VS
At a Glance
Power
250kW@4000
340 kW
Torque
760Nm@1750
709 Nm
Fuel
9.9L/100km
1.8 combined l/100km
Towing
3500kg
2400 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.4s
5.3 s
Engine
4134cc
1969 cc
Choosing between the Audi Q7 and the Volvo Xc90 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi Q7 delivers 250kW@4000 while the Volvo Xc90 produces 340 kW. On fuel, the Q7 returns 9.9L/100km while the Xc90 uses 1.8 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R880 000 for the Q7 and R1 936 500 for the Xc90. 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.
Specification
Audi Q74.2 TDI Quattro Tiptronic 2012 - From R880 000
Volvo Xc90T8 Ultra Dark(phev) 2025 - From R1 936 500
Performance
Power Output
250kW@4000
340 kW
Torque
760Nm@1750
709 Nm
0-100 kph
6.4s
5.3 s
Top Speed
240km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4134cc
1969 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
inline
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
—
supercharger + turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
8
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.9L/100km
1.8 combined l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
12.8L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.2L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
100L
71 litre + 19 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
242g/km
40 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5086mm
4953 mm
Width
1983-2086mm
1931-2140 mm
Height
1772mm
1767 mm
Wheelbase
3002mm
2984 mm
Ground Clearance
205mm
212-252 mm
Kerb Weight
2450kg
2258 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
—
298-977-1941 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500kg
2400 Kg
Load Capacity
2035kg
—
Safety
Euro NCAP Rating
—
5stars
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESP
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
-
100000 vehicle / 160000 hybrid battery Kkm
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
15000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Xc90
Fuel Economy
Xc90
Value
Q7
Practicality
Q7
Pros & Cons
Audi Q7
Lower starting price (R880 000)
Higher towing capacity (3500kg)
Higher fuel consumption (9.9L/100km)
Volvo Xc90
Better fuel economy (1.8 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.3 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q7 or Xc90?
The Q7 uses 9.9L/100km and the Xc90 uses 1.8 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The Xc90 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q7 or Xc90?
The Q7 produces 250kW@4000 and 760Nm@1750 of torque while the Xc90 delivers 340 kW and 709 Nm of torque. The Xc90 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q7 and Xc90?
The Q7 starts from R880 000 and the Xc90 from R1 936 500. The Q7 is cheaper by R1 056 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q7 or Xc90?
The Q7 has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and the Xc90 can tow 2400 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q7 or the Xc90?
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.