The Audi Q7 and Audi Q8 are both popular luxury SUVs that represent Audi’s commitment to performance, technology, and luxury. However, each model is designed for a different type of driver.
The most significant difference between the Q7 and Q8 is the seating configuration. The Q7 is a three-row SUV, perfect for families who need space and practicality. On the other hand, the Q8 is a two-row SUV that emphasizes a sleeker design and a more engaging driving experience.
Deciding between the Q7 and the Q8 can be tough. This article provides a comprehensive comparison to help you choose the Audi SUV that’s right for you.
Exterior Design and Dimensions: Traditional vs. Sporty
The Audi Q7 and Q8 offer different takes on the luxury SUV. The Q7 leans toward the practical, while the Q8 aims for a sportier look.
Audi Q7: The Practical Choice
The Q7 boasts a classic SUV profile, prioritizing interior space and overall functionality. It’s the biggest SUV that Audi sells.
Here are the key dimensions of the Q7:
- Length: 199.6 inches
- Width (without mirrors): 77.5 inches
- Height: 68.4 inches
Audi Q8: The Stylish Alternative
The Q8 goes for a sportier, coupe-like design. Its sloping roofline and wider stance give it a more athletic and aggressive appearance.
And here are the key dimensions of the Q8:
- Length: 196 inches
- Width (without mirrors): 79 inches
- Height: 67 inches
The Q8 is 3.5 inches shorter, 1.5 inches wider, and 1.5 inches lower than the Q7, giving it a distinctly different presence on the road.
Interior Space and Comfort: Seating and Cargo Capacity
One of the most noticeable differences between the Q7 and Q8 is the interior space and seating configuration. Let’s take a look.
Audi Q7: Family-Focused Interior
The Q7 is designed with families in mind. It has three rows of seating and room for seven passengers. Keep in mind that the third row is best for smaller kids or even just for storage.
You’ll find plenty of room for cargo in the Q7. Here’s a breakdown:
- Maximum cargo space (behind the first row): 68.1 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind the second row: 35.7 cubic feet
The Q7 offers a generous amount of passenger space, making it a comfortable choice for long road trips with the family.
Audi Q8: Luxurious and Driver-Centric
The Q8, on the other hand, has two rows of seats and can accommodate five passengers. The Q8’s cabin has a more luxurious and intimate feel, so it’s usually the choice for people who want a premium driving experience.
The cargo space in the Q8 is:
- Maximum cargo space (behind the first row): 60.7 cubic feet
- Cargo space behind the second row: 30.5 cubic feet
Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency: Power and Economy
Let’s take a look under the hood to compare the engine performance and fuel efficiency of the Q7 and Q8.
Audi Q7: Engine Options and Performance
The Q7 offers a couple of engine choices:
- A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, which delivers 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.
- A 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with mild hybrid technology, producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
The Q7 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds with the 2.0L engine and 5.5 seconds with the 3.0L engine.
As for fuel efficiency, the 2.0T engine gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The 3.0T gets 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The EPA estimates that the 2.0T will average 22 mpg combined.
Audi Q8: Engine and Performance
The Q8 is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 mild-hybrid engine that puts out 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
The Q8 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds.
The Q8’s fuel efficiency is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, for a combined EPA estimate of 19 mpg.
SQ7 and SQ8 Engine and Performance
If you want more power, the SQ7 and SQ8 both feature a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine that generates 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque.
The SQ7 can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds, while the SQ8 does it in 4.0 seconds.
Technology and Features: Shared Innovation
Audi doesn’t skimp on tech, and the Q7 and Q8 share a lot of the same cutting-edge features. You’ll find the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus standard in both, giving you a customizable digital display right in front of you. Both also boast dual 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreens, along with a huge 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Connectivity is key, so Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. If you’re an audiophile, you can upgrade to a premium audio system in either model.
When it comes to safety, both the Q7 and Q8 offer a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems to help keep you safe on the road.
For an even smoother ride, you can opt for adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering in both vehicles. These features enhance handling and comfort, making for a more enjoyable driving experience.
Pricing and Trim Levels: Value Considerations
Let’s talk money. One of these SUVs is going to be easier on your wallet than the other.
Audi Q7: Pricing and Trims
The 2025 Audi Q7 starts at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $60,500. But that’s just a suggestion, right? In reality, you’ll probably pay around $61,795 for the base model. If you want the Q7 55, the price jumps up to $79,195. You’ll find the Q7 available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels.
Audi Q8: Pricing and Trims
The 2025 Audi Q8 has a base MSRP of $74,400, but you’re more likely to pay $76,990. The sporty SQ8 starts at $98,895. Like the Q7, the Q8 comes in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. But load up a Q8 with all the bells and whistles, and you could easily be looking at a price tag north of $99,500.
For comparison, the SQ7 starts at $92,095.
As you can see, the Q7 generally comes in at a lower price point than the Q8, making it a potentially more appealing option if budget is a primary concern.
Practicality and Towing Capacity: Which SUV is More Useful?
The Q7 is generally considered better for families, thanks to its larger cargo capacity and available third row of seats. If you need to haul things regularly, it’s important to know that both the Q7 and Q8 can tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped. However, the Q7 only reaches that capacity with the optional V6 engine.
While both vehicles have similar towing capabilities, the Q7 offers considerably more trunk space: 770 liters with the third row down and a whopping 1950 liters with all seats down. The Q8, by contrast, only offers 650 liters of boot space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Audi SUV is the biggest?
The Audi Q7 is the largest SUV currently offered by Audi in terms of overall length and passenger capacity. While the Q8 boasts a wider stance and a bolder design, the Q7 provides more interior space and an optional third row, making it the roomier choice.
Is a Q7 bigger than a Q8?
Yes, the Audi Q7 is bigger than the Q8 in terms of overall length and height. The Q7 also offers more cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded down. The Q8 prioritizes a sleeker, coupe-like profile, sacrificing some interior volume for a sportier look.
What is the BMW equivalent of the Q7?
The BMW X5 is often considered the most direct competitor to the Audi Q7. Both are mid-size luxury SUVs that offer a blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. The BMW X7 is a larger SUV with a third row of seats, but the X5 is closer to the Q7 in size and features.
What happened to the Audi Q8?
Nothing happened to the Audi Q8! It’s still in production and remains a popular choice for those seeking a stylish and sporty luxury SUV. It’s simply positioned as a more premium, design-focused alternative to the Q7, rather than a replacement. In fact, there’s an e-tron version of the Q8, too.
Key Takeaways
The Audi Q7 and Q8 are both luxury SUVs, but they cater to different priorities. The Q7 offers three rows of seating, making it a more practical choice for larger families. It also boasts a larger cargo area and a more traditional SUV design, all at a lower starting price.
The Q8, on the other hand, prioritizes style and luxury. It features a sportier, coupe-like design and a more upscale interior, with a higher starting price to match. It has two rows of seats.
Choosing between the Q7 and Q8 really comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you need maximum space and practicality, the Q7 is the way to go. If you prioritize style, luxury, and a more engaging driving experience, the Q8 is the better choice.
Reading about the differences is one thing, but experiencing them firsthand is another. I highly recommend scheduling a test drive of both models to see which one truly resonates with you.
Visit your local Audi dealer today to explore the Q7 and Q8 and discover which one is the perfect fit for your lifestyle. You won’t regret it!