Audi RS Q8 vs Volvo XC40
What's the difference?

Audi RS Q8

$230,827 - $255,727

2026 price

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Volvo XC40

$36,990 - $55,990

2024 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz Eqe53

Mercedes-Benz Eqs450

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G580

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE400

Mercedes-Benz GLE450

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz Gls450

Mercedes-Benz Gls600

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Audi RS Q8

2024 Volvo XC40

By Stephen Ottley

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

—

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

—

Electric range

485 km

Energy consumption

19.4 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

82.00 kWh

Seating

—

Likes

Immense performance
Excellent handling for a big SUV
Premium design

Cute kerb-side presence
Decent cabin space for class
Good driving range and energy consumption

Dislikes

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

Ride comfort isn't there on long journeys
Loud cabin at higher speeds
Interior trims don't match grade level

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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2024 Volvo XC40 Summary

The XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is the flagship model for the segment leading small electric SUV from Volvo.

Well positioned in terms of price, specifications and driving range, it continues to prove itself a fierce rival to the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Lexus UX and newcomer BMW iX1.

But does it bring its A-game to every attribute buyers in the small electric SUV segment demand? In this review, we put it to test to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Audi RS Q8 2024 Volvo XC40

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.

Verdict

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is a cute small electric SUV that offers a decent specs list and a sweet urban driving experience. It’s not the nicest ride on a longer journey but it does have a decent range to be able to tackle one, if needed. I didn’t love the interior design but there’s lots the XC40 gets right.

Audi RS Q8 vs Volvo XC40 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi RS Q8 vs Volvo XC40
What's the difference?