Q8 vs Discovery
The Q8 and the Discovery land in the same midsize luxury suv category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. Look at the scorecard and the Discovery stands out, ahead in 2 of 4 areas. The fuel economy & range numbers explain a lot of that.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Q8 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Discovery wins
- Space & Practicality Discovery wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.6
- Fuel Economy & Range5.9
- Off-road & Towing9.3
- Engine & Performance1.3
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- Off-road & Towing10.0
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 Discovery has room for 7 seats
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Discovery makes its strongest case: 7 seats against 5 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
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The Q8 has 74 lb-ft more torque
The Q8 clearly leads on torque, and 369 lb-ft versus 295 lb-ft is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The Q8 has 39 hp more power
The difference is minor (335 hp against 296 hp), but if you’re splitting hairs, the Q8 wins it. The Q8’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Discovery has better fuel economy
The Q8 comes close with 19 mpg; the Discovery does slightly better with 21 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The Discovery has better city fuel economy
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 19 mpg for the Discovery, 17 mpg for the Q8. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Discovery has the better rating here.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Q8 leads
The Discovery is outclassed on engine & performance; the Q8 leads by a clear margin. The Q8 pulls ahead with 74 lb-ft more torque. The Q8’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the Q8 is the stronger car.
Torque
Q8: 369 lb-ft Discovery: 295 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Total system output
Q8: 335 hp Discovery: 296 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
Discovery leads
In the fuel economy & range category, the Discovery isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The Discovery answers with better fuel economy. The Discovery uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. On fuel economy & range alone, the Discovery gets the nod.
Fuel economy (combined)
Q8: 19 mpg Discovery: 21 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
Q8: 17 mpg Discovery: 19 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Discovery starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Discovery leads
This is one of the Discovery’s strongest areas. On space & practicality, the Q8 falls well short. Here the Discovery offers room for 7 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. So if space & practicality tops your list, lean toward the Discovery.
Seats
Q8: 5 seats Discovery: 7 seats The Discovery has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on off-road & towing; the numbers are close throughout. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the Q8 and the Discovery row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q8 | Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 335 hp (winner) | 296 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft (winner) | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | AWD (4WD) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q8 | Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg | 21 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 17 mpg | 19 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 23 mpg | 24 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q8 | Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q8 | Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,700 lb | 8,201 lb Best towing in class |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q8 | Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Q8 if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (369 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (335 hp vs 296 hp)
- you prefer staying with Audi
Choose the Discovery if…
- you need more seats (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you want better combined fuel economy (21 mpg vs 19 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (19 mpg vs 17 mpg in the city)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Q8 or the Discovery?
For most people, the Discovery is the stronger choice, unless what you want most is 74 lb-ft more torque.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Audi’s Q8 against Land Rover’s Discovery. The Discovery earns my vote first and foremost with room for 7 seats. On top of that, the Discovery adds better fuel economy. The Q8 has a trump card of its own in 74 lb-ft more torque.
For engine & performance, the Q8 fits better. For fuel economy & range, the Discovery is the better match.
My pick: the Discovery, unless you’d trade the rest for 74 lb-ft more torque.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.