VS
At a Glance
Power
500hp @ 5500
375hp @ 5200
Torque
568lb-ft @ 3000
398lb-ft
Fuel
17 mpg est.
25 mpg est.
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 500hp @ 5500 while the BMW X5 produces 375hp @ 5200. On fuel, the Q8 returns 17 mpg est. while the X5 uses 25 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $86,200 for the Q8 and $67,600 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 Q8Prestige quattro 2026 - From $86,200
BMW X5sDrive40i Sports Activity Vehicle 2026 - From $67,600
Performance
Power Output (hp)
500hp @ 5500
375hp @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft)
568lb-ft @ 3000
398lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.0 L/244ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
—
Inline
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
—
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
17 mpg est.
25 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
14mpg
23mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
20mpg
27mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
22.5gal
21.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
196.6in
194.3in
Width (in)
78.5in
78.9in
Height (in)
67.2in
69.5in
Wheelbase (in)
117.9in
117.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5203lbs
4919lbs
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
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Q8
Fuel Economy
X5
Value
X5
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi Q8
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (17 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
BMW X5
Better fuel economy (25 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($67,600)
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 25 mpg est. 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 500hp @ 5500 and 568lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the X5 delivers 375hp @ 5200 and 398lb-ft of torque. The Q8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q8 and X5?
The Q8 starts from $86,200 and the X5 from $67,600. The X5 is cheaper by $18,600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
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.