Audi RS Q8 vs Volvo XC60
What's the difference?

Audi RS Q8

$230,827 - $255,727

2026 price

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Volvo XC60

$74,990 - $101,990

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz Eqs450

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Mercedes-Benz G63

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Mercedes-Benz Gls600

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Summary

2026 Audi RS Q8

2026 Volvo XC60

By Stephen Ottley

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

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Fuel Efficiency

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7.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

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Likes

Immense performance
Excellent handling for a big SUV
Premium design

Tried and tested family practicality
Pretty road manners
Relative value for segment

Dislikes

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

Facelift is too subtle
Gremlins in media system
Big price jumps between trims

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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2026 Volvo XC60 Summary

The Volvo XC60 has long been an understated achiever of the premium mid-size SUV crowd.

It doesn’t shout for attention like some of its rivals, but it’s built a reputation for quiet confidence and family-friendly practicality. For 2026, the XC60 Ultra B5 Dark keeps the same engine but has received a facelift in other areas. Is it enough to keep family buyers who want a mix of practicality and luxury happy?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Audi RS Q8 2026 Volvo XC60

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 facelifted Volvo XC60 Ultra B5 Dark is the car at school pick-up that doesn’t need to brag. It just gets on with things and it looks good doing it. It offers a strong mix of family-focused features, comfortable and composed road manners and thoughtful practicality throughout the cabin.

The updated media system is crisp and responsive, though it could use a few tweaks to be truly intuitive. Overall, the XC60 mild-hybrid remains a solid choice for families who value understated luxury, comfort and safety over flash. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does what it does well.

Audi RS Q8 vs Volvo XC60 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi RS Q8 vs Volvo XC60
What's the difference?