Audi Q8 versus Q7 (VS engines, prices, design, and more!)

Last Updated on May 19, 2023 by Victor A

Audi is one of those automakers that are completely involved in the SUV segment, the Bavarian carmaker sells SUVs in every size and every powertrain, but today we are focusing on their two biggest and most luxurious SUVs, the Audi Q8 versus the Audi Q7.

The Q7 and the Q8 are similar, they share the same platform and the same technology, and some would say that the only difference between them is that the Q8 is just a coupe version of the Q7, but they are wrong, both models are very different.

Audi Q8 vs Audi Q7 Design

Starting with their design we realize how the Q7 looks more conventional since it rocks a more common SUV form, while the Q8 looks sportier thanks to its coupe form, but not only the shape of the car helps the Q8 to look more sporty, the design of the headlights is sleeker, while the Q7 follows a similar shape as the ones found in most Audi models.

In the rear of both cars we find a similar story, the Q8 looks sportier thanks to its connected tail lights, while the Q7 is more conventional. Here is where a lot of people’s opinions may contrast as there are plenty of people who dislike the coupe back used in many SUVs today like the Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne Coupe, BMW X6, etc.

And for the interior we get almost identical ones, this is a common trend among automakers where they’ll design the interior of most of the models very similar to one another, in this case, it’s really hard to find any differences, which is a good thing since Audi has managed to curate an interior that is both modern and sophisticated while keeping high degrees of quality.

The biggest difference between both SUVs, is the seating option. While the Audi Q7 can seat seven people, the Audi Q8 is limited to five seats.

The Q7 might look way bigger than the Q8 but it’s just an illusion created by its design since both cars have roughly the same height, while the width is almost an inch higher in the Q7, and the only difference it’s in the length, where the Q8 is a bit shorter.

Audi Q8 versus Q7 models and versions

The entry-level Audi Q7 45 Premium comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit that produces 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque (370 Nm), it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds and it’s limited to a top speed of 130 mph.

The better version of the standard Q7 is the 55 Premium which is fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 engine with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. Acceleration times from 0-60 mph are rated at 5.7 seconds and the top speed is still limited to 130 mph.

The Audi SQ7 boasts a 4.0-liter V8 engine with a maximum power output of 500 hp and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) of torque, it can speed up from 0-60 in just 4.3 seconds and it has a top speed of 155 mph.

The Audi Q8 comes with the same 3.0-liter V6 engine as the Q7 55 Premium, which gives an equal power output of 335 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque, however, acceleration times change, as the Q8 is slightly quicker with a 5.6 seconds 0-60 time and an equal top speed of 130 mph.

The Audi SQ8 gets the same engine as the SQ7, a 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 500 hp and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) of torque, acceleration, and top speed remain identical to the SQ7, 0-60 in 4,3 seconds and 155 mph top speed.

Then the range-topper Audi RSQ8, fitted with a 4.0-liter V8, produces a whopping 591 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque, the RS Q8 is the most powerful SUV in Audi’s line-up. It can accelerate from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds and it has a top speed of 155 mph.

The Audi Q7 45 Premium starts at $57,000 andt the Q7 55 Premium has a starting price of $62,500. While the Audi SQ7 will set you back at a starting price of $88,500.

For the Audi Q8, things get costlier, as it starts at $70,800, and the Audi SQ8 starts at an MSRP of $93,500. And for the range-topper Audi RSQ8 which starts at $119,900.

When it comes to towing capacity all of the versions are rated at the same 7,700 lb, except for the Audi Q7 45 Premium whose towing capacity is limited to a maximum of 4,400 lb.

Which one is better?

In our opinion, we are more inclined to the Audi Q8, since its design looks fresher and it will likely age better. Also, we appreciate the fact that the RSQ8 is available and we wish Audi would have made an RSQ7 to compete with the BMW X5M.

The Q7 is a great car, but the entry-level Q7 45 Premium is a bit underpowered, a 4-cylinder 248 hp engine for $57,000 is not enough when you can buy a 55 Premium with a V6 with 335 hp for $5,500 more.

If we also had to choose a version from the Q8 we would go for the SQ8, and the reasons are simple, the RSQ8 might be a bit overkill, you can get the SQ8 with the V8 with 500 hp which is more than enough to move the SUV swiftly, while you also get the same towing capacity as the range-topper.

Also, in terms of design, the SQ8 looks more interesting than the RSQ8 from the rear as it rocks quad-exhaust pipes which fits the car well, the SQ7 gets the same treatment in the rear and we think that it also looks great.

Also note that there is a big price gap between the SQ8 and RSQ8, a $26,400 difference. The RSQ8 is indeed an amazing car, but it might be too much for a daily driver.

The good news is that it doesn’t matter if you choose an SQ7 or an SQ8 as essentially they are similar in almost every aspect, it all depends on your design preferences. 

The same applies to the Q7 55 Premium and the standard Q8, they are so similar that choosing one won’t make you feel like you’re missing out on something, so whatever you choose, you will always make the right choice.