Haval H9 vs Audi RS Q8
What's the difference?

Haval H9

$17,758 - $24,990

2019 price

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Audi RS Q8

$230,827 - $255,727

2026 price

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Summary

2019 Haval H9

2026 Audi RS Q8

By Laura Berry

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

10.9L/100km (combined)

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Seating

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Likes

Great value
Advanced safety equipment
Spacious and practical

Immense performance
Excellent handling for a big SUV
Premium design

Dislikes

Seats could be more comfortable
Agricultural driving dynamics
No diesel engine available

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

2019 Haval H9 Summary

Not content with being China’s biggest auto brand, Haval is trying to win Australia over and is now throwing everything it’s got at us in the form of its H9 flagship SUV.

Think of the H9 as an alternative to seven-seat off-roaders such as the SsangYong Rexton or Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and you’re on the right track.

We tested the top-grade Ultra in the H9 range when it came to live with my family for a week.

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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

2019 Haval H9 2026 Audi RS Q8

Verdict

There's a lot to like about the Havel H9 - it's great value, practical and spacious, packed with advanced safety tech, and also darn good looking. More comfortable seats would be an improvement and so would a better feel to the cabin materials and switchgear.

As for the H9's on-road performance - the 2.0-litre engine isn't the most responsive and the ladder frame chassis limits its dynamics.

So, unless you need an off-road SUV the H9 is borderline overkill in the city, where you could step into something without four-wheel drive and with more car-like comfort and handling.

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.

Haval H9 vs Audi RS Q8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Haval H9 vs Audi RS Q8
What's the difference?