2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2026 Audi Q3

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, a nod to its origins dating back to 1979. Despite subtle styling updates like a new grille and bumpers, the G-Class maintained its traditional features, including a flat hood and prominent corner lights. The vehicle's robust doors and latches added to its unique character, while functional changes like a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim enhanced its practicality. The interior was luxurious, featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim, with AMG models offering sportier steering wheels.

In contrast, the 2026 Audi Q3 aimed for a more SUV-like appearance with a tall front end and elongated hood. While it achieved a rugged look, the design was cluttered with elements like faux air intakes. The "UFO line" added a floating effect to the upper body, but the overall aesthetic was not universally appealing. The Q3 featured programmable headlights and OLED taillights, with sportier S Line styling elements standard. The interior offered leather upholstery and wood trim, with a distinct look due to padded materials and concave surfaces, maintaining quality despite some plastic elements.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the G 550 with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models featured a mild-hybrid system and nine-speed automatic transmissions with permanent 4WD. The G 550 accelerated from zero to 96 km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the G 63 achieved it in 4.2 seconds. The AMG model introduced an AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2026 Audi Q3 was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, now producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the Q3 to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The vehicle featured a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and standard AWD. While quicker than some competitors, the Q3's transmission and steering calibration made it less agile at low speeds. At higher speeds, it offered a refined and composed ride, with new laminated acoustic glass reducing wind noise. Despite some suspension shortcomings, the Q3 provided a comfortable driving experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, though not small, was more compact than other luxury SUVs, offering a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom but limited legroom. Its traditional design impacted cargo space, with 640 litres available with rear seats in place. The G-Class had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, comparable to midsize pickup trucks. Despite its size, the G-Class offered good visibility and was easier to park than larger rivals.

The 2026 Audi Q3 grew slightly in size, offering identical legroom but improved cargo space, with 707 litres available with the second-row bench forward. The redesigned interior maximized space, though headroom and legroom trailed some competitors. The Q3 excelled in cargo space behind the second row, making it a practical choice over small sedans. Its 680-kilogram towing capacity was decent for the segment. The Q3 introduced a new control layout, freeing up space for cupholders and a wireless charger, with ample door panel storage.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two 12.3-inch screens created a continuous display, with off-road menus and a "Transparent Hood" feature for low-angle visibility. Augmented reality navigation and voice recognition enhanced usability, while a Burmester 3D surround sound system provided premium audio. Rear-seat entertainment with dual touchscreens was also available.

The 2026 Audi Q3 offered a Digital Stage screen setup with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen. The MMI system, based on Android Automotive OS, included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional apps available. Voice recognition featured ChatGPT integration, and updated graphics improved usability. The Technik trim offered a head-up display and a Sonos audio system, though sound quality was lacking in midrange.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class included standard driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent crashes. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation, automated lane centring, and an emergency-stop feature. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable.

The 2026 Audi Q3 offered standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. The Technik trim added a 360-degree camera system and Adaptive Cruise Assist. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available, but the previous generation's mixed performance indicated room for improvement.