GX550 vs Audi SQ8/RSQ8

[Neils]

Yes,

You read that correctly. Allow me to explain. I joined this forum as I had the same fascination for the new GX550 as many on here. However I have zero interest/attraction, and am not a fanboy of the previous gen GX, and in fact would say the same for the RX and LX as well. I do like Lexus products, we own a facelift '21 IS300, and I love the LC500 sports car. I am thru and thru a sports car guy and love modding cars to make them look unique. Truck wise, if money was no object and I did not care about parking space footprint, would probably own the new Escalade IQ or maybe a Hummer EV. What I would really want is a Lambo Urus, but it is a tad on the small side for cargo hauling (and damn expensive).

Which brings me to this compare. The GX550 looks cool, and I am on the list to get the top-of-the-line Luxury+ model because I want it to be a sexy mall / boulevard cruiser, rolling on some upgraded Vossen rims, meaning it would never see off-road dust let alone mud and rocks.

So why not consider, for the same money or less, a poor man's Urus, the SQ8/RSQ8. It will have way better performance, way better handling, better quality interior, better tech, better seats, maybe better sound system (not sure). The only thing it might lacking is cargo space due to the coupe design of the Q8 platform (30 vs 40 and 60 vs 76 ft3). In terms of fuel economy, same for both 15/21 (on paper), and for the same (poor) fuel economy, you get a very quick 4 second truck (vs 6.3s).

Everything I wrote above goes down the toilet if you are looking for a pure off-roader, which I assume is 90% of the people on here. But for those looking to own a cool looking truck with some flash and performance, I think this is where trucks like the Q8 platform can become a competitor.

Curious if there is at least 1 other person on this forum that has or still is considering the SQ8 or used RSQ8 and comparing to the GX550.

 

[RickBullotta]

TYes,

You read that correctly. Allow me to explain. I joined this forum as I had the same fascination for the new GX550 as many on here. However I have zero interest/attraction, and am not a fanboy of the previous gen GX, and in fact would say the same for the RX and LX as well. I do like Lexus products, we own a facelift '21 IS300, and I love the LC500 sports car. I am thru and thru a sports car guy and love modding cars to make them look unique. Truck wise, if money was no object and I did not care about parking space footprint, would probably own the new Escalade IQ or maybe a Hummer EV. What I would really want is a Lambo Urus, but it is a tad on the small side for cargo hauling (and damn expensive).

Which brings me to this compare. The GX550 looks cool, and I am on the list to get the top-of-the-line Luxury+ model because I want it to be a sexy mall / boulevard cruiser, rolling on some upgraded Vossen rims, meaning it would never see off-road dust let alone mud and rocks.

So why not consider, for the same money or less, a poor man's Urus, the SQ8/RSQ8. It will have way better performance, way better handling, better quality interior, better tech, better seats, maybe better sound system (not sure). The only thing it might lacking is cargo space due to the coupe design of the Q8 platform (30 vs 40 and 60 vs 76 ft3). In terms of fuel economy, same for both 15/21 (on paper), and for the same (poor) fuel economy, you get a very quick 4 second truck (vs 6.3s).

Everything I wrote above goes down the toilet if you are looking for a pure off-roader, which I assume is 90% of the people on here. But for those looking to own a cool looking truck with some flash and performance, I think this is where trucks like the Q8 platform can become a competitor.

Curious if there is at least 1 other person on this forum that has or still is considering the SQ8 or used RSQ8 and comparing to the GX550.

An RSQ8 is nearly twice the price fully spec'd out. Same can be said of the Cayenne, though I would suggest that the Cayenne is better equipped for off road scenarios than the Q8/RSQ8 due to ground clearance and range of the air suspension. But you're definitely in a even higher price point for the Cayenne.

 

[Zach993]

I have a 22 cayenne turbo coupe and a gx550. They are apples and oranges. In every way...
The Cayenne is more comfortable (better seats, better suspension, ie air). The tech works better.... Faster obviously and gets better mileage. Mine has PDCC, rear axle steering and rear lockers, so it has a similar multi-terrain select page. It's quite capable with the right tires, but it's more of a crossover or large car.

My 2009 Cayenne GTS is a built offroad rig and will walk away from the GX offroad even with antiquated tech.

 

[RickBullotta]

I have a cayenne turbo coupe and a gx550. They are apples and oranges. In every way

100%

 

[serbiansizzle]

We’ve leased 5 Audis in a row, they are my wife’s cars that she drives daily. The GX is a purchase and I’d never consider owning an Audi long term.

The driving dynamics will be way different. We’ve had a Q5, S5, S7, and now an etron GT and they all felt/feel more direct than a GX ever could due to the body on frame design.

I’ve driven BOF vehicles the last decade and I don’t mind the handling of them. If I were you I’d go to a Toyota dealer and drive a landcruiser just to see if there is any level of excitement for you. If not, the nicer interior and more power won’t win you over in the GX.

I love driving the GX and just cruising but you can feel the weight of it and height of it. If driving dynamics are top priority, I’d probably look at the Audi, especially if you’re after the looks and don’t need the capabilities of the GX. I have an overtrail + and won’t take it outside of the gravel roads but I do enjoy the look and commanding seating position. I also do need to tow a boat once a year so that is another perk.

 

[Will733]

I guess I’m too into looks… to me the GX is a 10/10 and the Audi is about a 3, so I wouldn’t even consider comparing them at all

 

[serbiansizzle]

I guess my point being as someone who had a Miata for a few years is that I absolutely loved the driving dynamics of the car, but I hated the exterior looks of it. If you don’t enjoy the driving of a vehicle, then you’re more likely to get rid of it quickly. If he hasn’t driven a body and frame vehicle and he’s not able to do so because of the exclusivity of the GX 550 currently then he may be in for surprise and regret his decision.

There are a ton of examples in Facebook groups of people who bought it because they thought it looked really cool but expected it’s a ride like a car and it just doesn’t. I just happen to be a big fan of how it drives and how it looks. But usually someone who is looking at an RSQ8 is probably not going to be blown away by how a GX drives comparatively speaking.

But I am with you, I like the GX looks better than pretty much all SUVs on the market currently.

 

[mlinkibikr]

I test drove the Audi SQ8 and absolutely loved it. For what I needed it was a 90% match, with price being the major hurdle. Towing capacity was likely strong enough for my needs, although the salesman gave me a “what the heck are ya thinking” look when I mentioned it. It’s an amazing car, fast, comfy and sexy. And it’s a unibody. So yes dirt road capable, as are any cars sold anywhere. But I couldn’t imaging taking it up some of the rocky, rutty goat trails that I enjoy during hunting season. I’d be so afraid of ripping off plastic underbody shrouds - it would cost me a fortune.

Lexus introduced a 2 row, turbo 6, body on frame proper SUV with amazing towing capacity, capabilities to get beyond dirt roads (eg the land I lease to hunt on) and the promise of Lexus reliability.

I think it comes down to differentiating body on frame vs unibody vehicles. I get ornery when magazines don’t recognize that in their “10 best” classifications and combine the two into one class.

 

[incognito.gx]

OP, you’re essentially comparing a car vs a truck

 

[Abarbs30]

I wanted an RSQ8 for a long time and then realized its $150k so that's not a comparison any one is having.. So then I thought about the SQ8 and realized I'd feel like a clown showing up at the river or an off road trail, and my dogs would trash the interior, I'd be worried about people getting in it with mud on their boots and quickly realized while its a pretty car its not a truck and its not for me. Love my GX

 

[Neils]

Was in Vegas just last weekend to do some C8 track training / racing, and while there I got to see every hot SUV you can imagine. A ton of Escalades, Navigators, G-Wagons, GLS63 AMG, a Q8, and 2 GX550, among others.

Came to the quick conclusion when I saw the Q8 again that it is in fact small compared to all others, so ruled it out, even though it sounds and probably drives close to a Urus.

I will save my comments about how I felt about the GX in that type of environment, looked cool but narrow and tall, then I saw them turn the corner at slowish speed and saw it leaning more than expected. It fit well with Vegas but I was questioning and comparing it to others.

What did impress me, is a compare I will post about separately, the redesigned facelifted ‘23++ RR Sport (reliability of course a concern vs Lexus built like a tank)

 

[DeepCaves]

I have a 22 cayenne turbo coupe and a gx550. They are apples and oranges. In every way...
The Cayenne is more comfortable (better seats, better suspension, ie air). The tech works better.... Faster obviously and gets better mileage. Mine has PDCC, rear axle steering and rear lockers, so it has a similar multi-terrain select page. It's quite capable with the right tires, but it's more of a crossover or large car.

My 2009 Cayenne GTS is a built offroad rig and will walk away from the GX offroad even with antiquated tech.

Would love to see some pics of that 2009 Cayenne GTS built for offroad!

 

[jcdeng]

If money is no object, I vote Audi. They are actually quite reliable as long as you keep up with the major maintenance stuff, and engine out service to get to all those oil leaks.

 

[richardg]

Went from a 2023 sq8 to the 2024 Lexus Gx 550 OT+. Needed a different vehicle for practical job and lifestyle reasons. The two are completely different rides. The sq8 was a beast dream build and drove like it. You felt the weight but loved acceleration, cockpit, and sound of the v8. That being said I like driving the gx550 just as much - but it’s a totally different vibe. I was constantly pushing the Audi, and as such I was always worried about Going too fast and tickets. Driving the Lexus I end up cruising in a quiet cabin with good tunes and going fast when I want to pass. Visibility and handling, acceleration, engine rumble are biggest difference. Also a wireless charging pad that doesn’t overheat my phone is a plus. Both were quiet but I would give the OT a higher score for insulation/road noise. I am buying the brand long term reliability on the Lexus too.

All in all totally different rides. -I won’t lie though,, I still find myself at times wishing I had my sq8 to rip around in, but I am very happy driving the Lexus as it fits my current lifestyle better.

Had to include a picture of the only car I ever spec.d out and ordered.

 

[YellowLab]

I was thinking about buying an M1 Abrams, a CAT D9, or the GX550 - what does everyone think; they are comparable right? Each clearly has advantages or limitations - maybe the GX mileage is not so bad after all?