VS
At a Glance
Power
631hp
483hp @ 5000
Torque
627lb-ft
516lb-ft
Fuel
17 mpg est.
22 MPG Combined / 39 Range
Towing
—
5952lbs
Engine
4.0 L/244ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the Audi Q8 and the BMW X5 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Audi Q8 delivers 631hp while the BMW X5 produces 483hp @ 5000. On fuel, the Q8 returns 17 mpg est. while the X5 uses 22 MPG Combined / 39 Range — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $138,300 for the Q8 and $73,800 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.
Specification
Audi Q8performance quattro 2026 - From $138,300
BMW X5xDrive50e Plug-In Hybrid 2025 - From $73,800
Performance
Power Output (hp)
631hp
483hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
627lb-ft
516lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.0 L/244ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
—
Plug-In Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
17 mpg est.
22 MPG Combined / 39 Range
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
14mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
20mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
22.5gal
18.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
197.3in
194.3in
Width (in)
78.7in
78.9in
Height (in)
66.7in
69.1in
Wheelbase (in)
117.9in
117.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5434lbs
5573lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
5952lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Q8
Fuel Economy
X5
Value
X5
Practicality
X5
Pros & Cons
Audi Q8
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
BMW X5
Lower starting price ($73,800)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q8 or X5?
The Q8 gets 17 mpg est. and the X5 gets 22 MPG Combined / 39 Range on the combined cycle. The X5 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 X5?
The Q8 produces 631hp and 627lb-ft of torque while the X5 delivers 483hp @ 5000 and 516lb-ft of torque. The Q8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q8 and X5?
The Q8 starts from $138,300 and the X5 from $73,800. The X5 is cheaper by $64,500 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 not specified and the X5 can tow 5952lbs. 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 mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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.