Compare the2022 Mercedes GLC CoupeVS 2022 Audi Q8

The Mercedes GLC Coupe has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Q8 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The GLC Coupe’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Q8 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the GLC Coupe and the Q8 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available lane departure warning systems.

There are over 26 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the GLC Coupe’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the GLC Coupe’s reliability 58 points higher than the Q8.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mercedes 25th in initial quality. With 47 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 32nd.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mercedes 15th in reliability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is ranked 20th.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mercedes GLC Coupe higher (6 out of 10) than the Audi Q8 (5). This means the GLC Coupe produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Q8 every 15,000 miles.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes GLC Coupe, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Q8.

The GLC Coupe stops shorter than the Q8:

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the GLC Coupe can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Q8 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The GLC Coupe’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Q8 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For better maneuverability, the GLC 300 Coupe’s turning circle is 4.8 feet tighter than the Q8’s (38.7 feet vs. 43.5 feet).

The Mercedes GLC Coupe may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1050 pounds less than the Audi Q8.

The GLC Coupe is 1 foot, 1.3 inches shorter than the Q8, making the GLC Coupe easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Mercedes GLC Coupe amounts to more than styling. The GLC Coupe has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .33 Cd. That is lower than the Q8 (.35) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the GLC Coupe get better fuel mileage.

The GLC Coupe has 1.8 inches more front headroom and .2 inches more rear headroom than the Q8.

Pressing a switch automatically lowers the GLC Coupe’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Q8 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Optional Trailer Stability Assist on the GLC Coupe uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Q8 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Mercedes service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks Mercedes 6th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 5% lower rating, Audi is ranked 12th.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the GLC Coupe to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Q8 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The GLC Coupe offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Q8 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The GLC Coupe’s Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting and stopping automatically, with the driver only responsible for switching from reverse to drive. The Q8 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

and e Mercedes GLC comes in four door bodystyles; the Audi Q8 isn’t available as a .

Insurance will cost less for the GLC Coupe owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the GLC Coupe will cost $3950 to $6000 less than the Q8 over a five-year period.

The GLC Coupe will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the GLC Coupe will retain 52.83% of its original price after five years, while the Q8 only retains 48.31% to 48.86%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mercedes GLC Coupe will be $19776 to $27782 less than for the Audi Q8.

Motor Trend selected the GLC Coupe as their 2017 Sport Utility of the Year. The Q8 has never been chosen.

The Mercedes GLC outsold the Audi Q8/SQ8/RS Q8 by almost four to one during the 2021 model year.