VS
At a Glance
Power
471 kW
390 kW
Torque
850 Nm
750 Nm
Fuel
12.2 l/100km
11.9 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.6 s
4.3 s
Engine
3996 cc
4395 cc
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 390 kW. On fuel, the RSQ8 returns 12.2 l/100km while the X5 uses 11.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 266 100 for the RSQ8 and R2 234 215 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
390 kW
Torque
850 Nm
750 Nm
0-100 kph
3.6 s
4.3 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
4395 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.2 l/100km
11.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
83 l
CO2 Emissions
277 g/km
269 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5022 mm
4935 mm
Width
2007-2190 mm
2004-2218 mm
Height
1699 mm
1765 mm
Wheelbase
2998 mm
2975 mm
Ground Clearance
—
214 mm
Kerb Weight
2350 Kg
2345 DIN / 2420 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
605-1755 l
650-1870 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
720 l
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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 15000) /
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X5
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RSQ8
Fuel Economy
X5
Value
X5
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Audi RSQ8
More powerful engine (471 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.6 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (12.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
BMW X5
Better fuel economy (11.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 234 215)
Less power than rival (390 kW vs 471 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RSQ8 or X5?
The RSQ8 uses 12.2 l/100km and the X5 uses 11.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X5 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 390 kW and 750 Nm of torque. The RSQ8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the RSQ8 and X5?
The RSQ8 starts from R3 266 100 and the X5 from R2 234 215. The X5 is cheaper by R1 031 885 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 3500 Kg. 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.