2025 Audi SQ8 vs 2025 BMW X5 M
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Audi SQ8 and the 2025 BMW X5 M is the $29,600 MSRP gap, with the SQ8 starting at $97,600 compared to the X5 M's $127,200. This price difference accompanies a substantial 117 horsepower advantage for the X5 M, which produces 617 hp versus the SQ8's 500 hp. However, the Audi counters with superior fuel economy, achieving 17 MPG combined (15/21 City/Highway) compared to the BMW's 15 MPG combined (13/18). Torque figures are closely matched, with the SQ8 holding a slight edge at 568 lb-ft versus 553 lb-ft. In terms of physical dimensions, the X5 M is marginally taller at 69.4 inches compared to the SQ8's 67.0 inches, while cargo volumes are nearly identical at 33.9 cu ft for the BMW and 33.7 cu ft for the Audi.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi SQ8
The Audi SQ8 is the superior choice for commuting due to its better combined fuel economy of 17 MPG, exceeding the X5 M's 15 MPG.
2025 Audi SQ8
The Audi SQ8 is recommended for families primarily due to its significantly lower entry price of $97,600, offering a lower barrier to entry.
2025 BMW X5 M
The BMW X5 M dominates performance metrics with 617 horsepower, substantially more than the Audi SQ8's 500 hp output.
2025 Audi SQ8
The Audi SQ8 presents better immediate value by offering 500 hp for nearly $30,000 less than the competitor.
Choose the Audi SQ8 if...
- If keeping the initial investment under the $100,000 mark is a priority, as the SQ8 starts at $97,600.
- If maximizing fuel range is important, as the SQ8 delivers 17 MPG combined versus 15 MPG.
- If slightly higher peak torque is preferred, as the SQ8 generates 568 lb-ft to the X5 M's 553 lb-ft.
Choose the BMW X5 M if...
- If absolute peak performance is the goal, the X5 M provides 617 horsepower, a 117 hp advantage.
- If a marginally taller driving position is desired, the X5 M sits 69.4 inches high versus the SQ8’s 67.0 inches.
- If the highest cargo capacity is required, the X5 M offers 33.9 cu ft compared to the SQ8’s 33.7 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi SQ8 | BMW X5 M |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.0" | 194.8" |
| Width | 79.0" | 79.3" |
| Height | 67.0" | 69.4" |
| Wheelbase | 118.0" | 117.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Power Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 4.0 L | 4.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V8 | V8 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 500 hp | 617 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 568 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 32 | 32 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 15/21 MPG | 13/18 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 17 MPG | 15 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 337.5/472.5 mi. | 284.7/394.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.5 gal. | 21.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 14.9 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Brand Speakers | Bang & Olufsen | — |
| Stereo Power | 730W | 464W |
| Speaker System | 17 | 16 |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 12 months |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Harman/Kardon |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 2 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass Extended | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.1 in. | 40.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.5 in. | 60.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 14-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 14-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 2 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.2 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 22 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 285/40R22 | 315/35R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 21 x 11.5 in. |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | BMW |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi SQ8 and 2025 BMW X5 M.
How much more expensive is the 2025 BMW X5 M than the 2025 Audi SQ8?
The BMW X5 M has an MSRP of $127,200, which is $29,600 higher than the Audi SQ8's starting price of $97,600. This places the X5 M in a significantly higher pricing bracket for buyers.
Which vehicle offers better highway fuel economy for longer trips?
The Audi SQ8 provides better highway efficiency, achieving 21 MPG on the highway compared to the BMW X5 M's 18 MPG highway rating. This results in fewer stops for the SQ8.
Is the performance difference between the two models significant?
Yes, the difference is substantial; the BMW X5 M boasts 617 horsepower, making it 117 horsepower more potent than the Audi SQ8's 500 hp output. Both utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD.
Do these crossovers have comparable cargo space?
The cargo capacities are virtually identical, with the BMW X5 M offering 33.9 cubic feet and the Audi SQ8 offering 33.7 cubic feet. Dimensions are very close overall.
Are premium fuel requirements a factor for both vehicles?
Yes, both the 2025 Audi SQ8 and the 2025 BMW X5 M explicitly require premium unleaded fuel to achieve their stated performance figures. This impacts the long-term running costs for both.
Which vehicle is physically wider or taller?
The BMW X5 M is taller, measuring 69.4 inches high compared to the SQ8's 67.0 inches. Conversely, the Audi SQ8 is slightly narrower at 79.0 inches compared to the X5 M's 79.3 inches.
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