Audi Q8 vs BMW iX
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q8 starts from $143,415 before on-road costs, while the BMW iX opens at $142,900. That makes the BMW iX the more affordable entry point by $515.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $157,757 and $157,190 respectively.
The BMW iX qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi Q8, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q8 and BMW iX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Audi Q8 and 91% for the BMW iX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q8 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 8 in the BMW iX.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Audi Q8 and 6 in the BMW iX.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q8 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the BMW iX gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q8 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the BMW iX. The BMW iX counters with harman/kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q8 uses a Diesel MHEV producing 210kW and 600Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 seconds.
The BMW iX responds with a Electric making 300kW and 700Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.
The BMW iX has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 210kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW iX is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q8 measures 4,986mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 33mm longer than the BMW iX at 4,953mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW iX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 660L in the Audi Q8 and 500L in the BMW iX, giving the Audi Q8 a 160L advantage.
For towing, the Audi Q8 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.5m to 12.6m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q8 if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW iX if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW iX takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Audi Q8 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q8 and BMW iX?
The BMW iX is the cheapest at $142,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q8 by $515.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q8 uses the least fuel at 8.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q8 and BMW iX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q8 has the largest boot at 660L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW iX makes the most power at 300kW. The BMW iX is quickest to 100km/h in 4.6s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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