Audi SQ8 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE (2026)
Audi SQ8 (₹1.78 Crore) and Mercedes-Benz GLE (₹1.00 Crore – ₹1.52 Crore) go head-to-head in the luxury suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (October 2026).
- The Mercedes-Benz GLE is more affordable — it starts ₹77.72 Lakh lower than the Audi SQ8.
- The Audi SQ8 is the more powerful car, with 500 bhp against 443 bhp.
Specification Comparison
Shortlisting a third car? See the full three-way comparison →
Audi SQ8 in short
The SQ8 arrived in India in March 2026 as a fully-imported performance flagship: a 507 PS 4.0L twin-turbo V8 in the Q8's coupe-SUV body, monospec at ₹1.777 crore. It slots between the standard Q8 (₹1.131 crore) and the wilder RS Q8 (₹2.338 crore), and lands within ₹20,000 of the BMW X6 M60i — the most directly matched pair of rivals in Indian luxury pricing.
Full SQ8 prices & variants →Mercedes-Benz GLE in short
The GLE is Mercedes' large luxury SUV for India, running from ₹1.00 crore for the 300d AMG Line to ₹1.52 crore for the 449 PS AMG GLE 53 Coupé. In between sit six-cylinder petrol (450) and diesel (450d) variants plus Night Edition trims, all with 4MATIC and a 630-litre boot. India-spec cars are five-seaters. It competes with the BMW X5 and Audi Q7 — the Q7 counters with seven seats, the GLE with its engine breadth.
Full GLE prices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: SQ8 or GLE?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is more affordable — it starts ₹77.72 Lakh lower than the Audi SQ8. (Ex-showroom prices, October 2026.)
SQ8 vs GLE — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: Audi SQ8 — not yet tested; Mercedes-Benz GLE — not yet tested.
Should I buy the SQ8 or the GLE?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is more affordable — it starts ₹77.72 Lakh lower than the Audi SQ8. The Audi SQ8 is the more powerful car, with 500 bhp against 443 bhp. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.