Audi RSQ8 vs Audi SQ5 Sportback

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 RSQ8 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi SQ5 Sportback gets a 14.5-inch display and 11.9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi RSQ8 stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof and ventilated seats — features our data doesn't list for the Audi SQ5 Sportback. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Audi RSQ8 uses a Petrol producing 471kW and 850Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.6 seconds.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback responds with a Petrol MHEV making 270kW and 550Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.

The Audi RSQ8 has the clear power advantage at 471kW vs 270kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi RSQ8 is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi RSQ8 measures 5,012mm long on a 2,998mm wheelbase, 295mm longer than the Audi SQ5 Sportback at 4,717mm (2,820mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi RSQ8 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 605L in the Audi RSQ8 and 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback, giving the Audi RSQ8 a 90L 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 SQ5 Sportback 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 RSQ8 costs about $3,477 a year (12.2 L/100km) and fuel for the Audi SQ5 Sportback about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,311 a year less for the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi RSQ8) and 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback).

Where each one leads

The Audi RSQ8: more power (471kW against 270kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (605L against 515L) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,000kg).

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: the lower starting price ($109,900 against $257,227) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,166 a year against $3,477).

The Verdict

Audi SQ5 Sportback scores higher, 73 vs 58

The Audi SQ5 Sportback scores 73 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 SQ5 Sportback ahead by 42 points), safety (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 35 points), value (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 22 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi SQ5 Sportback costs about $1,311 less (7.6 L/100km against 12.2 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 605L in the Audi RSQ8, 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Common questions