Mercedes-Benz EQS 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 BMW iX edges ahead by just 0.3 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 BMW iX
58.800000000000004
2026 Audi Q8 e-tron
58.50000000000001
2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
51.4
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 Audi Q8 e-tron
$76,895 incl. destination — $11,530 less than the runner-up
2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
312 mi range
2026 BMW iX
516 hp
2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
7 seats
The bottom line
Early points to the 2026 Audi Q8 e-tron and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and the 2026 BMW iX and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. Start with the 2026 Audi Q8 e-tron at $76,895 if the monthly payment decides, then read the spec sheet below — every point above comes straight from it.
Mercedes-Benz · Full-Size Electric SUV
2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
“Exceptional cabin materials and build quality”
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.)
- EQS SUV$113,600
- iX$112,675
- Q8 e-tron$82,295
Est. Monthly, Brand Financing (60 mo)
- EQS SUV$2,249/mo
- iX$2,231/mo
- Q8 e-tron$1,630/mo
vs. Base Trim
- EQS SUV+$22,500
- iX+$24,250
- Q8 e-tron+$5,400
| EQS SUV EQS 550 4MATIC SUV | iX M60 | Q8 e-tron Premium Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trim Price (incl. dest.) | $113,600 | $112,675 | $82,295 |
| Est. Monthly, Brand Financing (60 mo) | $2,249/mo | $2,231/mo | $1,630/mo |
| vs. Base Trim | +$22,500 | +$24,250 | +$5,400 |
13 of 13 features shown
EQS SUViXQ8 e-tron
MBUX Hyperscreen
Included Not included Not included
10-Degree Rear Axle Steering
Included Not included Not included
536-hp Dual Motors
Included Not included Not included
Nappa Leather Upholstery
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
| MBUX Hyperscreen | Included | Not included | Not included |
| 10-Degree Rear Axle Steering | Included | Not included | Not included |
| 536-hp Dual Motors | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Nappa Leather Upholstery | 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
- EQS SUV$89,950
- iX$87,250
- Q8 e-tron$75,600
Est. dealer invoice
- EQS SUV$84,553
- iX$82,015
- Q8 e-tron$71,064
Destination fee
- EQS SUV$1,150
- iX$1,175
- Q8 e-tron$1,295
Total base price (incl. dest.)
- EQS SUV$91,100
- iX$88,425
- Q8 e-tron$76,895
Est. monthly, brand financing (60 mo)
- EQS SUV$1,804/mo
- iX$1,751/mo
- Q8 e-tron$1,523/mo
Trims offered
- EQS SUV2 (from $89,950)
- iX2 (from $87,250)
- Q8 e-tron3 (from $75,600)
Powertrain & Efficiency
Powertrain options
- EQS SUVDual-Motor Electric (AWD)
- iXDual Motor AWD
- Q8 e-tron114 kWh Battery Dual-Motor
Horsepower
- EQS SUV355 hp
- iX516 hp
- Q8 e-tron402 hp
Fuel economy
- EQS SUV312 mi range
- iX307 mi range
- Q8 e-tron285 mi range
Seating
- EQS SUV7 seats
- iX5 seats
- Q8 e-tron5 seats
Build & Safety
Body type
- EQS SUVFull-Size Electric SUV
- iXMid-Size SUV
- Q8 e-tronMid-Size SUV
Assembly location
- EQS SUVTuscaloosa, AL, USA
- iXDingolfing, Germany
- Q8 e-tronBrussels, Belgium
Safety awards & ratings
- EQS SUVIIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2025)
- iXIIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2024)
- Q8 e-tronIIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2026)
Honest Verdict
Recommended trim
- EQS SUVEQS 400 4MATIC SUV
- iXxDrive50
- Q8 e-tronPremium Plus
Trim to skip
- EQS SUVEQS 550 4MATIC SUV
- iXM60
- Q8 e-tronPrestige
Key rivals
- EQS SUVTesla Model X, BMW iX, Rivian R1S
- 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 | $89,950 | $87,250 | $75,600 |
| Est. dealer invoice | $84,553 | $82,015 | $71,064 |
| Destination fee | $1,150 | $1,175 | $1,295 |
| Total base price (incl. dest.) | $91,100 | $88,425 | $76,895 |
| Est. monthly, brand financing (60 mo) | $1,804/mo | $1,751/mo | $1,523/mo |
| Trims offered | 2 (from $89,950) | 2 (from $87,250) | 3 (from $75,600) |
| Powertrain & Efficiency | |||
| Powertrain options | Dual-Motor Electric (AWD) | Dual Motor AWD | 114 kWh Battery Dual-Motor |
| Horsepower | 355 hp | 516 hp | 402 hp |
| Fuel economy | 312 mi range | 307 mi range | 285 mi range |
| Seating | 7 seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Build & Safety | |||
| Body type | Full-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 | EQS 400 4MATIC SUV | xDrive50 | Premium Plus |
| Trim to skip | EQS 550 4MATIC SUV | M60 | Prestige |
| Key rivals | Tesla Model X, BMW iX, Rivian R1S | 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 EQS SUV
Full-Size Electric SUV
Pros
- Exceptional cabin materials and build quality
- Standard rear-axle steering improves daily usability
- Ultra-quiet and refined driving environment
Cons
- Polarizing exterior styling that lacks traditional SUV presence
- Third row is quite tight for a full-size vehicle
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 EQS SUV
Performance
- Smooth and linear power delivery from the dual-motor system
- Ample torque for confident highway merging
- 355 hp feels adequate but lacks the punch of some electric rivals
- Vehicle weight is noticeable during heavy braking
Handling
- Rear-axle steering makes it incredibly maneuverable in tight spaces
- Stable and planted feel at highway speeds
- Steering feedback is muted and lacks a sporty connection
- Significant body roll if pushed hard into corners
Comfort
- Near-silent cabin even at high speeds
- Air suspension provides a cloud-like ride quality
- The brake pedal feel can be somewhat soft or 'mushy'
- Third-row seating is cramped for adult passengers
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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