BMW X7 vs Audi SQ8
What's the difference?

BMW X7

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2023 price

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Audi SQ8

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2025 price

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Summary

2023 BMW X7

2025 Audi SQ8

By Tim Nicholson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 8, 3.0L

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.0L/100km (combined)

11.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Bold design
Spacious, plush interior
Beefy diesel engine

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

Dislikes

Pricey options
Some functions hard to find in screen
A challenge to manoeuvre in tight spaces

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

2023 BMW X7 Summary

Large family-friendly luxury SUVs tend to be handsome in design but somewhat restrained. Until now. BMW has introduced a major facelift for its flagship SUV, the six- or seven-seat X7. Emphasis on face.

The new X7 adopts the striking but controversial front-end from the new 7 Series sedan, but the big, bold SUV is hiding some rather significant changes under the skin. Aside from a beefier diesel that now comes with mild hybrid tech, there’s also a redesigned cabin, massively upgraded tech, more standard features, oh, and a price increase.

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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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Deep dive comparison

2023 BMW X7 2025 Audi SQ8

Verdict

When lined up against its direct rivals, the expensive X7 xDrive40d represents reasonable value for money.

It has a unique and bold look and a sumptuous, visually striking and well-appointed interior that has acres of space for family, friends, or for ferrying frequent flyers to the airport.

That wallop of performance from the big beefy diesel is the cherry on the top. This is how you do a mid-life update.

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.

BMW X7 vs Audi SQ8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW X7 vs Audi SQ8
What's the difference?