VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
359 kW
Torque
400 Nm
675 Nm
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 co
Towing
2400 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
8.1 s
4.9 s
Engine
1968 cc
1498 cc
Choosing between the Audi Q5 and the BYD Atto 8 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi Q5 delivers 140 kW while the BYD Atto 8 produces 359 kW. On fuel, the Q5 returns 6.2 l/100km while the Atto 8 uses 2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 273 300 for the Q5 and R1 259 900 for the Atto 8. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
140 kW
359 kW
Torque
400 Nm
675 Nm
0-100 kph
8.1 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
220 Km/h
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1968 cc
1498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 co
Fuel Consumption Urban
7.3 l/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
5.5 l/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
60 litre + 35.6 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
163 g/km
42 when hybrid battery charged g/km
Dimensions
Length
4689 mm
5040 mm
Width
1893-2140 mm
1996 mm
Height
1660 mm
1760 mm
Wheelbase
2819 mm
2950 mm
Ground Clearance
—
184 mm
Kerb Weight
1845 Kg
2580 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
510-1480 l
270 / 960 / 1960 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2400 Kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BYD Atto 8
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Atto 8
Fuel Economy
Atto 8
Value
Atto 8
Practicality
Q5
Pros & Cons
Audi Q5
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (6.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (140 kW vs 359 kW)
Higher starting price
BYD Atto 8
More powerful engine (359 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 combined l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 259 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.9 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q5 or Atto 8?
The Q5 uses 6.2 l/100km and the Atto 8 uses 2.2 when hybrid battery charged / 7.8 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The Atto 8 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q5 or Atto 8?
The Q5 produces 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the Atto 8 delivers 359 kW and 675 Nm of torque. The Atto 8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q5 and Atto 8?
The Q5 starts from R1 273 300 and the Atto 8 from R1 259 900. The Atto 8 is cheaper by R13 400 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q5 or Atto 8?
The Q5 has a braked towing capacity of 2400 Kg and the Atto 8 can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q5 or the Atto 8?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.