VS
At a Glance
Power
373 kW
400 kW
Torque
770 Nm
765 Nm
Fuel
11.9 l/100km
17.9-21.9 kWh/100 km l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.1 s
4.6 s
Engine
3996 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Audi SQ8 and the BMW iX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi SQ8 delivers 373 kW while the BMW iX produces 400 kW. On fuel, the SQ8 returns 11.9 l/100km while the iX uses 17.9-21.9 kWh/100 km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 675 500 for the SQ8 and R2 689 000 for the iX. 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
400 kW
Torque
770 Nm
765 Nm
0-100 kph
4.1 s
4.6 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
8
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
11.9 l/100km
17.9-21.9 kWh/100 km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
108.0 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
272 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
5006 mm
4965 mm
Width
1995-2190 mm
1970-2230 mm
Height
1708 mm
1695 mm
Wheelbase
2996 mm
3000 mm
Ground Clearance
—
202 mm
Kerb Weight
2315 Kg
2505 DIN / 2580 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
605-1755 l
500-1750 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
640 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)
7
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
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 15000) /
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi SQ8
2 / 4 categories
Performance
iX
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
SQ8
Practicality
SQ8
Pros & Cons
Audi SQ8
Lower starting price (R2 675 500)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.1 ss)
Less power than rival (373 kW vs 400 kW)
BMW iX
More powerful engine (400 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the SQ8 or iX?
The SQ8 uses 11.9 l/100km and the iX uses 17.9-21.9 kWh/100 km l/100km on the combined cycle. 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 iX?
The SQ8 produces 373 kW and 770 Nm of torque while the iX delivers 400 kW and 765 Nm of torque. The iX is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the SQ8 and iX?
The SQ8 starts from R2 675 500 and the iX from R2 689 000. The SQ8 is cheaper by R13 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the SQ8 or iX?
The SQ8 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the iX can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the SQ8 or the iX?
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.