VS
At a Glance
Power
183 kW
280 kW
Torque
600 Nm
520 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
9.3 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.0 s
5.4 s
Engine
2967 cc
2998 cc
Choosing between the Audi Q8 and the BMW X5 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi Q8 delivers 183 kW while the BMW X5 produces 280 kW. On fuel, the Q8 returns 7.8 l/100km while the X5 uses 9.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 968 700 for the Q8 and R1 915 476 for the X5. 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
280 kW
Torque
600 Nm
520 Nm
0-100 kph
7.0 s
5.4 s
Top Speed
220 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2967 cc
2998 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
9.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
83 l
CO2 Emissions
196 g/km
211 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4992 mm
4935 mm
Width
1995-2190 mm
2004-2218 mm
Height
1705 mm
1765 mm
Wheelbase
2998 mm
2975 mm
Ground Clearance
—
214 mm
Kerb Weight
2160 Kg
2165 DIN / 2240 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
605-1755 l
650-1870 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
720 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X5
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X5
Fuel Economy
Q8
Value
X5
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi Q8
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (183 kW vs 280 kW)
Higher starting price
BMW X5
More powerful engine (280 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 915 476)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q8 or X5?
The Q8 uses 7.8 l/100km and the X5 uses 9.3 l/100km 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 X5?
The Q8 produces 183 kW and 600 Nm of torque while the X5 delivers 280 kW and 520 Nm of torque. The X5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q8 and X5?
The Q8 starts from R1 968 700 and the X5 from R1 915 476. The X5 is cheaper by R53 224 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q8 or X5?
The Q8 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the X5 can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q8 or the X5?
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.