Audi
Q8 e-tron
Mercedes-Benz
EQE SUV
Audi Q8 e-tron vs Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV comes out ahead of the Audi Q8 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
Q8 e-tron
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between appreciation for the vehicle's core luxury attributes and significant frustration with reliability and technology. The vehicle is very frequently praised for its exceptional interior build quality, quiet and refined ride comfort, smooth handling, and overall feeling of traditional luxury. Many owners describe it as one of the quietest and most comfortable vehicles they have owned, with a high-quality interior that feels like a proper luxury car.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. Feedback indicates the higher-trim Prestige models are appreciated for their feature content, but no specific trim level is singled out as being significantly more reliable or recommended over others.
Known issues
- ⚠Software glitches and MMI failures: Virtual cockpit resets, screen freezes, non-responsive touchscreens, system lag, false error messages (tire pressure, child lock), persistent bugs requiring multiple dealer software updates.
- ⚠Major electrical system failures: Complete vehicle shutdowns rendering car undriveable, battery replacement required, indeterminate electrical faults causing extended shop visits (30+ days). Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠12V battery drain issues: Caused by faulty components like stuck seat switches, leading to a dead vehicle. Warranty disputes common over fault attribution. Frequency: recurrent.
EQE SUV
Overall
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, with a significant divide between the vehicle's inherent qualities and pervasive software/electronic reliability issues. When functional, the EQE SUV is praised for its extremely comfortable ride, quiet and refined interior, advanced technology like the Hyperscreen, and features such as rear-wheel steering and air suspension. However, a very frequent and severe criticism centers on persistent software glitches, electronic malfunctions, and poor build quality that lead to repeated workshop visits.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. Feedback indicates the 500 and AMG variants are appreciated for their power and handling, with specific praise for the AMG's braking performance.
Known issues
- ⚠Software glitches and electronic malfunctions: includes infotainment freezes, random system reboots while driving, failure to recognize phones, incorrect charging calculations, faulty door handle sensors, and erroneous collision warnings.
- ⚠Phantom braking and driver assistance faults: random emergency braking interventions, false collision warnings, driver aids disabling mid-drive. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Interior build quality and material decline: increased use of hard plastics, thinner metal speaker grills, easily scuffed piano black trim, less plush materials than previous Mercedes generations. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Audi Q8 e-tron, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Audi Q8 e-tron is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi Q8 e-tron or the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi Q8 e-tron and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi Q8 e-tron or the Mercedes-Benz EQE 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 Q8 e-tron or the Mercedes-Benz EQE 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 Q8 e-tron or the Mercedes-Benz EQE 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.