Q8 vs X6
Put the Q8 next to the X6 and you have Audi and BMW going after exactly the same midsize luxury suv crowd. Scoring each area separately, the X6 comes out on top 2 times out of 4. Its lead is sharpest in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance X6 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range X6 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.6
- Fuel Economy & Range5.9
- Off-road & Towing9.3
- Engine & Performance3.5
- Fuel Economy & Range9.0
- Off-road & Towing8.6
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The X6 has better fuel economy
Not a close call. The X6 lists 24 mpg and the Q8 lists 19 mpg. That’s a substantial gap. The X6 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The X6 has 40 hp more power
The Q8 comes close with 335 hp; the X6 does slightly better with 375 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The X6 has better city fuel economy
Among all the differences on this page, 23 mpg against 17 mpg is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the X6. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The X6 has 29 lb-ft more torque
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 398 lb-ft for the X6, 369 lb-ft for the Q8. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The X6 has better highway fuel economy
On paper, the X6 is a touch ahead here, listing 26 mpg against 23 mpg. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
X6 leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the X6. The X6 makes its case with 40 hp more power. The X6’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. The engine & performance verdict goes to the X6.
Total system output
Q8: 335 hp X6: 375 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Q8: 369 lb-ft X6: 398 lb-ft The X6’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
X6 leads
The X6 dominates the fuel economy & range section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The X6 gives you better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Net result: the X6 leads this part of the comparison.
Fuel economy (combined)
Q8: 19 mpg X6: 24 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
Q8: 17 mpg X6: 23 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the X6 starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On paper, the space & practicality comparison ends all square. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to off-road & towing. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the Q8 and the X6 each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q8 | X6 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6 | 3.0L turbo I6 |
| Total system output | 335 hp | 375 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 398 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | AWD (xDrive) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q8 | X6 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg | 24 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 17 mpg | 23 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 23 mpg | 26 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q8 | X6 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q8 | X6 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,700 lb | 7,200 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q8 | X6 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the X6 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (24 mpg vs 19 mpg combined)
- you want more power (375 hp vs 335 hp)
- you want better city fuel economy (23 mpg vs 17 mpg)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (398 lb-ft vs 369 lb-ft of torque)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Q8 or the X6?
On the specs compared here, the X6 makes more sense for most buyers; the Q8 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy Audi or BMW. I only care that you end up with the right one of the Q8 and the X6. The X6 wins me over with better fuel economy. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the X6 has 40 hp more power.
A quick self-test: do you care more about the things a spec sheet can’t capture or engine & performance? The first answer means the Q8, the second means the X6.
My pick: the X6.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.