VS
At a Glance
Power
471 kW
408kW@6000
Torque
850 Nm
680Nm@1500
Fuel
12.2 l/100km
13.9
Towing
3500 Kg
3000
0-100 km/h
3.6 s
4.7
Engine
3996 cc
4395
Choosing between the Audi RSQ8 and the BMW X5 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi RSQ8 delivers 471 kW while the BMW X5 produces 408kW@6000. On fuel, the RSQ8 returns 12.2 l/100km while the X5 uses 13.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 266 100 for the RSQ8 and R1 398 033 for the X5. 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
471 kW
408kW@6000
Torque
850 Nm
680Nm@1500
0-100 kph
3.6 s
4.7
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
4395
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.2 l/100km
13.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
20.1
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
11
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
85
CO2 Emissions
277 g/km
325
Dimensions
Length
5022 mm
4851
Width
2007-2190 mm
1933-2197
Height
1699 mm
1764
Wheelbase
2998 mm
2933
Ground Clearance
—
212
Kerb Weight
2350 Kg
2380
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
605-1755 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3000
Load Capacity
—
1750
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
DSC
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
8
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
WITH BRAKE FUNCTION
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 15000) /
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi RSQ8
3 / 4 categories
Performance
RSQ8
Fuel Economy
RSQ8
Value
X5
Practicality
RSQ8
Pros & Cons
Audi RSQ8
Better fuel economy (12.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.6 ss)
Higher starting price
BMW X5
Lower starting price (R1 398 033)
Higher fuel consumption (13.9)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RSQ8 or X5?
The RSQ8 uses 12.2 l/100km and the X5 uses 13.9 on the combined cycle. The RSQ8 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 RSQ8 or X5?
The RSQ8 produces 471 kW and 850 Nm of torque while the X5 delivers 408kW@6000 and 680Nm@1500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the RSQ8 and X5?
The RSQ8 starts from R3 266 100 and the X5 from R1 398 033. The X5 is cheaper by R1 868 067 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RSQ8 or X5?
The RSQ8 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the X5 can tow 3000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RSQ8 or the X5?
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.