Audi
Q8
BMW
X5
Audi Q8 vs BMW X5: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
The Audi Q8 offers fuel economy, while the BMW X5 excels at power instead. Choose the Audi Q8 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the BMW X5 if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Q8
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The gasoline-powered Q8 (2019-2024) receives praise for its striking coupe-SUV styling, high-quality and comfortable interior, spacious cabin, and refined driving dynamics. However, it is heavily criticized for significant reliability concerns, particularly with major powertrain components leading to costly out-of-warranty repairs, and for very poor resale value.
Best version to buy
For the gasoline Q8/SQ8, the Prestige trim is frequently mentioned as the target for maximizing luxury features. For the performance-oriented SQ8, the Sport Package (including active roll stabilization and a sport rear differential) is specifically highlighted as a desirable option for enhanced driving dynamics.
Known issues
- ⚠**Gasoline Q8 (2019-2024):** * Major powertrain failures (water pump/coolant migration) leading to expensive repairs (~$7,500): very frequent. * Poor resale value and rapid depreciation: very frequent.
- ⚠**Q8 e-tron (Electric):** * Poor real-world range (approximately 130-180 miles / 209-290 km, significantly less in cold weather): very frequent.
X5
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation, powertrain, and ownership approach. For the current G05 generation (2019+), the inline-six (B58) powertrain is very frequently praised for its performance and noted reliability, with some owners calling it "super reliable" and "the best inline 6 in the world." The driving experience is consistently highlighted as a major strength, described as "performance oriented" with superior ride, handling, and road feel compared to key competitors. However, significant criticism is directed at the plug-in hybrid variant (50e), with one detailed owner report citing a "terrible" experience involving multiple, repeated drivetrain failures and extensive dealership visits.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single "best" version. Strong, recurrent praise is directed at models equipped with the B58 inline-six engine (e.g., xDrive40i), which is lauded for its reliability and performance.
Known issues
- ⚠. For long-term ownership (5-10 years), setting aside a significant fund for maintenance and repairs is considered mandatory. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist is critical, especially for older or high-mileage examples.
The verdict
The Audi Q8 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the BMW X5, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the BMW X5 is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi Q8 or the BMW X5?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi Q8 and the BMW X5. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi Q8 or the BMW X5?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Audi Q8 is classed as a SUV, the BMW X5 as a SAV, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi Q8 or the BMW X5?
The Audi Q8 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 1.2-1.6 L/100km combined versus 11.5-12.5 L/100km for the BMW X5, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi Q8 or the BMW X5?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi Q8 than the BMW X5. See the known issues comparison above.