VS
At a Glance
Power
183 kW
467 kW
Torque
600 Nm
750 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
13.5 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.0 s
4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) s
Engine
2967 cc
4395 cc
Choosing between the Audi Q8 and the Land Rover Defender is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi Q8 delivers 183 kW while the Land Rover Defender produces 467 kW. On fuel, the Q8 returns 7.8 l/100km while the Defender uses 13.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 011 700 for the Q8 and R4 001 700 for the Defender. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
183 kW
467 kW
Torque
600 Nm
750 Nm
0-100 kph
7.0 s
4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) s
Top Speed
220 Km/h
210 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2967 cc
4395 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
13.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
196 g/km
298 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4992 mm
5003 mm
Width
1995-2190 mm
2064-2105 mm
Height
1705 mm
1995 mm
Wheelbase
2998 mm
3023 mm
Ground Clearance
—
323 mm
Kerb Weight
2160 Kg
2510 DIN / 2585 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
605-1755 l
786-1875 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi Q8
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Q8
Value
Q8
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi Q8
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 011 700)
Less power than rival (183 kW vs 467 kW)
Land Rover Defender
More powerful engine (467 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.0 (with Dynamic Launch engaged) ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q8 or Defender?
The Q8 uses 7.8 l/100km and the Defender uses 13.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Q8 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q8 or Defender?
The Q8 produces 183 kW and 600 Nm of torque while the Defender delivers 467 kW and 750 Nm of torque. The Defender is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q8 and Defender?
The Q8 starts from R2 011 700 and the Defender from R4 001 700. The Q8 is cheaper by R1 990 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q8 or Defender?
The Q8 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Defender can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q8 or the Defender?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.