Audi
e-tron
Mercedes-Benz
EQS SUV
Audi e-tron vs Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV comes out ahead of the Audi e-tron on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
e-tron
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided, heavily dependent on the specific model and purchase context. For the e-tron SUV/Sportback (now Q8 e-tron), long-term owner reports are generally positive regarding its exceptional comfort, quiet ride, luxurious interior, and real-world reliability, especially for 2021+ models. However, this is contrasted by very frequent and severe criticism of its software, mobile app, and infotainment system, which are described as unreliable and poorly executed.
Best version to buy
For the e-tron SUV, the 2021 and newer models with the MIB3 infotainment upgrade are strongly recommended over 2019-2020 MIB2 units, which suffer from neglected software support. The 'Advanced' or 'Prestige' trims are noted for maximizing luxury features like massage/cooling seats and acoustic glass.
Known issues
- ⚠Unreliable mobile app and remote connectivity (e.g., climate control): frequent disconnections, commands fail to send or execute, system downtime. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Buggy and slow infotainment software: system freezes, laggy response, requires reboots, older MIB2 systems are unsupported. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Extreme depreciation: values can drop 60-70% over 5 years, making new purchases financially unfavorable. Frequency: very frequent.
EQS SUV
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between strong praise for luxury, comfort, and refinement, and significant criticism for exterior styling, software/electronic bugs, and rapid depreciation. The vehicle is consistently described as exceptionally quiet, smooth, and possessing a luxurious, well-built interior, often cited as the most comfortable and refined electric SUV available. However, the exterior design is frequently criticized as bland, frumpy, or ugly.
Best version to buy
EQS 580 trim level, particularly when fully loaded. The higher power output of the 580 is noted as providing adequate performance, addressing criticisms of the lower-powered 450 models feeling underpowered.
Known issues
- ⚠Software and electronic glitches: Infotainment screen failures (Hyperscreen not turning on), system freezes, buggy interfaces, and recalls for software errors causing potential loss of drive power. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Rapid depreciation: Severe loss in value, enabling deep discounts on new and nearly-new vehicles but negatively impacting original buyers. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Exterior styling criticism: Described as bland, frumpy, ugly, or unappealing, particularly in comparison to competitors. Frequency: very frequent.
The verdict
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Audi e-tron, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Audi e-tron is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi e-tron or the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi e-tron and the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi e-tron or the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi e-tron or the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi e-tron or the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.