VS
At a Glance
Power
183 kW
300kW@5500
Torque
600 Nm
600Nm@1750
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
12.5
Towing
3500 Kg
2700
0-100 km/h
7.0 s
5.4
Engine
2967 cc
4395
Choosing between the Audi Q8 and the BMW X6 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi Q8 delivers 183 kW while the BMW X6 produces 300kW@5500. On fuel, the Q8 returns 7.8 l/100km while the X6 uses 12.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 011 700 for the Q8 and R1 086 447 for the X6. 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
183 kW
300kW@5500
Torque
600 Nm
600Nm@1750
0-100 kph
7.0 s
5.4
Top Speed
220 Km/h
250
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2967 cc
4395
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 8
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
diesel
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
12.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
17.5
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.6
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
85
CO2 Emissions
196 g/km
292
Dimensions
Length
4992 mm
4877
Width
1995-2190 mm
1983-2195
Height
1705 mm
1690
Wheelbase
2998 mm
2933
Ground Clearance
—
212
Kerb Weight
2160 Kg
2185
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
605-1755 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2700
Load Capacity
—
1450
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
CAMERA
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi Q8
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Q8
Fuel Economy
Q8
Value
X6
Practicality
Q8
Pros & Cons
Audi Q8
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher starting price
BMW X6
Lower starting price (R1 086 447)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.4s)
Higher fuel consumption (12.5)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q8 or X6?
The Q8 uses 7.8 l/100km and the X6 uses 12.5 on the combined cycle. The Q8 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 Q8 or X6?
The Q8 produces 183 kW and 600 Nm of torque while the X6 delivers 300kW@5500 and 600Nm@1750 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Q8 and X6?
The Q8 starts from R2 011 700 and the X6 from R1 086 447. The X6 is cheaper by R925 253 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q8 or X6?
The Q8 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the X6 can tow 2700. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q8 or the X6?
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.