BMW X5 M vs Audi RSQ8
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 BMW X5 M starts from $247,800 before on-road costs, while the Audi RSQ8 opens at $239,900. That makes the Audi RSQ8 the more affordable entry point by $7,900.
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 $272,580 and $263,890 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 BMW X5 M features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi RSQ8 gets a 10.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X5 M stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Audi RSQ8. The Audi RSQ8 counters with Apple CarPlay and Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW X5 M gets merino leather upholstery while the Audi RSQ8 offers leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW X5 M and 3-zone in the Audi RSQ8.
Drivetrain
The BMW X5 M uses a Petrol producing 460kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.3 seconds.
The Audi RSQ8 responds with a Petrol making 463kW and 800Nm, paired to a 8-speed auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds.
The Audi RSQ8 has the clear power advantage at 463kW vs 460kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RSQ8 is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X5 M measures 4,938mm long on a 2,972mm wheelbase, 74mm shorter than the Audi RSQ8 at 5,012mm (2,998mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi RSQ8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 650L in the BMW X5 M and 605L in the Audi RSQ8, giving the BMW X5 M a 45L advantage.
For towing, the BMW X5 M leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,700kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.7m diameter
Large
Based on 12.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,451/year for the BMW X5 M and $2,394/year for the Audi RSQ8. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Audi RSQ8.
Estimated annual total: $2,451 (BMW X5 M) vs $2,394 (Audi RSQ8). The Audi RSQ8 saves you roughly $57 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X5 M) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi RSQ8). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X5 M if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi RSQ8 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi RSQ8 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Audi RSQ8 will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW X5 M 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, BMW X5 M and Audi RSQ8?
The Audi RSQ8 is the cheapest at $239,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X5 M by $7,900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi RSQ8 uses the least fuel at 8.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi RSQ8 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X5 M has the largest boot at 650L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X5 M has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi RSQ8 makes the most power at 463kW. The Audi RSQ8 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.6s.
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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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