2025 Audi SQ8 vs 2026 BMW X6 M

$97,600 · Crossover

$134,600 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Audi SQ8 thrills with its near-supercar grunt delivered by 500 hp and massive 568 lb-ft of torque in a subtly potent package starting at $97,600. Contrastingly, the 2026 BMW X6 M unleashes a blistering 617 hp and commands a significantly higher $134,600 price tag, establishing itself as the pure performance king. The Audi maintains a practical edge, offering 33.7 cu ft of cargo space versus the BMW's 27.4 cu ft, while both utilize AWD transmissions. Furthermore, the efficiency gap is stark, with the SQ8 achieving 17 MPG combined compared to the X6 M's implied lower figure, making the Audi the more financially digestible performance Crossover proposition despite the BMW's 117 horsepower advantage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 wins for commuters due to its significantly lower $97,600 MSRP compared to the BMW's $134,600 entry cost.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi SQ8

The 2025 Audi SQ8 provides substantially more utility with 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity against the X6 M's 27.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW X6 M

The 2026 BMW X6 M is the clear choice for enthusiasts, boasting a potent 617 hp compared to the SQ8's 500 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 offers an immense performance package for $37,000 less than the X6 M, providing superior value.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

You demand torque supremacy, as the SQ8 offers 568 lb-ft versus the X6 M's 553 lb-ft.
Budget is a primary concern, highlighted by the $37,000 lower MSRP.
You require maximum hauling capacity, as the Audi provides 33.7 cu ft versus 27.4 cu ft in the BMW.

Choose the BMW X6 M if...

Absolute peak horsepower is your goal, with the X6 M delivering an eye-watering 617 hp.
You desire the physically smallest vehicle, as the X6 M is shorter at 194.8 inches versus the SQ8's 197.0 inches.
You prioritize maximum acceleration potential, benefiting from the extra 117 hp advantage.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ8	BMW X6 M
Length	197.0"	194.8"
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	—	✓
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.	39.3 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	40.4 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.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.2 in.	35.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	60.7 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	315/30R
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 X6 M.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Audi SQ8 and the 2026 BMW X6 M?

The BMW X6 M holds a clear advantage in raw power, generating 617 horsepower, which is 117 hp more than the Audi SQ8's 500 hp output. While both use AWD and 8-speed automatics, the X6 M is engineered for higher outright speed.

How significant is the price gap between these two performance Crossovers?

The difference is substantial; the 2026 BMW X6 M starts at $134,600, making it $37,000 more expensive than the 2025 Audi SQ8's MSRP of $97,600.

Which vehicle is better suited for long-distance trips or daily commuting duties based on fuel economy?

The Audi SQ8 is the better choice for efficiency, achieving a stated 17 MPG combined, whereas the X6 M, with its higher horsepower, likely yields a lower figure and may burn through premium fuel quicker.

Are the exterior dimensions very different for parking and maneuvering?

They are comparable in size, but the Audi SQ8 is slightly longer at 197.0 inches compared to the X6 M's 194.8 inches; however, the BMW is slightly wider at 79.5 inches.

Does the Audi SQ8 offer significantly more cargo space than the BMW X6 M?

Yes, the SQ8 is notably more practical for hauling gear, offering 33.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the rear seats are in use, compared to the X6 M's 27.4 cubic feet.