2025 Audi SQ8 vs 2026 BMW X5 M

$97,600 · Crossover

$129,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Audi SQ8 and the 2026 BMW X5 M often boils down to balancing brute force performance against everyday practicality and fiscal responsibility. While both are powerful all-wheel-drive crossovers, the $32,100 MSRP gap—$97,600 for the Audi versus $129,700 for the BMW—is significant. The X5 M throws down an impressive 617 hp, easily overshadowing the SQ8’s 500 hp, but this power comes at a steep cost, particularly at the pump. The Audi squeezes out a better combined fuel economy of 17 MPG (though both require premium fuel) compared to the BMW’s implied lower efficiency given the power disparity. Additionally, the SQ8 is marginally longer at 197.0 inches, offering slightly more overall presence, while the X5 M wins on sheer height at 69.4 inches. For most buyers, the SQ8 presents a compelling, high-performance luxury alternative without needing to spend six figures.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 wins for daily driving due to its significantly lower entry price point and slightly better fuel economy, easing the burden of premium fuel usage.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi SQ8

The SQ8 offers comparable space, boasting 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the X5 M's 33.9 cu ft, while being over $32,000 cheaper.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW X5 M

The 2026 BMW X5 M is the clear choice for power enthusiasts, delivering a substantial 617 hp compared to the Audi's 500 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 provides 500 hp and luxury AWD for nearly $33,000 less than the BMW, making it the superior value proposition.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

Your budget is firmly under the six-figure mark, as the SQ8 starts at $97,600.
You prefer a marginally longer vehicle profile, measuring 197.0 inches in length.
You prioritize a slight torque advantage, with the SQ8 generating 568 lb-ft versus the X5 M's 553 lb-ft.

Choose the BMW X5 M if...

Maximum power is non-negotiable, as the X5 M provides an excess of 117 hp more (617 hp total).
You prefer a taller stance, as the X5 M stands 69.4 inches high compared to the SQ8's 67.0 inches.
You are willing to pay the $129,700 MSRP for segment-leading performance metrics.

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	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
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	—
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	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
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
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.	61.4 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.	60.0 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	315/30R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	22 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 2026 BMW X5 M.

How much more power does the 2026 BMW X5 M actually offer over the 2025 Audi SQ8?

The X5 M is significantly more potent, boasting 617 horsepower, which is 117 hp more than the SQ8's 500 horsepower output. This difference is felt most intensely in aggressive acceleration scenarios.

Is the price difference between these two SUVs worth the performance gap?

The BMW X5 M commands a steep $129,700 MSRP compared to the SQ8's $97,600, a difference of $32,100. Whether the extra 117 hp justifies that cost depends entirely on individual performance priorities versus budget concerns.

Do either of these vehicles offer better cargo room?

They are nearly identical in usable space, with the 2026 BMW X5 M offering 33.9 cu ft and the 2025 Audi SQ8 providing 33.7 cu ft. Both are practical for family hauling duties.

Since both require premium fuel, which one is slightly better for commuting mileage?

The Audi SQ8 is marginally better on fuel, achieving a combined 17 MPG; however, both vehicles are heavy performers requiring high-octane fuel, so neither is exceptionally efficient.

Which vehicle is physically larger, the SQ8 or the X5 M?

The 2025 Audi SQ8 is slightly longer in overall length at 197.0 inches compared to the X5 M's 194.8 inches. Conversely, the X5 M is taller, standing at 69.4 inches against the Audi's 67.0 inches.

What is the torque difference between the 500 hp SQ8 and the 617 hp X5 M?

The Audi SQ8 actually produces more low-end pull, offering 568 lb-ft of torque compared to the X5 M’s 553 lb-ft. This means the Audi might feel slightly punchier in certain mid-range acceleration situations.