Audi Q8 vs BMW X3
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Audi Q8 starts from $143,415 before on-road costs, while the BMW X3 opens at $86,100. That makes the BMW X3 the more affordable entry point by $57,315.
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 $94,710 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q8 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW X3 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q8 stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW X3. The BMW X3 counters with Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi Q8 gets leather upholstery while the BMW X3 offers merino leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q8 and 4-zone in the BMW X3.
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 X3 responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Audi Q8 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi Q8 is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q8 measures 5,006mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 251mm longer than the BMW X3 at 4,755mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 605L in the Audi Q8 and 570L in the BMW X3, giving the Audi Q8 a 35L advantage.
For towing, the Audi Q8 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,400kg. That 1,100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.1m to 12.5m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,024/year for the Audi Q8 and $2,138/year for the BMW X3. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q8.
Estimated annual total: $2,024 (Audi Q8) vs $2,138 (BMW X3). The Audi Q8 saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q8 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X3 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi Q8 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. The Audi Q8 will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. 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 X3?
The BMW X3 is the cheapest at $86,100 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q8 by $57,315.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q8 uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW X3 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 605L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi Q8 makes the most power at 210kW. The Audi Q8 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
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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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