Which Premier Audi SUV Is Best For You?

Audi’s lineup of luxury SUVs is as impressive as it is diverse, offering something for every taste and need. Among the Audi flagship options are the Q7 and Q8, two premier models that cater to distinct lifestyles while sharing Audi’s hallmark blend of technology, luxury, and performance. For 2025, both SUVs have been updated to maintain prestige in a crowded field enjoying prominence at the forefront of their respective segments. But the real question is: how do they stack up against each other? CarBuzz is here to explore this Audi Q7 vs Q8 match-up to help you decide which Audi SUV is best for you, whether it’s the family-oriented versatility of the Q7 or the sportier, coupe-like stance of the Q8.

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Audi

Audi is a German automaker that produces a range of luxury vehicles that combine sporty driving dynamics with the latest technology. Its history goes back over 100 years and includes both production cars and a rich racing heritage.

Founded

1909

Founder

August Horch

Headquarters

Ingolstadt, Germany

Owned By

Volkswagen Group

Current CEO

Gernot Döllner

Production Status

Available

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• 

  2025 Audi Q7

  Base MSRP

  $60,500

  Base Trim Engine

  2.0L Inline 4 Turbo Gas

  Base Trim Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

  Base Trim Horsepower

  261 HP

• 

  2025 Audi Q8

  Base MSRP

  $74,400

  Base Trim Engine

  3L V6 Hybrid

  Base Trim Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

  Base Trim Horsepower

  335 HP @5700 RPM

Audi Q7 And Q8 Exterior Design And Size: Tame Vs. Unleashed

When choosing between the Audi Q7 and Q8, the SUVs share some similarities, components, capabilities, and performance features. The exterior design and size, on the other hand, are distinguishing factors that define these vehicles’ personalities. The Q7 offers a more traditional, family-oriented SUV appearance, while the Q8 embraces a sportier, coupe-inspired aesthetic. Both deliver signature Audi elegance, but each caters to different lifestyles and preferences.

Sitting lower to the ground and with a wider body, the Q8 is clearly the sportier of the two SUVs.

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Audi Q7: Aims For Practicality

The Audi Q7 maintains a classic SUV silhouette, offering a balanced design that blends sophistication with tamed practicality. For 2025, the Q7 boasts a more pronounced grille, slimmer LED headlights, and refined taillight graphics. The Q7 offers only one exclusive exterior finish in Tamarind Brown metallic (pictured above) that is not available on the Q8. Its dimensions—199.6 inches in length and 68.4 inches in height—make it one of the larger luxury SUVs, providing ample road presence.

The 19-inch wheels are standard with the base Premium trim package and 20-inch wheels are an available upgrade. If the Premium Plus or Prestige trim is selected, 20-inch wheels are standard and there is an option to upgrade to 21-inch alloys for an extra touch of flair.

Audi Q8: Gorgeous At A Glance

In contrast, the Audi Q8 takes a sportier approach with its coupe-like profile. The aggressive stance is unleashed and complemented by a wide single-frame grille, matrix-design LED headlights, and a sloping roofline that exudes athleticism. Slightly shorter than the Q7 at 196 inches in length, the Q8 offers a more compact and dynamic feel while still commanding attention on the road. Its standard 21-inch wheels can be upgraded to 22 inches for a striking appearance.

The Q8 can take the sport appearance to the next level with the Black optic package which adds the aforementioned 22-inch five-double-arm design wheels in a pleasurable graphite gray, diamond-turned finish. It also includes 285/40 R22 110H XL all-season tires, Dark chrome exhaust tips, exclusive Black exterior trim features, and a unique Anthracite Gray Audi rings badge.

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Audi Q7 Vs. Q8 Interior Design And Space: Only One Seats Seven

The interiors of the Audi Q7 and Q8 reflect Audi’s renowned craftsmanship, but they cater to different needs. The Q7 emphasizes practicality and versatility with its family-friendly three-row layout, while the Q8 focuses on luxury and a more driver-centric experience. Both models showcase premium materials and cutting-edge technology, ensuring a refined cabin environment tailored to various lifestyles.

Audi Q7: Provides Ample Capacity

The Q7’s interior prioritizes versatility and family-friendly functionality. With three rows of seating, it accommodates up to seven passengers. High-quality materials, a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen, an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen, and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit come standard. Cargo space is generous, offering 13.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 68.1 cubic feet with all seats folded.

Audi Q8: Premium Sophistication And Comfort

The Q8 is a five-seater that focuses on luxury and driver engagement. While it shares much of the technology found in the Q7, its cabin feels more intimate and driver-oriented. Premium features include Valcona leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. Cargo space is more limited, offering 30.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 60.7 cubic feet with the seats down.

Q7 Vs. Q8 Performance And Efficiency: Displacement Matters

When it comes to performance, both the Q7 and Q8 deliver Audi’s signature blend of power and refinement. The Q7 strikes a balance between everyday drivability and efficiency, while the Q8 takes a sportier approach, offering more dynamic handling and powerful engine options for those seeking an exhilarating driving experience. Both vehicles share the same eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, quattro all-wheel drive, and all-wheel steering is available. The Q8 is superior with a more high-performance engine package as standard, but the Q7 can be configured to match output. At this point, the maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds can be achieved on either vehicle, although you’ll need to upgrade to the Q7’s optional V6 for this.

Audi Q7: Just Enough

The Q7 offers two engine options for 2025: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with mild hybrid assistance, delivering 335 hp and 369 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive. The 2.0T achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway, while the 3.0T returns 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

Audi Q8: Bold With Pleasure

The Q8 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 mild-hybrid system that produces 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Like the Q7, it features an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q8 offers a slightly sportier driving experience compared to the Q7 while maintaining similar fuel efficiency at 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

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Audi Q7 Vs. Q8 Value And Pricing

Both the Q7 and Q8 offer premium features and refined craftsmanship, but they cater to slightly different buyer priorities. Whether you’re seeking practicality and versatility or bold style and exclusivity, the budget will play a significant role in determining the appropriate balance of value and price and best fit for your lifestyle. Since these Audi SUVs are riding in the automakers flagship category, you will not find any models under $60,000, but Audi does have options for that price range. For less money, you could wait for the all-new Audi Q5.

Audi Q7: The Price Is Right

Starting at $60,500 for the Premium trim, the Q7 is competitively priced for a luxury three-row SUV. Jump up to the Prestige trim, and the starting price approaches $77,900, offering excellent value for its size, features, and capability. The cheapest V6-powered model starts at $65,800.

Audi Q8: Enjoy The Envy

The Q8 starts higher at $74,400, reflecting its premium positioning and more powerful standard engine. Fully equipped, the Q8 can exceed $99,500. While it’s more expensive, the Q8 justifies its cost with enhanced performance, luxury, and exclusivity.

* Excludes options, destination, and any rebates

Summary: Which Audi SUV Is Right For You?

Both the Q7 and Q8 showcase Audi’s commitment to innovation, design, and performance. Your choice ultimately depends on your lifestyle and priorities.

Choose the Audi Q7 if you need a spacious, family-friendly SUV with three rows of seating, practical cargo capacity, and balanced performance. On the other hand, if you prioritize style, luxury, and dynamic driving, or if you’re drawn to its high-performance variants, we recommend going for the Q8.

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What is the difference between Audi Q7 and Q8?

The primary differences are size, seating capacity, and focus. The Q7 is a larger, three-row SUV designed for families, while the Q8 is a sportier, two-row SUV emphasizing luxury and performance.

Do Q7 and Q8 have the same platform?

Yes, both the Q7 and Q8 are built on Audi’s MLB Evo platform, but the Q8 is shorter and has a different suspension setup for sportier handling.

Is the Audi Q7 the biggest SUV?

Yes, the Q7 is the largest SUV in Audi’s lineup, offering more passenger and cargo space compared to the Q8 and other models.

Source: Audi