VS
At a Glance
Power
183 kW
340 kW
Torque
600 Nm
709 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
1.8 combined l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2400 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.0 s
5.3 s
Engine
2967 cc
1969 cc
Choosing between the Audi Q8 and the Volvo Xc90 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi Q8 delivers 183 kW while the Volvo Xc90 produces 340 kW. On fuel, the Q8 returns 7.8 l/100km while the Xc90 uses 1.8 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 968 700 for the Q8 and R1 936 500 for the Xc90. 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
Volvo Xc90T8 Ultra Dark(phev) 2025 - From R1 936 500
Performance
Power Output
183 kW
340 kW
Torque
600 Nm
709 Nm
0-100 kph
7.0 s
5.3 s
Top Speed
220 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2967 cc
1969 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
supercharger + turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
1.8 combined l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
71 litre + 19 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
196 g/km
40 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4992 mm
4953 mm
Width
1995-2190 mm
1931-2140 mm
Height
1705 mm
1767 mm
Wheelbase
2998 mm
2984 mm
Ground Clearance
—
212-252 mm
Kerb Weight
2160 Kg
2258 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
605-1755 l
298-977-1941 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2400 Kg
Safety
Euro NCAP Rating
—
5stars
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
7
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
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 hybrid battery Kkm
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volvo Xc90
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Xc90
Fuel Economy
Xc90
Value
Xc90
Practicality
Q8
Pros & Cons
Audi Q8
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (183 kW vs 340 kW)
Higher starting price
Volvo Xc90
More powerful engine (340 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.8 combined l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 936 500)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.3 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q8 or Xc90?
The Q8 uses 7.8 l/100km and the Xc90 uses 1.8 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The Xc90 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 Xc90?
The Q8 produces 183 kW and 600 Nm of torque while the Xc90 delivers 340 kW and 709 Nm of torque. The Xc90 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q8 and Xc90?
The Q8 starts from R1 968 700 and the Xc90 from R1 936 500. The Xc90 is cheaper by R32 200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q8 or Xc90?
The Q8 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Xc90 can tow 2400 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q8 or the Xc90?
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.