---
title: 'BMW X6M Comp vs Audi RSQ8 Performance // Drag Race + Review'
source: 'https://youtube.com/watch?v=Uuso27REK84'
video_id: 'Uuso27REK84'
date: 2026-07-26
duration_sec: 1197
---

# BMW X6M Comp vs Audi RSQ8 Performance // Drag Race + Review

> Source: [BMW X6M Comp vs Audi RSQ8 Performance // Drag Race + Review](https://youtube.com/watch?v=Uuso27REK84)

## Summary

Thomas and James pit the updated Audi RSQ8 Performance against the BMW X6M Competition in a drag race and comprehensive review. They explore performance upgrades, driving dynamics, and practicality, concluding that while the BMW is slightly quicker, the Audi offers better everyday livability.

### Key Points

- **Drag Race Result** [01:51] — The drag race ends in a near tie, with the BMW X6M Competition winning by approximately 1 centimeter. The hosts question BMW's claimed figures.
- **Audi RSQ8 Performance Upgrades** [02:17] — The RSQ8 Performance gains 40 horsepower (to 631 hp) and 37 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful combustion Audi ever. It also gets a retuned adaptive air suspension and optimized self-locking mechanical diff.
- **Transmission Tuning** [04:26] — The 8-speed transmission has been tuned for speedier shifts, and the optional dynamics package includes a sport differential and electromechanical anti-roll stabilization.
- **BMW X6M Competition Upgrades** [07:57] — The X6M Competition features a sharper engine, improved body rigidity, and revised suspension for more poise. The regular M version is no longer available; only Competition trim remains.
- **End of an Era** [11:09] — Both the RSQ8 and X6M are at the end of their product cycles, representing the last of their kind before electrification.
- **BMW Engine and Mild Hybrid** [11:23] — The X6M uses the S68 4.4L twin-turbo V8 with a 48-volt mild hybrid system to smooth start-stop and fill power gaps.
- **Ride Quality Differences** [12:48] — The Audi's ride is more composed in comfort mode, while the BMW's suspension is noticeably harsher, even in its softest setting.
- **Brake and Wheel Upgrades** [15:18] — The RSQ8 has massive brake calipers and optional 23-inch performance wheels that reduce unsprung weight, but tire sidewall is minimal.
- **Which One to Buy?** [16:53] — Both hosts agree they would choose neither. Thomas prefers the RS6 wagon, and James suggests the regular A6 wagon as a more practical and enjoyable option.
- **Final Verdict** [18:44] — The X6M Competition is more aggressive and single-minded, while the RSQ8 offers better livability. In the drag race, the BMW wins by a few centimeters, but the Audi wins in everyday usability.

## Transcript

Thomas. And I'm James. And as we all know, Super SUVs are really, really stupid. Um, so naturally, when BMW and Audi refreshed their really stupid Super SUVs, they made them really stupider. So, we're
made them really stupider. So, we're going to race them. [Applause] [Music]
pair these days, but when it comes to cars, that can actually be quite fun. And this time the Audi boasts the bigger numbers on paper, which as we know BMW nothing more. But that does at least mean that the Audi for once should have
mean that the Audi for once should have the win here. Should
come out. Here we go. Launch control. Oh, that's a really even start. Come on, Audi.
This is your moment. You're losing every other class. Oh my god. Oh, that's even Stevens. Come on. Oh, that's even Stevens. Come on. [Music]
mean who won? I figured I'd bring it into question, you know. No, I fair and though. Holy crap. Unbelievable. They're liars. Still big liars. Yeah. Yeah. No,
that this this they're lying in about the number again as usual. Can we do best of three? No. Okay. Why don't you hop in here and I'll show you why the uh the RSQ8 is actually still better. It's not slower. That
That's the difference. Slower. That was the difference. That's okay. Yeah. This new RSQ8 is at least quicker than the one it replaces. Yes, they've done the more surface level changes like some design tweaks and giving it new DRLs
that allow you an onthe-go selection of five different options, which is, you know, gimmicky and fun. But the performance name gains it a 40 horsepower and 37 pound- feet of torque jump, making it the most powerful
combustion model in Audi history. It gets new wheels. They've reuned the adaptive air suspension. It has an optimized self-locking mechanical diff. optimized self-locking mechanical diff. And there's three new colors. And this
And there's three new colors. And this gray isn't one of them. All right, let's see what a car that's a little bit slower than the X6M feels little bit slower than the X6M feels like.
Feels exactly the same. I think this should be regarded with the level of respect of an Audi that just went toe-to-toe with an M competition and somewhat live to tell the tale. No, it's an RSQ8.
an M competition. You didn't even add performance there, which would have I'm glad you mentioned that you didn't mention performance. So, this is the second performance we've driven recently. The first one was the RS6
performance, right? Which didn't gain nearly as much horsepower as this. All right. 631 horsepower is nothing to sniff at. That's This is the most powerful Ice Audi you've ever been at the helm of.
I can't tell that it's any quicker at all. Right. And we couldn't tell in the RS6 performance either. No. No. It feels But roughly like a new because they're not massive liars like BMW. I just
record. Yeah. Yeah. It's just it's believable. They don't know how to lie. They make slower cars usually and they go slower. And that's what they said they would do. They do. They set out and achieved. All right. So, this is the
right? Yeah. This 8-speed transmission has been tuned for even speedier shifts. has been tuned for even speedier shifts. [Music]
continue. This has the optional dynamics package which not only gives it uh the sport differential on the rear, it also gives it the electromechanical st anti-roll stabilization stuff. So, it has a motors on the axles which is
supposed to stop side to side jostle. And we have had a little go on a uh much more cornery location than this. Yeah. Uh with this vehicle. And yes, it's very flat in the corners. No, it won't do a big skid. There you go. This I want you
to think of this car as stability. It's an Audi, but it's wicked fast, right? It's This is a new exhaust as well. It has reduced back pressure and it's
So that's how they've got to those horsepower numbers. Okay. So it should horsepower numbers. Okay. So it should sound better and just be better, right? And it feels exactly the same. Um, so from the perspective of just a vehicle
every day, which is what this car is very good at, it achieves that. It achieves it before and it continues to achieve it. That's a horrible piece of road we just This is a horrible piece of road we're on. And you know, it's a bit
like echoy. Yeah. And the ride is tort. This doesn't if in comfort mode, this doesn't just turn into a Q8. But the Audi has always been the best, you know, of the BMW and Mercedes and Audi trio at kind of just continuing to be an Audi.
Just a normal car that you can I have fond memories of you drawing Stewie in the back of one of these. That's right. And it was the most accurate version of tested that day. I believe it was a picture of you actually that I was
drawing. Open to interpretation. Um, and I don't you can keep in mind, you can only get the performance now, the ride and the performance is not compromised versus the older RSQ8. Yes,
I think that the RSQ8 the same way the X5 M50i captures the best at BMW. I think the RSQ8, all the best Audi things converge here. And even though it's a level above at a 50i, the Audi's never get that insane as we as we just saw.
They really really don't. They they are Yeah, they make sure that they're not too unhinged. And and I've just got out of the new S5. Yes. And that thing, lot. This is still just just past golden age. I would say
this is all golden age steering wheel stuff and the dash, the double screen, fingerprints everywhere. This is a step in the wrong direction and then they fully went the wrong direction. Ran into it with the S5. But this is has the
$5,700 Bang Olivesson sound system. Y it is incredible. The seats are wonderfully comfortable. It has $2,500 stitched and red accents everywhere. Y
the car matte carbon fiber package is a fortune mean the stability I just get on with it. Yes, it's a very easy car. Yeah. An
Urus Yeah, exactly. Urus you get in and Yeah. It's more theater and sometimes it beeps at me and that's how I know it's talking to me. Uh-huh. talking to me. Uh-huh. Fine. Let's go try your thing. Okay.
system, sharpened the engine, improved body rigidity and suspension for more poise at speeds, they say. They've given it better brakes, mild hybrid tweaks that we'll talk about in a minute. and new exterior colors for
which this isn't one of them either. And like the Audi, the regular M version is no longer available. It's competition or nothing.
Yeah, that is 1 cm faster in a quart. That's right. that you pay a lot for boom. Um, immediately though I realize that this is a smaller vehicle inside like this passenger area and like I'm closer
to you which is the last thing I want. So like if you're if you're looking for a bigger uh SUV that you don't need like right away Audi's got a beat on big I think we would both take the five as well anyway over the six. Even if this
has the X5. Yeah. Even if this has a lower center of gravity and better arrow for a drag race, which by the way, maybe the five I know the RSQ8 sort of a coupe, maybe the five would have lost or it would have matched. Yeah. Extra.
Okay. Yeah. Yeah. No, I I think that the the We've been over this before. Add nauseium. I don't think that you should ever get the coupe versions of these vehicles. But it's a style choice, isn't it? Yeah.
But it's a style choice, isn't it? Yeah. with I think that's the issue I have. um So, instantly this is a fail. This isn't a new issue that I have. But you
to do. I look at the climate control and panic. And also changing the M mode is setup. Setup takes me to the main menu and then M mode is different. That's like for traction. I've compl No, I'm not
complaining anymore. It's not the stability. I need happiness in my life. Instead of happiness, you just get power. power. That should be BMW's new slogan.
You see, it's got that BMW thing where it's a bit more got something to prove. Yeah, it is. It's an angrier vehicle. It's trying to hide its lies. So, what's different? This got a
Significant update. Uh yeah, I have some new interior screens and visuals on the outside. Honestly, who cares? Like they broadly the same, right? Some newer tech, right? But but not the newest. This is the old steering wheel now. It's
the old Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. I noticed we've got the carbon fiber paddles now. Yeah. They're quite pretty. They look aftermarket. No, but they're real though. They look aftermarket. Yeah, but Audi don't do anything with their shift
paddles. They're super boring. That's true. Fair enough. Um, yeah, there new tech in the in the eye stuff. Yeah. And then there's like the newest generation of regular BMW interiors which look way different to this. But
this and the RSQ8 or the end of their cycles. These are the the big shebangs that they're going out. And this is this is rocking the S68. This is the S68 4.4 L twin turbo V8, but it has the addition of a mild hybrid over the 48 volt the
start stop helper thing. That thingy. Yes. So basically all that does is fill in some gaps here and there and makes the start stop smoother. Honestly, bit, but I don't actually remember because since we've gone away from uh
DCTs and BMWs and gone to the ZF8 speed. Yeah, I I haven't had any issues with smoothness and stuff pulling away in any Almost too smooth. Almost too. It's not this are less fun than the shifts in the Audi. Oh, but it does pops. Yes, it
does. Do deep. Also, when you're flat out, the like the cannon fire baritone hump on the upshift is it reminds me of the M8 competition. Remember that? I
see. Which is also that's it. It's It's in its last year, the M8. Is it? This is the end of an era. Yeah, this is the end of an era. But like Yeah. Flat out.
Hear that one? That actually rattled this piece of trim beside my arm. Um, yeah. Yeah. On the on that that second shift, it really gives you a wump of bass. Well, this is sort of like the X the the new M5, which we road
tripped. Yeah. Is the is the wagon version of what this is until we get a new one of these. You have a choice. Yes. It's the X5M and X6M or you go for struggling with, you please take it out of the the stiff suspension setting cuz
stay. Yeah. It's not as smooth as the Audi. Yeah. The ride is harsh road. No. This is where this car Some cars have a dealbreaker and the
ride of this is is it like we we've been debating, you know, do you just get the wagon versions which is basically an RS6 performance and an M5? Or why why get the raised SUVs? The only thing I can think of is in places like LA where
they've got the big curves. Yeah. Yeah. You want a little bit more ground clearance. I get that. Also, like some people really put a lot of like some people really put a lot of value on getting in and out easily. I'm
not saying that's a bad thing. I'm No, I'm not making fun of them. Genuinely is you. It's me a little bit. How's your back? Well, I have I have a Land Cruiser now, so they're it's really easy to get in and out of. I was like like the fifth
and like hopped in and out on like an air, I was like, "Damn it, it's really not having to like like take my foot, put it behind my head and get into my M2. Do you know what I mean? Right. Like, so yeah, you're not a young man
think there's there's quite a lot of that as well people. But I agree in that as well people. But I agree in terms of every other aspect of it. You really don't need the SUV. only thing it's doing is compromising dynamics
so that BMW then and Audi has to stiffen the suspension or come up with some technology to prevent roll in the corners and all that does is add more So, it's a lose-lose cycle really. Here's the thing though, in this moment
in time, yeah, this represents a previous era of BMW design language. So, if you don't like the look of that new M5, this is all you got. You know, this isn't uh just cuz it's the coupe thing,
I don't think it's a good-look vehicle, but compared to a lot of the weird stuff BMW's been doing lately, I don't think it's that bad looking on the front end. Right. Let's put it next to the RSQ8. Okay.
Okay. That was really measured for you. Is it? Yeah. I was pretty proud of that. about it because I never ever get the coupe version. I'm sorry. Just always get the Well, it also just gets in the way of rear seat space. Yeah, you lose
don't need the extra top speed in a drag race unless you happen to be regularly racing Audi RSQ8. Style styles for style points. I just Sorry, I forgot how absurd these brake calipers are. Well, these road there's a lazy susan of a
these road there's a lazy susan of a brake rotor behind these wheels. 23 in. These are the special performance wheels that we didn't have on that RS6 press car and they save a significant amount of unsprung weight. They look like
there's nothing to them. I think they're really beautiful and I would stick that work with any Audi. Yeah. Well, unless assuming you can get a smaller size cuz if you put that on any Audi, it would look absolutely absurd. You got these
enough tire. There's not enough tire on either of them. There's not enough tire. No. Yeah. Like that would go a long way to helping the horrible ride that this has. Yeah. So your the facelift stuff is is minimal on this, isn't it? It's just
little spoiler there. There's a little spoiler on the back. He asked me to what has happened is he knew that I didn't learn the new stuff and he learned it anyway. So now you have been the knowledge has been imparted to you.
one way to last 8 years because it doesn't look any different. Who cares? The the black paint is hiding it a bit. But yeah, it's not that different. This hasn't changed much. We got the carbon fiber stuff going on. Uh we got the new
Audi emblem now. So, we've lost the the silver rings. It's gone to this. Oh, yeah. I don't like that. This 2D thing. Yeah, that's that's not nearly as nice. But yeah, otherwise still looks very much like an RSQ8 and not an Urus. Uh
which one of these would you get? My knee-jerk reaction is super SUVs. really really gotten with this. Like I really I like getting in I like the all the paraphernalia about it. Yeah. And all of those things you can get in a
Q8. All the things that you like. This one says RS performance on the ground at would you get? Neither of them, obviously. Damn it. Because they're so pointless. But would you get the RS6? Would you get
an RS6 wagon? Yes, I would get an R six. You don't have to have a breakdown over these vehicles. Sorry, but it's the RS6 point. You could just get an A6. Fair enough. Can you get an A6 wagon though? Yeah. Yeah. Well, damn. Maybe
not of the new Yeah. Sign me up. Well, no. The six is now an EV. Yeah. In the Europe, but no, we could get an A6 wagon. I should do journalism better cuz I didn't know that. So, neither of these.
Not even an RS6. A6 wagon. Your answer is an A6 wagon. Yes, I would take an answer of both of these. No question. What about like for the car that does everything and has power and excitement? Yeah, it could
have been the M5, but it isn't, is it? So, it's an A6. Well, because it's not the RS6. So, what what out there exists as the one car does all this? What these are attempting to do for you, which is the car? Cuz this is damn close for me.
So is this just a general question like what like of all the cars that are ex exist exactly the mission that these are trying to accomplish which is all-wheel drive comfortable luxury speed but fun and fast and ac and you know give me the
tickle that I need when I want to really drive something hard uh M5 CS still okay it's previous jammer that's a fair answer okay
so extremely loud and incredibly close is the headline for these two SUVs. The X6M Competition feels more aggressive and more single-minded as a performer, but super or not, the SUV is a class that values livability, and in more ways
than one, the RSQ8 takes the lead there. And yes, at the finish line, compared to the BMW, it is a few cm short. But what large ostentatious super SUV owner doesn't know that feeling? Thanks for watching.
person to be a Miata owner. They were exactly the right. That was your NC. I know. And that was your ND. And they were both 40 years old. They were both were both 40 years old. They were both 72year-old men
I long to be like that one day. Yes. There it is. Yeah.