VS
At a Glance
Power
250 kW
280kW@4000
Torque
500 Nm
740Nm@2000
Fuel
9.9 l/100km
7.7
Towing
3500 Kg
3500
0-100 km/h
5.9 s
5.3
Engine
2995 cc
2993
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 250 kW while the BMW X6 produces 280kW@4000. On fuel, the Q8 returns 9.9 l/100km while the X6 uses 7.7 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 045 200 for the Q8 and R1 097 118 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
250 kW
280kW@4000
Torque
500 Nm
740Nm@2000
0-100 kph
5.9 s
5.3
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2995 cc
2993
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 6
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
petrol
DIESEL
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
9.9 l/100km
7.7
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
9
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
85
CO2 Emissions
208 g/km
204
Dimensions
Length
4992 mm
4877
Width
1995-2190 mm
1983-2195
Height
1705 mm
1690
Wheelbase
2998 mm
2933
Ground Clearance
—
212
Kerb Weight
2100 Kg
2085
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
605-1755 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500
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)
8
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ 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
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ 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 15000) /
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Q8
Fuel Economy
X6
Value
X6
Practicality
Q8
Pros & Cons
Audi Q8
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (9.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
BMW X6
Better fuel economy (7.7)
Lower starting price (R1 097 118)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.3s)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q8 or X6?
The Q8 uses 9.9 l/100km and the X6 uses 7.7 on the combined cycle. The X6 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 250 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the X6 delivers 280kW@4000 and 740Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Q8 and X6?
The Q8 starts from R2 045 200 and the X6 from R1 097 118. The X6 is cheaper by R948 082 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 3500. 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.