Audi Q5 vs Audi RSQ8

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

We hold no ANCAP data for the Audi RSQ8. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi RSQ8 gets a 10.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Audi RSQ8. The Audi RSQ8 counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats and ventilated seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q5 uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.

The Audi RSQ8 responds with a Petrol making 471kW and 850Nm, paired to a 8-speed auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds.

The Audi RSQ8 has the clear power advantage at 471kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi RSQ8 is 5.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q5 measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 295mm shorter than the Audi RSQ8 at 5,012mm (2,998mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi RSQ8 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q5 and 605L in the Audi RSQ8, giving the Audi RSQ8 a 85L advantage.

For towing, the Audi RSQ8 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

The Audi Q5 turns in a 11.8 m circle, kerb to kerb; the Audi RSQ8's turning circle is not on our record.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $1,625 a year (5.7 L/100km) and fuel for the Audi RSQ8 about $3,477 a year (12.2 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,852 a year less for the Audi Q5.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q5) and 5 years / Unlimited (Audi RSQ8). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Audi Q5), no data (Audi RSQ8).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q5: the lower starting price ($80,900 against $257,227) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,625 a year against $3,477).

The Audi RSQ8: more power (471kW against 150kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (605L against 520L) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi Q5 scores higher, 76 vs 58

The Audi Q5 scores 76 to the Audi RSQ8's 58 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Audi Q5 ahead by 60 points), performance (Audi RSQ8 ahead by 47 points), value (Audi Q5 ahead by 36 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $1,852 less (5.7 L/100km against 12.2 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 520L in the Audi Q5, 605L in the Audi RSQ8.

Common questions