2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs. Audi Q8

The journey becomes an intimate affair as the soft hues of the morning spill into the cabin, courtesy of the standard panorama roof. It’s a canvas painted with warmth where you and your little ones can head into the day with the utmost tranquility.

With the sunset acting as your backdrop as you pick up your kids from their extracurricular activities, you can revel in the personalized experience the interior ambient lighting packages provides. Yet, within the realm of these features, the 2025 GLS stands proud with its 64 colors to match your mood where the soft glow of a chosen hue mirrors your state of mind. Sadly, the same can’t be said for the Audi Q8.

As the streets awaken, your commute transforms into a tangible experience that resembles a retreat to your favorite luxury spa. The 2025 GLS and the Audi Q8 redefine the standard with plush leather-upholstered seats that cradle your body with a perfect balance of support and comfort. You’ll find these seats your personal haven, elevated by the heated front seats that offer a quick remedy for any shoulder or back tension.

And then, there’s the exclusive indulgence—the available massaging front seats of the 2025 GLS. Imagine the sensation, similar to a hot stone massage, as tension melts away, leaving you feeling not just relaxed but rejuvenated. Plus, when your GLS is optionally equipped, passengers in the second row can experience the same level of relaxation.

The 2025 GLS and the Audi Q8 are ready to take center stage, both offering a standing ovation-worthy performance of more than 350 standard horsepower. But it’s the optional 4.0L V8 biturbo engine of the 2025 GLS that really stands out.

The Audi Q8, with its one-engine option, is reminiscent of a lullaby.

The weekend arrives, and with your family in tow, you escape the confines of routine. Whether winding through scenic routes or tackling challenging terrains, the 2025 GLS and the Audi Q8 are ready for whatever comes their way since each one comes with its own advanced version of all-wheel drive technology. For those treacherous commutes that take you off the beaten path, you can also enable an off-roading selectable drive mode with each SUV.

However, the 2025 GLS may provide more confidence when tackling the unknown thanks to its “Transparent Hood” feature. When traveling at lower speeds, this feature can provide a virtual clear view of what lies underneath your vehicle. This is especially advantageous to help you view branches that could otherwise cause underbody damage.

You’ll never travel alone when you drive the 2025 GLS or the Audi Q8 since each model comes outfitted with monitoring technology that alerts you to potential hazards you may have missed. Acting as your second set of eyes, these features may also provide gentle autonomous capabilities to provide braking and/or steering assistance in those critical moments before a potential collision.

While you’ll find similar features like forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane assistance in either one, only the 2025 GLS acts as a safety shield thanks to the addition of ATTENTION ASSIST®, a feature that can alert you when it detects distracted or drowsy driving. This gentle reminder that it’s time to take a break is especially helpful on long road trips.

When there’s nothing but highway ahead, you can feel confident behind the wheel of your luxury SUV thanks to their various driver-assist features. Still, only one of these models takes a more proactive approach to safety, particularly when alerting you of upcoming hazards.

Standard “Car-to-X Communication” in the 2025 GLS uses futuristic technology to alert drivers of road debris, detected wheelspin, and other dangers, giving you plenty of time to take precautions before reaching the hazardous location.