Audi Q8 vs Lexus RX vs Mercedes-Benz GLC (2026)
The classic luxury suv shortlist, settled with numbers (October 2026):
- Pick the Audi Q8 as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere.
- Pick the Lexus RX as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere.
- Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want the lowest starting price (₹77.00 Lakh), the most power (415 bhp), the biggest boot (620 L).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
Audi Q8 in short
The Q8 is Audi's flagship coupe-SUV in India, sold since its August 2024 facelift as a single 55 TFSI quattro variant at ₹1.131 crore. It pairs the Q7's V6 petrol underpinnings with a sportier five-seat coupe body and a still-practical 605-litre boot. Rivals are the BMW X5's top trims and the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupé — the Q8 is the style pick that stays this side of the performance-SUV price jump.
Full Q8 prices & variants →Lexus RX in short
The RX is Lexus's larger luxury SUV, hybrid across the board: the RX 350h strong hybrid in Exquisite (₹89.99 lakh) and Luxury (₹98.04 lakh) trims, and the RX 500h F SPORT+ at ₹1.10 crore with a 371 hp turbocharged performance hybrid. Prices are from Lexus India's official list. Against the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 — none of which offers a hybrid — the RX is the efficiency-first alternative, with the 500h adding genuine pace to the pitch.
Full RX prices & variants →Mercedes-Benz GLC in short
The GLC is Mercedes-Benz India's best-selling SUV, and its formula is straightforward: petrol and diesel at the same ₹77.00 lakh price, 4MATIC all-wheel drive standard, and a 620-litre boot that beats most SUVs a class above. The AMG GLC 43 Coupé at ₹99.85 lakh adds a 421 PS performance flagship to the range. It fights the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 in the heart of the luxury SUV market.
Full GLC prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q8 vs RX vs GLC — which should I buy?
Pick the Audi Q8 as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere. Pick the Lexus RX as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere. Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want the lowest starting price (₹77.00 Lakh), the most power (415 bhp), the biggest boot (620 L). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Q8, RX, GLC?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC starts lowest at ₹77.00 Lakh, against ₹89.99 Lakh for the RX and ₹1.13 Crore for the Q8 (ex-showroom, October 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Audi Q8: not yet NCAP-tested; Lexus RX: not yet NCAP-tested; Mercedes-Benz GLC: not yet NCAP-tested.