Audi RSQ8 vs Land Rover Defender OCTA

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

We hold no ANCAP data for the Audi RSQ8. ANCAP's published record does not give the Land Rover Defender OCTA a rating. 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 Land Rover Defender OCTA gets a 11.4-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi RSQ8 stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Land Rover Defender OCTA. The Land Rover Defender OCTA counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, Meridian audio and ambient lighting. 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 Land Rover Defender OCTA responds with a 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo Petrol Mild Hybrid making 467kW and 750Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4 seconds.

The Audi RSQ8 has the clear power advantage at 471kW vs 467kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi RSQ8 is 0.4s 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, 199mm longer than the Land Rover Defender OCTA at 4,813mm (3,023mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Land Rover Defender OCTA generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Land Rover Defender OCTA leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

The Land Rover Defender OCTA turns in a 12.8 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 Land Rover Defender OCTA about $3,734 a year (13.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $257 a year less for the Audi RSQ8.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi RSQ8) and 5 years / Unlimited (Land Rover Defender OCTA).

Where each one leads

The Audi RSQ8: the lower starting price ($257,227 against $304,500), more power (471kW against 467kW) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($3,477 a year against $3,734).

The Land Rover Defender OCTA: nothing in the figures we hold puts it ahead of the Audi RSQ8.

The Verdict

Audi RSQ8 scores higher, 58 vs 55

The Audi RSQ8 scores 58 to the Land Rover Defender OCTA's 55 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 4 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: practicality (Audi RSQ8 ahead by 10 points), fuel economy (Audi RSQ8 ahead by 8 points), reliability (Audi RSQ8 ahead by 6 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi RSQ8 costs about $257 less (12.2 L/100km against 13.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions