Audi SQ8 vs BMW X Models
What's the difference?

Audi SQ8

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2025 price

View pricing & specs

BMW X Models

$63,400 - $254,300

2026 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

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2025 Audi SQ8

2026 BMW X Models

By Emily Agar

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Electric motor type

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

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Fuel Efficiency

11.9L/100km (combined)

Electric range

—

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

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Seating

Likes

Understated but elegant looks
Gusty engine that delivers serious power
Comfortably fits a large family

Smooth ride, steering acceleration
Premium look and feel
Value for power and range

Dislikes

Never hits any thrilling notes
Technology is harder than it needs to be
Internal storage could be better

Huge battery should mean more range
Lack of physical controls
No cover on sunroof

2025 Audi SQ8 Summary

The Audi SQ8 has had a mid-life refresh but this upper large SUV still offers luxury with its powerful V8 engine that fans know and love, as well as the features you would expect in a top model.

It competes against the Mercedes-AMG GLE and Porsche Cayenne but we’re family testing the SQ8 to see how it handles domestic life.

Keep reading to see what we’ve discovered.

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2026 BMW X Models Summary

When the BMW iX first showed up a few years ago, it was a promising look at what BMW seemed capable of when it comes to electric cars.

While mildly flawed, the iX was fast, comfortable and felt properly premium. Now it’s had a decent update, with the iX xDrive45 M Sport here to replace the former entry-level xDrive 40.

BMW claims among other mechanical and tech updates a power increase of 25 per cent, a 30 per cent greater energy content for the battery, a 38 per cent increase in driving range and a 17 per cent faster charging rate.

But in the time since the iX launched, there have been big strides in the premium electric SUV space, including new arrivals from European opposition like the Polestar 3; even a new American in the form of the Cadillac Lyriq.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi SQ8 2026 BMW X Models

Verdict

The Audi SQ8 isn’t your typical performance SUV. It’s more refined and less flashy. The tech can be more complicated than it needs to be and if you’re wanting that V8 soundscape, you won’t find it here.

However, the handling and on road experience are superb plus you can comfortably haul the family around and look good doing it.

Verdict

If anyone was worried that it would be too late to get a decent bit of value out of an entry-level iX, there's reassuring news.

With more power, range and features added to the model and the cost remaining close to its former sticker price, the iX has held up well despite now existing in a more competitive environment.

Audi SQ8 vs BMW X Models What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Audi SQ8 vs BMW X Models
What's the difference?