VS
At a Glance
Power
373 kW
346 kW
Torque
770 Nm
650 Nm
Fuel
11.9 l/100km
1.9 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.1 s
4.9 s
Engine
3996 cc
2995 cc
Choosing between the Audi SQ8 and the Porsche Cayenne is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi SQ8 delivers 373 kW while the Porsche Cayenne produces 346 kW. On fuel, the SQ8 returns 11.9 l/100km while the Cayenne uses 1.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 640 500 for the SQ8 and R2 719 000 for the Cayenne. 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
373 kW
346 kW
Torque
770 Nm
650 Nm
0-100 kph
4.1 s
4.9 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
254 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
2995 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
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
11.9 l/100km
1.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
75 l
CO2 Emissions
272 g/km
44 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5006 mm
4930 mm
Width
1995-2190 mm
1983-2194 mm
Height
1708 mm
1674 mm
Wheelbase
2996 mm
2895 mm
Ground Clearance
—
210 (188-233 with opt air suspension) mm
Kerb Weight
2315 Kg
2455 DIN / 2530 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
4 (opt 5)
Load Volume
605-1755 l
404-434-1344 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
655 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)
8 (opt 10)
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
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 160000 hybrid batter
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 15000) /
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
SQ8
Fuel Economy
Cayenne
Value
SQ8
Practicality
Cayenne
Pros & Cons
Audi SQ8
More powerful engine (373 kW)
Lower starting price (R2 640 500)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.1 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (11.9 l/100km)
Porsche Cayenne
Better fuel economy (1.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (346 kW vs 373 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the SQ8 or Cayenne?
The SQ8 uses 11.9 l/100km and the Cayenne uses 1.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Cayenne 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 SQ8 or Cayenne?
The SQ8 produces 373 kW and 770 Nm of torque while the Cayenne delivers 346 kW and 650 Nm of torque. The SQ8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the SQ8 and Cayenne?
The SQ8 starts from R2 640 500 and the Cayenne from R2 719 000. The SQ8 is cheaper by R78 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the SQ8 or Cayenne?
The SQ8 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Cayenne can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the SQ8 or the Cayenne?
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.