2025 Audi SQ8 vs 2025 BMW X7

$97,600 · Crossover

$84,300 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Audi SQ8 and the 2025 BMW X7 often boils down to prioritizing raw performance versus daily practicality and sticker price. If you need instant gratification from the throttle, the SQ8 delivers a muscular 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, making it the clear performance leader in this heavyweight luxury crossover bout. However, that power comes at a cost: the SQ8 starts at a hefty $97,600, which is $13,300 more than the X7’s $84,300 base MSRP. Furthermore, performance tuning impacts efficiency, as the SQ8 manages only 17 MPG combined, lagging behind the X7’s superior 22 MPG combined rating. While the X7 is significantly taller at 72.2 inches versus the SQ8’s 67.0 inches, potentially aiding interior headroom, the price difference and the 5 MPG efficiency gap are hard metrics for the everyday buyer to ignore when weighing their purchase decision.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW X7

The BMW X7 wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 22 MPG versus the SQ8's 17 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW X7

The X7’s greater height (72.2 inches) suggests potentially better passenger space and accessibility compared to the lower-slung SQ8.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 is the enthusiast choice, boasting significantly more power with 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 BMW X7

The BMW X7 offers better value by saving the buyer $13,300 upfront while delivering better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

You absolutely need 500 horsepower on tap for spirited driving.
You prefer the higher torque figure of 568 lb-ft available in the SQ8.
You are comfortable paying an extra $13,300 for a significant performance upgrade.

Choose the BMW X7 if...

You want to save $13,300 on the initial purchase price ($84,300 vs $97,600).
Fuel economy is important, as the X7 achieves 22 MPG combined vs. the SQ8’s 17 MPG.
You prioritize maximum height, with the X7 standing 72.2 inches tall.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ8	BMW X7
Length	197.0"	203.6"
Width	79.0"	78.7"
Height	67.0"	72.2"
Wheelbase	118.0"	122.2"

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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	inline 6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	500 hp	375 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	568 lb-ft	398 lb-ft
Number of Valves	32	24
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	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Audi	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/21 MPG	20/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	337.5/472.5 mi.	438.0/525.6 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	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓

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	205W
Speaker System	17	10
Surround Audio	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
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

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.	41.9 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	16-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	16-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
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	2

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	39.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.2 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	58.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Audi	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	22 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	285/40R22	285/45R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	21 x 9.5 in.
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

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 X7.

Is the Audi SQ8’s extra power worth the MPG penalty compared to the BMW X7?

That depends on your priorities; the SQ8 offers 125 more horsepower (500 hp vs. 375 hp), but it sacrifices fuel economy, delivering only 17 MPG combined versus the X7’s 22 MPG combined.

How does the cargo space compare between these two large crossovers?

The provided specs show the 2025 Audi SQ8 offers 33.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, but we do not have the cargo specification for the BMW X7 to make a direct comparison.

Which vehicle requires more expensive fuel?

The Audi SQ8 mandates the use of premium unleaded fuel for its high-output engine, whereas the BMW X7 only recommends it, potentially offering slightly more flexibility at the pump.

Is the Audi SQ8 significantly larger than the BMW X7?

While both are large, the SQ8 is slightly shorter in length at 197.0 inches compared to the X7’s 203.6 inches, but the X7 is significantly taller at 72.2 inches.

For daily driving, does the X7 feel sluggish without the SQ8’s 500 horsepower?

The X7 still offers substantial power with 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, which is more than adequate for merging and highway driving, even if it doesn't match the enthusiast-focused output of the SQ8.

What is the main factor driving the $13,300 price gap between the two models?

The primary driver for the $13,300 difference is the SQ8’s specialized performance tuning, reflected in its superior horsepower and torque figures compared to the standard X7 powertrain.