2027 Audi SQ9 vs Mercedes-AMG GLS 63

The 2027 Audi SQ9 and 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 are about to face off in one of the most interesting battles in the high-performance luxury sport utility vehicle market. Both offer 3-row practicality, serious V8 power, advanced all-wheel drive systems, and luxury interiors, but Audi and Mercedes-AMG have taken noticeably different approaches.

For Audi, the SQ9 represents something completely new. Audi has offered powerful sport utility vehicles for years, but the SQ9 finally gives the company a full-size performance model positioned directly against vehicles like the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63. Under the hood is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent through an 8-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

Those numbers translate into impressive performance for something this large. Audi says the SQ9 can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in approximately 3.8 seconds. That makes it incredibly quick for a vehicle measuring around 209.1 inches long with a 123.6-inch wheelbase.

The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 answers with an updated version of its familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8. For the United States market, it produces 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, giving the Mercedes an advantage of 12 horsepower and 37 pound-feet compared with the Audi.

The AMG engine is also receiving some important changes. The updated M177 EVO engine uses a flat-plane crankshaft along with revisions to the intake system, exhaust system, fuel injection, camshaft, and turbochargers. Mercedes-AMG has paired the engine with a 9-speed AMG Speedshift transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive.

Despite having more power and torque, the Mercedes is not automatically the quicker vehicle on paper. Mercedes estimates the GLS 63 will reach 60 miles per hour in approximately 3.9 seconds, while Audi claims 3.8 seconds for the SQ9. A difference of 0.1 second is practically meaningless on the street, but it shows just how seriously Audi is taking its new flagship performance sport utility vehicle.

Handling technology is another major part of this comparison. The SQ9 uses adaptive air suspension and can be equipped with rear-wheel steering. An electronically controlled rear differential helps distribute power where it can be used most effectively. Audi appears to be aiming for a balance between high-speed stability, everyday comfort, and surprisingly agile handling for such a large vehicle.

Mercedes-AMG takes a similarly aggressive approach with AMG Ride Control+ air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control. The GLS 63 also receives an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential. Buyers can choose wheels measuring up to 23 inches, while a new AMG Performance exhaust system with adjustable valves should make the V8 an important part of the driving experience.

Inside, both vehicles move heavily toward digital technology. The Audi offers multiple digital displays, available premium Bang & Olufsen audio with 22 speakers, and seating for either 6 or 7 passengers. Buyers can select a traditional 3-person second row or captain’s chairs for a more luxurious 6-seat configuration.

The updated GLS takes an even more screen-focused approach with the MBUX Superscreen, combining 3 separate 12.3-inch displays across the dashboard. Mercedes is also introducing its latest operating system technology, updated navigation, artificial intelligence features, and more advanced driver assistance systems.

Styling may ultimately become one of the biggest reasons buyers choose one over the other. The SQ9 has the clean and technical appearance expected from modern Audi performance models, but adds a more aggressive front end, larger wheels, distinctive lighting, and 4 visible exhaust outlets. The GLS 63 looks more muscular and traditional, with its large AMG grille, prominent air intakes, aggressive wheels, and unmistakable AMG design details.

There is also the question of personality. The Audi SQ9 feels like the newcomer with something to prove. It combines understated German luxury with enough performance to challenge one of the established names in this segment. The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 comes from a completely different position. It already has a reputation as one of the wildest full-size luxury sport utility vehicles available, and Mercedes has chosen to improve the formula rather than completely reinvent it.

On paper, the Mercedes wins the horsepower and torque battle, producing 603 horsepower against Audi’s 591 horsepower. Audi, however, claims the slightly quicker acceleration time. Both have sophisticated all-wheel drive systems, adaptive suspension technology, massive brakes, enormous wheels, luxurious 3-row interiors, and enough performance to embarrass plenty of dedicated sports cars.

Choosing between them may ultimately come down to what the driver wants. The SQ9 could appeal to someone looking for something fresh, slightly more understated, and technically focused. The GLS 63 continues to offer the louder and more established AMG personality, with additional power and a V8 that remains central to its character.

For performance sport utility vehicle fans, the most important part is that the V8 battle is not over. Audi has finally entered this segment with a serious SQ9, while Mercedes-AMG has responded by making the GLS 63 even more sophisticated. Once both reach American roads, seeing these 2 giants lined up next to each other should be very interesting.