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?

 

[Polo08816]

I was considering a GX550 Premium+ (as well as a 4Runner Limited) for my mom.

At the end of the day, it seems like we'll be going back to our BMW roots.

GX550 Premium+ is a great vehicle, especially if you need the body on frame capability for off-roading, but at the end of the day, the X5 xDrive40i seems like a better vehicle for her. Her previous car would be a 2014 Subaru Forester. The G05 chassis, LCI updates, and B58 engine platforms are largely proofed out at this point.

Price: BMW brokers are advertising 9-10% off MSRP and there are the following rebates/incentives ($4000 military, $1000 loyalty, $1000 BMW CCA member) so you're looking at about $12,000-$13,000 off on a BMW X5 xDrive40i that stickers for $73,000 the way it is configured. This puts it around or slightly under the MSRP of how 4Runner Limiteds are usually configured on dealer lots.

Availability/Inventory: BMW dealers are generally not claiming that inventory is limited for the more basic X5s. If they were limited, brokers probably wouldn't be advertising 9-10% off MSRP.

Maybe we'll revisit Toyota/Lexus in 3-5 years when they improve their production capacity and offer custom ordering for their vehicles. I'm generally opposed to paying more than $50,000 for a vehicle that is not optioned exactly the way we want it.

That's partly the reason why we have a 2025 F150 Lariat Crew Cab 6.5 foot bed on order with Granger Ford versus trying to find a dealer with 2025 Tundra 1794 6.5 foot bed with tow mirrors.

 

[Neils]

@richardg I think you summed up my situation perfectly (with your SQ8 ownership). When the GX came out, I brought my family to the car show, and was excited to show it to them, we sat in the GX and TX for a while (our family truck is an Atlas dropped on coilovers and 22" Asanti rims). While I did nothing with a previous Audi Q7, my Infiniti FX45 before that was also dropped on 22's. You can see a common theme here (not lifting trucks, dropping them).

I was preparing myself mentally to be in a higher truck (GX) and body-on-frame experience. Was going to be a Lux+ (to then swap the rims to some Vossen's). Finally, I own a Corvette C8 heavily modified for the weekends.

So back to this compare, Richard said "whipping around", and I think that summed it up. I think I would miss that feel in a GX, and that knowing I will do ZERO off-roading with it (boulevard / mall cruiser, daily to work). Am used to taking corners in a truck and not having it lean, my long Atlas corners like it runs on rails.

All that to say, while my GX deposit sits at a Lexus dealer, and I was counting the months, I am about to go and check out a slightly used SQ8 as well as the face-lifted Range Rover Sport (yes I know reliability issues). While I love the plush/lux/sport look of the RR-Sport, I think my ownership experience of vehicles and constant desire to modify them has me seriously considering the SQ8 as a contender here. First thing I would do is swap the SQ8 for an RSQ8 front grill.

I checked the mpg, SQ8 (500hp V8) vs GX550, exactly the same, but for the dollars spent on fuel, I get more out of the Audi engine, and with a slight mod, a nice V8 rumble (recall it is a detuned Urus engine).

@richardg it is interesting that you went the opposite direction here, but I guess if someone like myself craves handling, "ripping around town", and having a nice V8 for when I am not in my C8, it might just fit the bill. I heard the SQ8 exhaust note is too tame for the engine output (I might have to fix that).

When I was recently in Vegas (track days with C8's), I saw the Q8 and (surprisingly) thought it was meh, saw the face-lifted RR-Sport and thought it was wow !! Saw 2 GX's on the strip, thought they were ok, cool but not more than that. I did notice it lean a bit when they took the corner (at low speed too). I think the GX hype may have also worn off for me quicker than I thought.

I know, next reply is, well if you like the Audi SQ8 or RR-Sport (or anything else other than the GX), what are you doing on these boards. I still like what Lexus has done with the GX, and am curious to see what people are doing with them, including mods. Who knows, a mod might inspire me to do the same one day. We also own a face-lifted IS which looks great and reliability is solid. Tons of respect for the brand.

 

[Arewethereyet]

The OP and I share similar tastes in cars. I could not make up my mind and decided to buy both cars lol.

I own an Audi 2023 RSQ8 and a Lexus 2025 GX 550 OT+. The RSQ8 is my daily driver while the GX is my wife's daily driver. Around town and running errands, we both prefer the GX. However, roadtrips we prefer the RSQ8 which is much quieter, smoother, and more comfortable on longer trips. We live in Colorado where snow performance and mountain driving capabilities are key. The RSQ8 does not leave the pavement. For ski trips with three or fewer folks, we take the RSQ8. If there are four of us heading up to the ski hill, then it is the GX.

The GX is a spunky ride, but no comparison to the RSQ8. Other than Tesla Plaids, I enjoy rolling most other Teslas off the line with the RSQ8 and its kind of a sleeper car unless you are a car person.

Your pocket book and the lower insurance premiums you may prefer the GX. And here in Colorado, the annual registration fee is pretty steep for the RSQ8 due to value compared to the GX.

Aesthetically, I do love the boxy look of the GX a bit more than the RSQ8.

You wont be disappointed with either car.

 

[YellowLab]

I was considering a GX550 Premium+ (as well as a 4Runner Limited) for my mom.

At the end of the day, it seems like we'll be going back to our BMW roots.

GX550 Premium+ is a great vehicle, especially if you need the body on frame capability for off-roading, but at the end of the day, the X5 xDrive40i seems like a better vehicle for her. Her previous car would be a 2014 Subaru Forester. The G05 chassis, LCI updates, and B58 engine platforms are largely proofed out at this point.

Price: BMW brokers are advertising 9-10% off MSRP and there are the following rebates/incentives ($4000 military, $1000 loyalty, $1000 BMW CCA member) so you're looking at about $12,000-$13,000 off on a BMW X5 xDrive40i that stickers for $73,000 the way it is configured. This puts it around or slightly under the MSRP of how 4Runner Limiteds are usually configured on dealer lots.

Availability/Inventory: BMW dealers are generally not claiming that inventory is limited for the more basic X5s. If they were limited, brokers probably wouldn't be advertising 9-10% off MSRP.

Maybe we'll revisit Toyota/Lexus in 3-5 years when they improve their production capacity and offer custom ordering for their vehicles. I'm generally opposed to paying more than $50,000 for a vehicle that is not optioned exactly the way we want it.

That's partly the reason why we have a 2025 F150 Lariat Crew Cab 6.5 foot bed on order with Granger Ford versus trying to find a dealer with 2025 Tundra 1794 6.5 foot bed with tow mirrors.

Of all the German cars we've had - the x5 is an outstanding vehicle. I do think the interior in the x5 is better in quality of materials than the GX.

 

[jclaffee]

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.

So why do you have the GX?