VS
At a Glance
Power
250 kW
544 kW
Torque
500 Nm
950 Nm
Fuel
9.9 l/100km
2.5 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3000 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.9 s
3.7 s
Engine
2995 cc
3996 cc
Choosing between the Audi Q8 and the Porsche Cayenne is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi Q8 delivers 250 kW while the Porsche Cayenne produces 544 kW. On fuel, the Q8 returns 9.9 l/100km while the Cayenne uses 2.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 045 200 for the Q8 and R3 851 000 for the Cayenne. 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 Q855tfsi Quattro TIP Platinum Edition 2025 - From R2 045 200
Porsche CayenneTurbo E-Hybrid Coupe 2026 - From R3 851 000
Performance
Power Output
250 kW
544 kW
Torque
500 Nm
950 Nm
0-100 kph
5.9 s
3.7 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
295 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2995 cc
3996 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
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
9.9 l/100km
2.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
70 l
CO2 Emissions
208 g/km
57 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4992 mm
4930 mm
Width
1995-2190 mm
1983-2194 mm
Height
1705 mm
1664 mm
Wheelbase
2998 mm
2895 mm
Ground Clearance
—
198-243 mm
Kerb Weight
2100 Kg
2595 DIN / 2670 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
4 (opt 5)
Load Volume
605-1755 l
404-434-1344 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3000 Kg
Load Capacity
—
600 lkg
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 (opt 10)
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
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 160000 hybrid batterkm
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 15000) /
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Porsche Cayenne
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Cayenne
Fuel Economy
Cayenne
Value
Q8
Practicality
Cayenne
Pros & Cons
Audi Q8
Lower starting price (R2 045 200)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (9.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (250 kW vs 544 kW)
Porsche Cayenne
More powerful engine (544 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.5 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.7 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q8 or Cayenne?
The Q8 uses 9.9 l/100km and the Cayenne uses 2.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Cayenne 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 Cayenne?
The Q8 produces 250 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the Cayenne delivers 544 kW and 950 Nm of torque. The Cayenne is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q8 and Cayenne?
The Q8 starts from R2 045 200 and the Cayenne from R3 851 000. The Q8 is cheaper by R1 805 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q8 or Cayenne?
The Q8 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Cayenne can tow 3000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q8 or the Cayenne?
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.