2025 BMW X6 M vs 2026 Audi SQ8

$132,100 · Crossover

$99,700 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical discrepancy between the 2025 BMW X6 M (Car 1) and the 2026 Audi SQ8 (Car 2) is the $32,400 MSRP gap, with the X6 M starting at $132,100 versus the SQ8's $99,700. Performance data shows the X6 M possesses a substantial 617 hp advantage over the SQ8's 500 hp, although the SQ8 counters with higher peak torque at 568 lb-ft compared to the BMW's 553 lb-ft. Fuel economy slightly favors the Audi, posting a 16 MPG combined rating versus the BMW’s 15 MPG combined, with the SQ8 also offering marginally better City (14 MPG) and Highway (20 MPG) figures than the X6 M's 13/18 MPG split. Dimensionally, the vehicles are closely matched, though the SQ8 provides superior utility with 33.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, exceeding the X6 M’s 27.4 cubic feet.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 is slightly more efficient, achieving 16 MPG combined versus the BMW X6 M's 15 MPG, making it the marginally better daily driver.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi SQ8

The 2026 Audi SQ8 offers 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more usable space than the 27.4 cu ft found in the 2025 BMW X6 M.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X6 M

The 2025 BMW X6 M is the superior choice for raw performance due to its substantial output of 617 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi SQ8

The Audi SQ8 offers strong performance for $32,400 less than the BMW X6 M while retaining better fuel economy.

Choose the BMW X6 M if...

Maximum outright power is the priority, evidenced by its 617 horsepower rating.
Budget constraints are secondary to achieving the highest performance metrics available in the segment.
The specific dimensions of 195.0 inches in length and 79.5 inches in width are preferable for the intended garage space.

Choose the Audi SQ8 if...

A lower entry price point of $99,700 is necessary compared to Car 1's $132,100 MSRP.
Greater utility is required, benefiting from the 33.7 cu ft of cargo capacity.
A marginally better efficiency profile is desired, posting 20 MPG highway versus the competitor's 18 MPG highway.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X6 M	Audi SQ8
Length	195.0"	197.0"
Width	79.5"	79.0"
Height	66.7"	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	39.3 in.	37.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 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	37.5 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.7 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 X6 M and 2026 Audi SQ8.

How does the torque difference impact real-world driving between the X6 M and SQ8?

While the BMW X6 M leads in horsepower (617 hp vs. 500 hp), the Audi SQ8 produces slightly more peak torque (568 lb-ft vs. 553 lb-ft). This means the SQ8 might feel slightly punchier during initial low-speed acceleration, whereas the X6 M’s higher horsepower will translate to a higher top-end performance ceiling.

Is the $32,400 price difference justified by the X6 M's power advantage?

The price difference is substantial, covering the 117 hp gap between the two vehicles. Buyers must weigh the extra cost against the performance gains; the SQ8 offers 500 hp for $99,700, while the X6 M demands $132,100 for its 617 hp.

Which crossover provides more practical storage space for families?

The 2026 Audi SQ8 is the clear winner for cargo capacity, offering 33.7 cubic feet. The 2025 BMW X6 M is considerably smaller inside, with only 27.4 cubic feet of available cargo volume.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel, and how do their MPGs compare?

Yes, both the 2025 BMW X6 M and the 2026 Audi SQ8 mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel. The Audi maintains a slight efficiency lead with 16 MPG combined versus the BMW's 15 MPG combined rating.

Are the dimensions similar enough to affect parking or garage fit?

The exterior dimensions are very close, with the Audi SQ8 being 2.0 inches longer (197.0 vs 195.0 inches) and slightly shorter in height (67.0 vs 66.7 inches). The width is also nearly identical, suggesting parking experiences will be largely comparable.