Audi just extended its SUV lineup to include the Q8, essentially a sportier proposition to the utilitarian, wagon-like Q7. The segment also includes the boxier Range Rover Sport. With a new player on the market, it’s natural to ask yourselves which one is better. We’re here to answer this question by comparing the Audi Q8 against the Range Rover.
For starters, the Q8 is a much newer vehicle and thus it sports a fresher design. Second, even if we ignore the age of each vehicle, they’re pretty different. The Range Rover Sport is a significant departure from the coupe-style SUV concept. But at the end of the day, it’s a matter of taste, so looking at the two side by side isn’t a bad idea.
As noted above, the Q8 is the newest of the two, having been unveiled in June 2018. The Range Rover Sport is older, with its production cycle going back to 2013.
The former has a unique design in Audi’s SUV lineup, which is both surprising and pleasant. The big front grille with the thick frame and the slim headlamps make it unusually aggressive for an SUV. It is arguably the sexiest, more aggressive SUV.
The Range Rover Sport is the SUV that has the most upscale looking interior. It might be the British design or the two-tone color combinations, but it’s definitely a nice and luxurious place to spend time. The center dash is occupied by a large, 10.2-inch infotainment display and comes standard with leather upholstery, navigation, and cruise control.
Moving over to rear seat comfort, Audi brags that the Q8 offers segment-leading legroom and headroom along with the Land Rover. While this may be true when it comes to numbers, the truth is that both the SUVs offer good legroom for rear seat passengers. Granted, none is as comfortable as a full-size SUV, but there’s just enough space to stretch your legs a bit and travel in comfort for hours.
The Q8 will borrow its engines from the Q7, so it should come to the U.S. with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter V-6. The turbocharged four-banger will crank out 252 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque, while the supercharged V-6 will generate 333 horse power and 325 pound-feet.
The Range Rover Sport is also offered with a selection of engines, and unlike the Q8, it can be available in a diesel variant too. The U.S. range begins with a 3.0-liter V-6 oil bu
er that develops 254 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque.
The Land Rover Sport starts from a higher price point; the petrol version starts from ₹ 57 lakhs, while the 3.0litre diesel variant comes in at a whopping ₹ 1.16 Crore. Pricing information for the Audi Q8 is that it will cost more than ₹ 1.0 in base trim. Overall, both the SUVs are well balanced and offer premium quality in their segment, however the availability and the different variants of the Land Rover gives it a slight edge above the Q8.
