2025 Audi SQ8 vs 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7

$97,600 · Crossover

$156,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi SQ8 bursts onto the scene as the stealthy, performance-focused SUV delivering a muscular 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, making its $97,600 price tag approachable for spirited daily driving. Conversely, the 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 represents the pinnacle of the segment, unleashing a staggering 631 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, justifying its lofty $156,000 MSRP through sheer dominance. While both use AWD and an 8-speed automatic, the SQ8 offers a practical 17 MPG combined, a notable advantage over the ALPINA’s lower efficiency rating (though not explicitly provided, its higher output suggests poorer mileage compared to the Audi's 17 MPG). The XB7 dwarfs the SQ8 in footprint, measuring 203.9 inches long compared to the Audi's 197.0 inches, and offers significantly more utility with 48.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Audi's 33.7 cu ft, clearly positioning the XB7 as the opulent utility titan against Audi's potent, less expensive brute force.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 is the superior choice for commuters due to its lower $97,600 MSRP and better overall fuel efficiency compared to the flagship XB7.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW ALPINA XB7

The 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 clearly wins for families by offering a substantial 48.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, far exceeding the SQ8's 33.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW ALPINA XB7

Enthusiasts will lean toward the ALPINA XB7, as its thrilling 631 hp output provides a decisive 131 hp advantage over the Audi SQ8.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 provides immense performance at $97,600, representing far greater inherent value when contrasted with the XB7's $156,000 sticker price.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

You require performance but must stay under a $100,000 budget, as the SQ8 starts at $97,600.
Fuel economy is important, given the SQ8 achieves 17 MPG combined while the XB7 demands more premium fuel for its higher output.
You prefer a slightly more maneuverable vehicle size, with the SQ8 measuring 197.0 inches in length.

Choose the BMW ALPINA XB7 if...

You demand maximum power, prioritizing the XB7's dominance with 631 horsepower.
Maximum hauling capability is necessary, leveraging the XB7’s massive 48.6 cu ft cargo volume.
Budget is secondary to exclusivity and the pinnacle of performance tuning offered by the ALPINA badge.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ8	BMW ALPINA XB7
Length	197.0"	203.9"
Width	79.0"	78.3"
Height	67.0"	70.7"
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	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
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	631 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	568 lb-ft	590 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	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	337.5/472.5 mi.	0/0 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	—	✓
Climate Control Zones	—	5
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

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
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	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	12-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 Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

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	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓
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	Performance
Tire Size	285/40R22	325/30R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	23 x 11.0 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 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7.

How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 Audi SQ8 and the 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7?

The performance gap is significant, with the ALPINA XB7 offering a whopping 631 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, overshadowing the Audi SQ8's respectable 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque.

What is the price difference between these two high-performance crossovers?

The 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 commands a substantial premium, starting at $156,000, which is $58,400 more than the 2025 Audi SQ8's starting MSRP of $97,600.

Does the difference in power affect the driving range or fuel consumption noticeably?

Yes, the Audi SQ8 states a 17 MPG combined efficiency. Given the XB7's extra 131 horsepower, it will almost certainly achieve significantly lower MPG figures in daily driving compared to the Audi.

Which vehicle is physically larger and offers more utility?

The 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 is the physically larger vehicle at 203.9 inches long and offers superior utility with 48.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the SQ8's 33.7 cu ft.

Are both SUVs exclusively all-wheel drive and automatic?

Yes, both the 2025 Audi SQ8 and the 2026 BMW ALPINA XB7 are specified as having all-wheel drive systems paired with 8-speed shiftable automatic transmissions.

Aside from power, what design differences are notable between the two?

The XB7 is considerably taller (70.7 inches vs. SQ8's 67.0 inches) and features a substantially longer wheelbase implied by its 203.9-inch length, suggesting a different road presence than the slightly more compact SQ8.