2025 Audi SQ8 vs 2025 BMW X6 M
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Audi SQ8 and the 2025 BMW X6 M often comes down to whether extreme performance justifies a significant premium. For many buyers, the $34,500 price gap—the X6 M starts at $132,100 versus the SQ8's $97,600—is the main talking point. While the X6 M boasts a commanding 617 hp, the SQ8 still delivers a robust 500 hp, offering plenty of shove for daily driving. Fuel economy is similar, with the SQ8 achieving 17 MPG combined compared to the X6 M's 15 MPG combined. Furthermore, the SQ8 offers noticeably more utility, providing 33.7 cu ft of cargo space versus the X6 M's 27.4 cu ft. If maximum outright speed is the goal, the BMW wins, but the Audi offers a superior blend of luxury performance and practicality for substantially less money.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi SQ8
The Audi SQ8 offers slightly better fuel economy (17 MPG combined) and a less jarring price tag for the daily grind.
2025 Audi SQ8
The Audi SQ8 provides significantly more utility with 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the BMW X6 M's 27.4 cu ft.
2025 BMW X6 M
The BMW X6 M is the clear performance leader, generating 617 hp, which is 117 hp more than the SQ8.
2025 Audi SQ8
The Audi SQ8 offers 500 hp for nearly $35,000 less than the comparable BMW X6 M.
Choose the Audi SQ8 if...
- You prioritize saving $34,500 while still enjoying 500 horsepower.
- You need practical space, benefiting from the 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You want slightly better efficiency, averaging 17 MPG combined on premium fuel.
Choose the BMW X6 M if...
- You absolutely must have the segment-leading power output of 617 horsepower.
- The $132,100 starting price is not a concern for maximum performance.
- You prefer the slightly wider stance at 79.5 inches for potentially more road presence.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi SQ8 | BMW X6 M |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.0" | 195.0" |
| Width | 79.0" | 79.5" |
| Height | 67.0" | 66.7" |
| 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. | 39.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 40.4 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. | 37.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.2 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.5 in. | 57.7 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 X6 M.
What is the primary difference in performance between the 2025 Audi SQ8 and the 2025 BMW X6 M?
The main performance differentiator is sheer power; the X6 M produces 617 hp, eclipsing the SQ8's 500 hp by a substantial 117 hp margin. Both utilize all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic transmissions to put that power down.
How significant is the price gap between these two luxury crossovers?
The difference is substantial; the 2025 BMW X6 M has an MSRP of $132,100, making it $34,500 more expensive than the 2025 Audi SQ8, which starts at $97,600.
Which vehicle is better for hauling cargo on long trips?
The Audi SQ8 is the practical winner for cargo, offering 33.7 cu ft behind the rear seats, whereas the BMW X6 M is limited to 27.4 cu ft.
Do these vehicles have vastly different fuel consumption ratings?
Their fuel economy is quite similar, as both require premium fuel; the SQ8 achieves 17 MPG combined, while the more powerful X6 M drops slightly to 15 MPG combined.
Are there major differences in physical size that impact parking?
The dimensions are very close; the Audi SQ8 is 197.0 inches long, while the BMW X6 M is slightly shorter at 195.0 inches, though the BMW is marginally wider at 79.5 inches.
Is the higher torque figure in the Audi noticeable during everyday driving?
Yes, the Audi SQ8 boasts 568 lb-ft of torque compared to the X6 M's 553 lb-ft, which contributes to strong, immediate pulling power even if the BMW has more peak horsepower.
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