes-Benz GLE RM498,888.
- Electric range: Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback 600 km; Mercedes-Benz GLE 114 km.
- Battery capacity: Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback 114 kWh; Mercedes-Benz GLE 31 kWh.
- DC charging: Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback 170 kW; Mercedes-Benz GLE no DC rate stated.
- 0-100 km/h: Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback 5.6 seconds; Mercedes-Benz GLE 6.1 seconds.
- Boot space: Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback 528 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLE 490 litres.
Q8 e-tron Sportback
- RM23,898 cheaper.
- 600 km EV range from a 114 kWh battery.
- Quicker 5.6-second 0-100 km/h time and larger 528-litre boot.
- No panoramic sliding roof; the GLE has one.
- Front seats lack the GLE's massage and ventilation functions.
- Two-year manufacturer warranty versus the GLE's four years.
GLE
- Petrol plug-in hybrid powertrain with an 85-litre fuel tank.
- Longer 2,995 mm wheelbase and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.
- Ventilated massage front seats, panoramic sliding roof and auto parking.
- RM23,898 dearer.
- 114 km EV range versus the Audi's 600 km.
- No DC charging rate stated, while the Audi supports 170 kW DC charging.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM474,990✓ | RM498,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM545 | RM440✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with PHEV Assistance |
| Capacity | — | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 248 hp |
| Torque | — | 400 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Number of Motors | 2 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 402 hp✓ | 154 hp |
| Motor Torque | 664 Nm✓ | 440 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 114 kWh✓ | 31 kWh |
| EV Range | 600 km✓ | 114 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW✓ | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 170 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 2-speed automatic transmission | 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | 2 | 9 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Audi AG | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.6 seconds✓ | 6.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 210 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,915 mm | 4,924 mm |
| Width | 1,937 mm | 1,947 mm |
| Height | 1,619 mm | 1,772 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,928 mm | 2,995 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,685 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 85 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 528 litres✓ | 490 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R21 | 275/45R21 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/45R21 | 315/40R21 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza 001 | Pirelli P Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 21" Aero Alloy Wheels | 21" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 21" Aero Alloy Wheels | 21" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Airmatic with Adaptive Damping System (ADS PLUS) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on front passenger seat and two outer rear passenger seats | Available on two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Audi pre sense front | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED with Dynamic Light Design and Sequential Indicators | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Powered Front Seats with Massage and Ventilation Functions |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split Fold | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Sliding Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1x 12V Front, 1x front wireless charger, 2x USB-C rear, 1x 12V socket rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Manual Rear Door Window Shades | Sunroof Shade & Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 10.1" MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, Audi connect, Audi smartphone interface and Audi sound system | 12.3" MBUX Multimedia with Burmester Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button Start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activated | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with Surround View Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 4 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Q8 e-tron Sportback & GLE for sale
Q8 e-tron Sportback vs GLE FAQ
Is the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback or Mercedes-Benz GLE better?
The Audi is the stronger choice for drivers who can charge regularly: it has 600 km EV range, 170 kW DC charging, quicker acceleration and a larger boot. Choose the GLE for petrol-backed travel flexibility and its more indulgent cabin equipment.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE costs RM23,898 more than the Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback.
Which one is quicker?
The Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback is quicker, completing 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds versus 6.1 seconds for the Mercedes-Benz GLE.