BMW X6 vs Audi Q8
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.
Data checked: specs 30 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$149,900RRP
- with the Audi Q8's standard kit: $149,900 (nothing to add)
$143,415RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW X6 starts from $149,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q8 opens at $143,415. That makes the Audi Q8 the more affordable entry point by $6,485.
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 $164,890 and $157,757 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW X6 by roughly $2,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
BMW X6
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- REC-006090 · published 2 Oct 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, a component of the brake booster system may have been incorrectly welded and could break.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-005906 · published 5 Mar 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, signal interference may occur within the electronics of the brake system.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- 6 more on the model page.
Audi Q8
- REC-006473 · published 5 Nov 2025Due to a manufacturing issue, the modules installed in the high voltage battery may be defective.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2024
- REC-005898 · published 15 Feb 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the front passenger airbag may not have been installed correctly.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005841 · published 30 Nov 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the outer backrest frame of the front seats may have been incorrectly welded.Year range on the notice: 2023
- 3 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X6 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi Q8 gets a 10.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X6 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Audi Q8. The Audi Q8 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 X6 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Audi Q8 offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW X6 and 3-zone in the Audi Q8.
Drivetrain
The BMW X6 uses a Diesel producing 219kW and 670Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds.
The Audi Q8 responds with a Petrol MHEV making 250kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
The Audi Q8 has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 219kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW X6 is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X6 measures 4,960mm long on a 2,975mm wheelbase, 46mm shorter than the Audi Q8 at 5,006mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 580L in the BMW X6 and 605L in the Audi Q8, giving the Audi Q8 a 25L advantage.
For towing, the Audi Q8 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.5m to 12.7m
Based on 12.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.5m 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 $2,195/year for the BMW X6 and $2,622/year for the Audi Q8. That is a $427 annual difference in favour of the BMW X6.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X6) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q8). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X6 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi Q8 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
BMW X6: Top CarSorted Score, 67 vs 65, but the Audi Q8 is $6,485 cheaper
The BMW X6 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (67 vs 65), taking 2 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (BMW X6 ahead by 13). The BMW X6 will save you roughly $427 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW X6 and Audi Q8?
The Audi Q8 is the cheapest at $143,415 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X6 by $6,485.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X6 uses the least fuel at 7.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW X6 and Audi Q8 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q8 has the largest boot at 605L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi Q8 makes the most power at 250kW. The BMW X6 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.8s.
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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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