2025 Audi SQ8 vs 2026 BMW XM Label

$97,600 · Crossover

$159,600 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The big question when cross-shopping the 2025 Audi SQ8 and the 2026 BMW XM Label often boils down to how much extreme performance you really need versus what makes practical sense for daily life. The price gap is staggering: the SQ8 starts at $97,600, undercutting the XM Label by a massive $62,000, which is a huge factor for many shoppers. While the XM Label boasts significantly more power at 577 hp compared to the SQ8's 500 hp, this extra muscle comes at a steep cost to efficiency, as the Audi manages 17 MPG combined versus the BMW's 14 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Audi offers nearly 15 cubic feet more cargo space (33.7 cu ft vs. 18.6 cu ft), making it far more livable for regular hauling. Even though the BMW is longer at 201.2 inches, the SQ8 provides a better blend of performance, space, and affordability for the typical luxury crossover buyer.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 wins for commuters due to its superior combined MPG rating of 17 versus the BMW's 14 MPG, minimizing frequent premium fuel stops.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Audi SQ8

With 33.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to only 18.6 cu ft, the Audi SQ8 is vastly more practical for family errands and road trips.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW XM Label

Enthusiasts will favor the BMW XM Label for its superior output of 577 horsepower, easily overshadowing the Audi's 500 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 represents significantly better value, costing $62,000 less while still offering a potent 500 hp powertrain.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

Your budget ceiling is near $100,000, as the SQ8 starts around $97,600.
You prioritize usable space, needing the 33.7 cu ft of cargo room over pure horsepower.
You want reasonable efficiency for an AWD performance SUV, benefiting from the 17 MPG combined rating.

Choose the BMW XM Label if...

Maximum raw performance is essential, as the XM Label delivers 577 hp.
You plan to use the 30 miles of electric range to offset some fuel costs during city driving.
You desire the largest possible footprint, as the XM Label is 201.2 inches long.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Audi SQ8	BMW XM Label
Length	197.0"	201.2"
Width	79.0"	78.9"
Height	67.0"	69.1"
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 Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Audi	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	4.0 L	4.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V8
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	500 hp	577 hp @ 5600 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	12/17 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	17 MPG	14 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	337.5/472.5 mi.	218.4/309.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	18.2 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	47/46 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	47 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	30 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	72
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Audi	BMW
Infotainment Display	10.1 in	—
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Bang & Olufsen	—
Stereo Power	730W	1475W
Speaker System	17	20
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	—	Bowers & Wilkins
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Audi	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Front Head Room	37.1 in.	40.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	40.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.5 in.	60.3 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-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
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Audi	BMW
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.2 in.	40.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.5 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

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	315/30R23
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi SQ8 and 2026 BMW XM Label.

What is the main financial difference between the 2025 Audi SQ8 and the 2026 BMW XM Label?

The MSRP difference is substantial; the 2025 Audi SQ8 starts at $97,600, while the 2026 BMW XM Label begins at $159,600, creating a $62,000 disparity in entry price.

Which crossover is more powerful, the Audi SQ8 or the BMW XM Label?

The BMW XM Label is the more powerful option, producing 577 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, which tops the Audi SQ8’s 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque.

How does the fuel economy compare between these two luxury performance SUVs?

The Audi SQ8 is noticeably more fuel-friendly, achieving 17 MPG combined (15 city/21 highway) compared to the BMW XM Label's 14 MPG combined (12 city/17 highway).

If I need maximum cargo space, which vehicle should I choose?

The 2025 Audi SQ8 is the clear winner for cargo hauling, offering 33.7 cubic feet behind the second row, significantly more than the BMW XM Label's 18.6 cubic feet.

Does the BMW XM Label offer any electric driving capability?

Yes, the 2026 BMW XM Label is a plug-in hybrid that provides an estimated 30 miles of pure electric range for zero-emission driving before the required premium unleaded fuel engine takes over.

Are both vehicles large, and which one is physically bigger?

Both are large crossovers, but the 2026 BMW XM Label is longer at 201.2 inches compared to the Audi SQ8's 197.0 inches, though the Audi is slightly wider at 79.0 inches.