2025 BMW X5 M vs 2026 Audi SQ8

$127,200 · Crossover

$99,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW X5 M bursts onto the scene with a formidable 617 horsepower, ready to dominate the pavement, while the 2026 Audi SQ8 counters with a massive 568 lb-ft of torque, promising muscular real-world pull. The X5 M demands respect, flaunting its performance pedigree at an MSRP of $127,200, translating to a significant $27,500 premium over the SQ8's $99,700 starting price. Despite the BMW's 117 horsepower advantage, the Audi is surprisingly efficient, posting a slightly better combined MPG of 16 versus the X5 M's 15 MPG. Both utilize a commanding AWD system and an 8-speed automatic. While the BMW is marginally shorter in length at 194.8 inches compared to the SQ8’s 197.0 inches, the packaging difference in cargo capacity is negligible, with both offering around 33.8 cubic feet.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi SQ8

The 2026 Audi SQ8 offers a more palatable fuel economy with 16 combined MPG, which eases the burden of premium fuel usage on daily drives.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi SQ8

The SQ8 wins on value, delivering nearly all the performance utility for $27,500 less than the fully kitted-out X5 M.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X5 M

The 2025 BMW X5 M is the unequivocal performance king, boasting an additional 117 horsepower and a staggering 617 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi SQ8

With a base MSRP nearly $28,000 lower and competitive torque figures, the SQ8 represents superior performance value.

Choose the BMW X5 M if...

Maximum outright performance is non-negotiable, thanks to the BMW’s massive 617 hp engine.
You prefer the specific high-performance tuning associated with the BMW 'M' badge.
You don't mind the higher running costs associated with a vehicle that achieves only 13 MPG in city driving.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

You prioritize torque accessibility, as the SQ8 delivers a higher 568 lb-ft versus the X5 M's 553 lb-ft.
A sticker price under $100,000 is a crucial deciding factor for your purchase.
You desire a slightly taller stance and better efficiency, evidenced by its 20 MPG highway rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X5 M	Audi SQ8
Length	194.8"	197.0"
Width	79.3"	79.0"
Height	69.4"	67.0"
Wheelbase	117.0"	118.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	4.4 L	4.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V8
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	617 hp @ 6000 rpm	500 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	553 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	568 lb-ft @ 2000 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	BMW	Audi
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	13/18 MPG	14/20 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	15 MPG	16 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	284.7/394.2 mi.	315.0/450.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.9 gal.	22.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control 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	✓	—
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Audi
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Harman/Kardon	—
Stereo Power	464W	730W
Speaker System	16	17
Subwoofer Count	2	1
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months
Premium Brand Speakers	—	Bang & Olufsen
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	40.8 in.	37.1 in.
Front Leg Room	39.8 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	59.5 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	14-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	14-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Audi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	21 x 11.5 in.	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	315/35R	285/40R22
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	22 in

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Audi
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Audi
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.	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X5 M and 2026 Audi SQ8.

What is the primary performance differentiator between the 2025 BMW X5 M and the 2026 Audi SQ8?

The BMW X5 M dominates in raw power output, delivering 617 horsepower. Conversely, the Audi SQ8 leans into torque, offering 568 lb-ft, which might provide a more immediate punch during in-gear acceleration runs.

Is the significant price difference of over $27,000 justified by the BMW X5 M's performance metrics?

The $127,200 X5 M is considerably more expensive than the $99,700 SQ8. While the X5 M has 117 more horsepower, buyers must weigh if that power delta warrants the steep premium, especially when the SQ8 is still robustly powered.

How do the daily usability aspects like fuel economy compare for these two high-performance crossovers?

Fuel economy favors the Audi SQ8 slightly, achieving 16 combined MPG versus the X5 M's 15 combined MPG. Furthermore, the X5 M requires premium fuel and returns a lower 13 MPG in the city, impacting daily commuting costs.

Are there major differences in exterior size and practical cargo space between the two vehicles?

The dimensions are very close; the Audi SQ8 is slightly longer at 197.0 inches compared to the BMW's 194.8 inches. Practical cargo space is nearly identical, with both offering approximately 33.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Which vehicle offers better dynamic characteristics for spirited driving, considering horsepower versus torque?

For absolute straight-line speed and peak power, the X5 M is superior with its 617 hp. However, the SQ8's higher torque figure (568 lb-ft) could translate to a feeling of effortless pulling power during routine maneuvers or rolling starts.