Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Denza B8

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Audi SQ5 Sportback and Denza B8 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2025. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 86% for the Denza B8.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Denza B8, against 6 on the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.

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.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Audi SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Denza B8 gets a 17.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Denza B8. The Denza B8 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, ventilated seats, V2L, Devialet audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses a Petrol MHEV producing 270kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds.

The Denza B8 responds with a Petrol Turbo PHEV making 425kW and 760Nm, paired to a 1-speed auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds.

The Denza B8 has the clear power advantage at 425kW vs 270kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi SQ5 Sportback measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 478mm shorter than the Denza B8 at 5,195mm (2,920mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Denza B8 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 147L in the Denza B8, giving the Audi SQ5 Sportback a 368L advantage. The Denza B8 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Denza B8 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Audi SQ5 Sportback's turning circle is 0.2 m tighter, 11.8 m against 12.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi SQ5 Sportback costs about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km) and fuel for the Denza B8 about $2,822 a year (9.9 L/100km as a hybrid), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $656 a year less for the Audi SQ5 Sportback. A plug-in hybrid is costed running as a hybrid (battery depleted); charged daily, it uses less fuel and some electricity.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback) and 6 years / 150k km (Denza B8).

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: the bigger boot with the seats up (515L against 147L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,166 a year against $2,822).

The Denza B8: the lower starting price ($91,000 against $109,900), more power (425kW against 270kW), the longer warranty (6 years against 5) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi SQ5 Sportback scores higher, 73 vs 69

The Audi SQ5 Sportback scores 73 to the Denza B8's 69 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 8 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 21 points), safety (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 10 points), practicality (Denza B8 ahead by 9 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi SQ5 Sportback costs about $656 less (7.6 L/100km against 9.9 L/100km as a hybrid, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback, 147L in the Denza B8. Warranty: 5 years on the Audi SQ5 Sportback, 6 on the Denza B8.

Common questions