Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV vs BMW iX vs Audi Q8 e-tron
Real out-the-door prices, every trim, every spec, and an honest verdict on each.
Choose your shortlist
The verdict
Photo finish
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV edges ahead by just 1.7 points — inside our margin for calling it, so there's no clear winner on the numbers. Let your priorities pick: the cheapest, the most efficient, or the one owners rave about below.
2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
59.699999999999996
2026 BMW iX
58
2026 Audi Q8 e-tron
57.300000000000004
How the winner is called: price up to 20 pts, fuel economy up to 15, owner evidence up to 15, editor verdict up to 12, driving impressions up to 10, power up to 8, seats up to 5, safety awards up to 5. A category only counts when every compared car has that data, the category leader always earns its full weight, and a winner is only declared when the lead is 8+ points. Computed live from stored specs and sourced owner quotes — no opinions.
The Scoreboard
No feelings, just receipts — each point below is computed straight from the spec sheet.
2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
$66,100 incl. destination — $10,795 less than the runner-up
2026 BMW iX
307 mi range
2026 BMW iX
516 hp
The bottom line
Early points to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and the 2026 BMW iX and the 2026 BMW iX. Start with the 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV at $66,100 if the monthly payment decides, then read the spec sheet below — every point above comes straight from it.
Mercedes-Benz · Mid-Size Electric SUV
2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
“World-class interior materials and ambient lighting”
See the full reviewTrim-Level Comparison
Pick a specific trim for each model to compare exact equipment and features side-by-side.
Trim Price (incl. dest.)
- EQE SUV$68,600
- iX$112,675
- Q8 e-tron$82,295
Est. Monthly, Brand Financing (60 mo)
- EQE SUV$1,358/mo
- iX$2,231/mo
- Q8 e-tron$1,630/mo
vs. Base Trim
- EQE SUV+$2,500
- iX+$24,250
- Q8 e-tron+$5,400
| EQE SUV EQE 320 4MATIC SUV | iX M60 | Q8 e-tron Premium Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trim Price (incl. dest.) | $68,600 | $112,675 | $82,295 |
| Est. Monthly, Brand Financing (60 mo) | $1,358/mo | $2,231/mo | $1,630/mo |
| vs. Base Trim | +$2,500 | +$24,250 | +$5,400 |
13 of 13 features shown
EQE SUViXQ8 e-tron
96-kWh Battery
Included Not included Not included
12.8-inch OLED Display
Included Not included Not included
Dual-motor All-Wheel Drive
Included Not included Not included
Off-Road Driving Mode
Included Not included Not included
Dual All-Electric Motors
Not included Included Not included
Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof
Not included Included Not included
M Sport Brakes and Suspension
Not included Included Not included
Adaptive air suspension
Not included Not included Included
Heated steering wheel
Not included Not included Included
Audi Signature Care
Not included Not included Included
Ventilated front seats
Not included Not included Included
Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system
Not included Not included Included
Second AC charging port
Not included Not included Included
| 96-kWh Battery | Included | Not included | Not included |
| 12.8-inch OLED Display | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Dual-motor All-Wheel Drive | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Off-Road Driving Mode | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Dual All-Electric Motors | Not included | Included | Not included |
| Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof | Not included | Included | Not included |
| M Sport Brakes and Suspension | Not included | Included | Not included |
| Adaptive air suspension | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Heated steering wheel | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Audi Signature Care | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Ventilated front seats | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Second AC charging port | Not included | Not included | Included |
Feature lists reflect cumulative standard equipment for each trim, a trim includes everything from lower trims plus its own additions. The monthly figure is the trim price over 60 months at an assumed 7% markup with $0 down, an estimate for financing through the brand's own financial company. That markup is profit on a cost-plus sale, not the Loan Excess, because the financier owns the car it sells. The 7% is an assumption for illustration, not a rate anyone is quoted.
Full Spec Sheet
Every detail side by side: pricing, power, efficiency, seating, where each car is built, safety recognition, and the honest verdict on each.
Pricing & Financing
Base MSRP
- EQE SUV$64,950
- iX$87,250
- Q8 e-tron$75,600
Est. dealer invoice
- EQE SUV$61,053
- iX$82,015
- Q8 e-tron$71,064
Destination fee
- EQE SUV$1,150
- iX$1,175
- Q8 e-tron$1,295
Total base price (incl. dest.)
- EQE SUV$66,100
- iX$88,425
- Q8 e-tron$76,895
Est. monthly, brand financing (60 mo)
- EQE SUV$1,309/mo
- iX$1,751/mo
- Q8 e-tron$1,523/mo
Trims offered
- EQE SUV3 (from $64,950)
- iX2 (from $87,250)
- Q8 e-tron3 (from $75,600)
Powertrain & Efficiency
Powertrain options
- EQE SUVSingle-Motor Electric (RWD), Dual-Motor Electric (AWD)
- iXDual Motor AWD
- Q8 e-tron114 kWh Battery Dual-Motor
Horsepower
- EQE SUV315 hp
- iX516 hp
- Q8 e-tron402 hp
Fuel economy
- EQE SUV302 mi range
- iX307 mi range
- Q8 e-tron285 mi range
Seating
- EQE SUV5 seats
- iX5 seats
- Q8 e-tron5 seats
Build & Safety
Body type
- EQE SUVMid-Size Electric SUV
- iXMid-Size SUV
- Q8 e-tronMid-Size SUV
Assembly location
- EQE SUVTuscaloosa, AL, USA
- iXDingolfing, Germany
- Q8 e-tronBrussels, Belgium
Safety awards & ratings
- EQE SUVIIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2025)
- iXIIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2024)
- Q8 e-tronIIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2026)
Honest Verdict
Recommended trim
- EQE SUVEQE 320+ SUV
- iXxDrive50
- Q8 e-tronPremium Plus
Trim to skip
- EQE SUVAMG EQE SUV
- iXM60
- Q8 e-tronPrestige
Key rivals
- EQE SUVBMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron, Cadillac LYRIQ
- iXAudi Q8 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Tesla Model X
- Q8 e-tronBMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, Cadillac LYRIQ
| |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing & Financing | |||
| Base MSRP | $64,950 | $87,250 | $75,600 |
| Est. dealer invoice | $61,053 | $82,015 | $71,064 |
| Destination fee | $1,150 | $1,175 | $1,295 |
| Total base price (incl. dest.) | $66,100 | $88,425 | $76,895 |
| Est. monthly, brand financing (60 mo) | $1,309/mo | $1,751/mo | $1,523/mo |
| Trims offered | 3 (from $64,950) | 2 (from $87,250) | 3 (from $75,600) |
| Powertrain & Efficiency | |||
| Powertrain options | Single-Motor Electric (RWD), Dual-Motor Electric (AWD) | Dual Motor AWD | 114 kWh Battery Dual-Motor |
| Horsepower | 315 hp | 516 hp | 402 hp |
| Fuel economy | 302 mi range | 307 mi range | 285 mi range |
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Build & Safety | |||
| Body type | Mid-Size Electric SUV | Mid-Size SUV | Mid-Size SUV |
| Assembly location | Tuscaloosa, AL, USA | Dingolfing, Germany | Brussels, Belgium |
| Safety awards & ratings | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2025) | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2024) | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2026) |
| Honest Verdict | |||
| Recommended trim | EQE 320+ SUV | xDrive50 | Premium Plus |
| Trim to skip | AMG EQE SUV | M60 | Prestige |
| Key rivals | BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron, Cadillac LYRIQ | Audi Q8 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Tesla Model X | BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, Cadillac LYRIQ |
Dealer invoice is an estimate from MSRP minus typical brand holdback and advertising fees when the exact figure isn't published. Monthly is the total base price over 60 months at an assumed 7% markup, $0 down — an illustration for financing through the brand's own financial company, not a quoted rate.
Audi · Mid-Size SUV
2026 Audi Q8 e-tron
“World-class cabin quietness and build quality”
See the full reviewPros & Cons at a Glance
Honest verdicts side by side to help you decide.
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
Mid-Size Electric SUV
Pros
- World-class interior materials and ambient lighting
- Competitive 302-mile range for the mid-size segment
- Quiet and composed ride quality suitable for luxury buyers
Cons
- Understated exterior styling lacks visual drama
- Significant price premium for the AMG performance model
BMW iX
Mid-Size SUV
Pros
- World-class interior materials and design
- Competitive 307-mile electric range
- Quiet and refined driving dynamics
Cons
- Polarizing exterior styling
- Expensive options list can quickly inflate the price
Audi Q8 e-tron
Mid-Size SUV
Pros
- World-class cabin quietness and build quality
- Intuitive MMI Touch Response dual-screen interface
- Sophisticated and conservative exterior styling
Cons
- Overall range of 285 miles trails some newer competitors
- Significant price jump for the Prestige trim level
How They Drive
Real driving impressions: what each car does well and where it falls short.
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
Performance
- Smooth and linear power delivery across the speed range
- Instant torque makes city merging effortless
- Refined powertrain acoustics with minimal motor whine
- Brake pedal feel can be soft and difficult to modulate
- Lacks the aggressive acceleration found in some EV competitors
Handling
- Low center of gravity provides a stable and planted feel
- Light and precise steering is ideal for urban navigation
- Noticeable body roll when pushed hard into corners
- Heavy curb weight is apparent during rapid transitions
Comfort
- Exceptional isolation from road and wind noise
- Front seats offer excellent long-distance support and adjustability
- Suspension absorbs large bumps and road imperfections with ease
- Rear seat cushions are mounted a bit low for taller adults
BMW iX
Performance
- Effortless 516 hp delivery
- Dual-motor AWD provides excellent all-weather traction
- Substantial curb weight is noticeable under heavy braking
Handling
- Low center of gravity reduces body roll
- Light and accurate steering for urban maneuvering
- Steering lacks the mechanical feedback of traditional BMWs
Comfort
- Exceptional sound insulation creates a silent cabin
- Lounge-like seating offers great long-distance support
- Large wheel options can make the ride slightly busy over sharp bumps
Audi Q8 e-tron
Performance
- Seamless power delivery from the dual-motor setup
- Refined 402 hp output that feels effortless at highway speeds
- Lacks the aggressive acceleration found in performance-oriented rivals
Handling
- Standard air suspension provides a composed and stable ride
- Predictable steering weight that inspires confidence
- Heavy curb weight is noticeable during quick direction changes
Comfort
- Exceptional sound isolation creates a library-quiet cabin
- High-quality interior materials and supportive seating for five
- Rear center seat is slightly narrow for long-distance adult comfort
Straight Answers
The questions everyone asks about these three — answered from the numbers, not the brochure.
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