Audi Q5 vs Audi RS Q8
What's the difference?

Audi Q5

$82,500 - $100,400

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Audi RS Q8

$230,827 - $255,727

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz Eqb250

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA35

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC300

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Audi Q5

2026 Audi RS Q8

By Emily Agar

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

5.7L/100km (combined)

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Seating

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Likes

Interior glow-up is gorgeous
Comfortable ride with well-tuned suspension
Strong standard tech and safety features

Immense performance
Excellent handling for a big SUV
Premium design

Dislikes

Still manages to remind you its a base-grade
Rear seat & boot space on smaller side
Steering assist tends to overcorrect

Big power equals big thirst
Seven-year warranty costs extra
No current ANCAP rating

2026 Audi Q5 Summary

Audi’s latest Q5 Sportback brings mild-hybrid power, updated underpinnings, more technology and a genuinely impressive interior glow-up.

It’s clearly aimed at buyers drawn to a more athletic take on the mid-size SUV, where style plays a bigger role than outright practicality. We're testing the base petrol spec to see how it sits alongside the BMW X4 xDrive20i, Genesis GV70 2.5T and Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe.

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2026 Audi RS Q8 Summary

Not to spoil the illusion, but at their core the Lamborghini Urus, Bentley Bentayga and Porsche Cayenne all share the same base mechanical DNA. And yet despite their huge price tags and enviable reputation for performance, the fastest SUV isn’t one of them - it’s an Audi.

The new Audi RS Q8 Performance, to be precise, which has lapped the famous Nurburgring in Germany in record time, usurping the Cayenne Turbo GT in the process.

Boasting the most powerful internal combustion engine Audi has ever installed in a production car, ceramic brakes and a highly advanced suspension package, the RS Q8 Performance takes the German brand’s SUVs to a new level of, how do I put this… performance.

So it’s an appropriate name, but is it an appropriate car for Australian buyers looking for something fast, spacious and special? Read on to find out…

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Audi Q5 2026 Audi RS Q8

Verdict

The updated Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI is a strong example of a luxury base-grade SUV, ticking most of the boxes in styling, comfort and features. It may not always outperform its rivals on paper, but it delivers where it counts, offering a refined, practical and engaging package that will satisfy.

Verdict

The Audi RS Q8 Performance is a lot - of everything. It offers lots of power, lots of performance, lots of space and lots of luxury. But it’s also a lot of money, and at more than $250k it’s not going to be on everyone’s shopping list. It’s a very niche proposition for a small group of buyers. For those select few, those who want a lot of everything and who crave the ultimate of whatever product they’re buying, then the RS Q8 Performance is going to be a very tempting proposition - even if they never set any lap record in it.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Audi Q5 vs Audi RS Q8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi Q5 vs Audi RS Q8
What's the difference?