VS
At a Glance
Power
250kW@4000
232kW@5850
Torque
760Nm@1750
440Nm@3900
Fuel
9.9L/100km
13.5L/100km
Towing
3500kg
2250kg
0-100 km/h
6.4s
7.3s
Engine
4134cc
4414cc
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 232kW@5850. On fuel, the Q7 returns 9.9L/100km while the Xc90 uses 13.5L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R854 500 for the Q7 and R774 900 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 2010 - From R854 500
Volvo Xc90V8 Executive 7-Seater Geartronic 2010 - From R774 900
Performance
Power Output
250kW@4000
232kW@5850
Torque
760Nm@1750
440Nm@3900
0-100 kph
6.4s
7.3s
Top Speed
240km/h
210km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4134cc
4414cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
TRANSVERSE V 8
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
DIESEL
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.9L/100km
13.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
12.8L/100km
20L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.2L/100km
9.8L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
100L
80L
CO2 Emissions
242g/km
317g/km
Dimensions
Length
5086mm
4807mm
Width
1983-2086mm
1898mm
Height
1772mm
1784mm
Wheelbase
3002mm
2857mm
Ground Clearance
205mm
218mm
Kerb Weight
2450kg
2201kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500kg
2250kg
Load Capacity
2035kg
914kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESP
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
6
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
✗
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✗
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✗
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
12
Warranty Distance
-
-
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
15000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi Q7
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Q7
Fuel Economy
Q7
Value
Xc90
Practicality
Q7
Pros & Cons
Audi Q7
Better fuel economy (9.9L/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.4ss)
Higher starting price
Volvo Xc90
Lower starting price (R774 900)
Higher fuel consumption (13.5L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q7 or Xc90?
The Q7 uses 9.9L/100km and the Xc90 uses 13.5L/100km on the combined cycle. The Q7 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 232kW@5850 and 440Nm@3900 of torque. The Q7 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q7 and Xc90?
The Q7 starts from R854 500 and the Xc90 from R774 900. The Xc90 is cheaper by R79 600 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 2250kg. 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.