Compare the2022 Mercedes AMG GLCVS 2022 Audi SQ8

The AMG GLC’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The SQ8 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The Mercedes AMG GLC 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 SQ8 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The AMG GLC’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 SQ8 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the AMG GLC and the SQ8 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, available lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

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

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 AMG GLC higher (5 out of 10) than the Audi SQ8 (3). This means the AMG GLC produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the SQ8 every 15,000 miles.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes AMG GLC, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the SQ8.

The AMG GLC 43’s standard 285/40R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the SQ8’s standard 45 series tires. The AMG GLC 43’s optional 285/35R21 rear tires have a lower 35 series profile than the SQ8’s optional 40 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the AMG GLC can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The SQ8 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The AMG GLC’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 SQ8 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For better maneuverability, the AMG GLC’s turning circle is 3.9 feet tighter than the SQ8’s (39.7 feet vs. 43.6 feet).

The Mercedes AMG GLC may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1150 pounds less than the Audi SQ8.

The AMG GLC is 1 foot, 1.1 inches shorter than the SQ8, making the AMG GLC easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Pressing a switch automatically lowers the AMG GLC’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The SQ8 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Optional Trailer Stability Assist on the AMG GLC 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 SQ8 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 AMG GLC to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The SQ8 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The AMG GLC has a 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 SQ8 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The AMG GLC’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 SQ8 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

and e Mercedes AMG GLC comes in four door bodystyles; the Audi SQ8 isn’t available as a .

Insurance will cost less for the AMG GLC owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the AMG GLC will cost $5950 to $6295 less than the SQ8 over a five-year period.

The AMG GLC will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the AMG GLC will retain 52.68% of its original price after five years, while the SQ8 only retains 49.98% to 50.03%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mercedes AMG GLC will be $26786 to $30918 less than for the Audi SQ8.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mercedes AMG GLC, based on reliability, safety and performance.

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