BMW X7 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 X7 starts from $174,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi RSQ8 opens at $239,900. That makes the BMW X7 the more affordable entry point by $65,000.
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 $192,390 and $263,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi RSQ8 by roughly $2,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW X7 and Audi RSQ8 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW X7 packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Audi RSQ8.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The BMW X7 adds a 360-degree camera that the Audi RSQ8 misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X7 stands out with wireless charging, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Audi RSQ8. The Audi RSQ8 counters with Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW X7 uses a Diesel producing 259kW and 720Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5 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 259kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RSQ8 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X7 measures 5,181mm long on a 3,105mm wheelbase, 169mm longer than the Audi RSQ8 at 5,012mm (2,998mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 750L in the BMW X7 and 605L in the Audi RSQ8, giving the BMW X7 a 145L advantage. The BMW X7 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the BMW X7 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.
13.1m diameter
Large
Based on 13.1m 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 $2,822/year for the BMW X7 and $2,394/year for the Audi RSQ8. That is a $428 annual difference in favour of the Audi RSQ8.
Estimated annual total: $2,822 (BMW X7) vs $2,394 (Audi RSQ8). The Audi RSQ8 saves you roughly $428 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X7) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi RSQ8). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X7 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi RSQ8 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BMW X7 and Audi RSQ8 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Audi RSQ8 will save you roughly $428 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW X7 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 X7 and Audi RSQ8?
The BMW X7 is the cheapest at $174,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi RSQ8 by $65,000.
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 — BMW X7 and 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 X7 has the largest boot at 750L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X7 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.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!












