VS
At a Glance
Power
183 kW
280 kW
Torque
600 Nm
537 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
16.6 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
750 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.0 s
4.6 s
Engine
2967 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Audi Q8 and the Lexus RZ is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi Q8 delivers 183 kW while the Lexus RZ produces 280 kW. On fuel, the Q8 returns 7.8 l/100km while the RZ uses 16.6 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 968 700 for the Q8 and R1 682 600 for the RZ. 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 Q845tdi Quattro TIP Platinum Edition 2025 - From R1 968 700
Lexus RZ500e EX 2026 - From R1 682 600
Performance
Power Output
183 kW
280 kW
Torque
600 Nm
537 Nm
0-100 kph
7.0 s
4.6 s
Top Speed
220 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2967 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
—
Fuel Type
diesel
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
-
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
16.6 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
74.6 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
196 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
4992 mm
4805 mm
Width
1995-2190 mm
1895 mm
Height
1705 mm
1635 mm
Wheelbase
2998 mm
2850 mm
Ground Clearance
—
200 mm
Kerb Weight
2160 Kg
2100 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
605-1755 l
522 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
750 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
8
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
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
7 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
105000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RZ
Fuel Economy
Q8
Value
RZ
Practicality
Q8
Pros & Cons
Audi Q8
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Less power than rival (183 kW vs 280 kW)
Higher starting price
Lexus RZ
More powerful engine (280 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 682 600)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.6 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (16.6 kWh/100km l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q8 or RZ?
The Q8 uses 7.8 l/100km and the RZ uses 16.6 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The Q8 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 Q8 or RZ?
The Q8 produces 183 kW and 600 Nm of torque while the RZ delivers 280 kW and 537 Nm of torque. The RZ is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q8 and RZ?
The Q8 starts from R1 968 700 and the RZ from R1 682 600. The RZ is cheaper by R286 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q8 or RZ?
The Q8 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the RZ can tow 750 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q8 or the RZ?
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.