Compact SUVs are more than simply useful. They are coveted. Including luxury sedans, small utility vehicles are the product that Audi and BMW sell the most of in the US.
Sales in the compact luxury SUV class were topped by the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 in the first half of 2021. Both cater to drivers, and you can be sure to discover a model that meets your needs thanks to their numerous powertrain selections. While the X3 looks like any other BMW, which may be a plus or minus depending on your taste, the Q5 has the best interior design in its class. Both provide luxurious interiors, relaxing backseat seats, and practical cargo room. Add cutting-edge safety technology, and it’s simple to understand why these two are appealing.
This 2022 Audi Q5 vs. 2022 BMW X3 comparison should be useful if you’re looking for a small, high-end SUV.
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A Q5 is less potent than the BMW X3
Both SUVs can be ordered in specialized super-fast versions, can be ordered with five seats, and can be ordered with all-wheel drive using either the Quattro system from Audi or the xDrive models from BMW. A base turbocharged four-cylinder in the Q5 produces 201 horsepower when mated to an eight-speed automated transmission. But because the second-tier Q5 TSFI 45 offers 261 horsepower for not much more money, that’s the model we recommend.
The BMW also boasts a turbocharged four-cylinder, but thanks to an eight-speed automatic, it produces a respectable 248 horsepower.
Which of the excellent premium family SUVs—the Audi Q5 or the BMW X3—should you buy?
Because they are the most sought-after, family SUVs are attempting to overtake models produced by “premium” automakers.
These cars include the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5, both of which have attractive badges on the bonnet in addition to sumptuous interiors and strong engines. Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Land Rover Discovery Sport, and Mercedes GLC are among further competitors.
Because PCP financing is used to purchase the majority of new vehicles, an Audi or BMW SUV may not have significantly higher monthly payments than a more “popular” SUV. If you’re hoping to get into the Q5 or X3, but they’re straight competitors with somewhat different priorities, keep reading to learn which one we think is better.
While you’re here, you should also read our reviews of the top large SUVs and 4x4s. Or shop on BuyaCar for fantastic offers on used Q5s and X3s.
Audi Q57/10
The design of the upgraded Q5 is intriguing in that you have to look very closely to notice the changes. Although I am aware that Audi’s design language moves slowly, the Q5’s absence from some of the more exciting and daring design decisions made with more recently introduced Audi SUVs, such as the Q3 and Q8, is sad.
Nevertheless, the company has updated the grille on all trim levels, made some minor changes to the face to give it a slightly more angular appearance, provided contrast to the designs of the alloy wheels, and done away with the base model’s tacky plastic cladding.
The Q5 now more closely aligns with the rest of the brand’s lineup thanks to these small but welcome upgrades. In contrast to the GLC’s loud chrome or the BMW X3’s over-the-top amenities, the Q5 is a modest option, possibly for people seeking to blend in.
The most striking element of this most recent Q5 upgrade is a highlight bar over the bootlid. Around the back, the update becomes even more subdued. The lower splitter has a more contemporary look, and all of the rear light clusters are now LED across the board.
Simply said, the Q5 will now be even more appealing to you if you already loved it. I don’t believe its new appearance is as groundbreaking as its smaller Q3 sister or even the new A1 hatch to draw in a brand-new customer base.
The Q5’s interior has undergone minor but major alterations that significantly modernize the room. The virtual dash cluster that is now standard across the range matches well with the standard 10.1-inch multimedia screen, and the awful software from the previous vehicle has been replaced by the swanky operating system from more current Audis.
The Q5’s previously cluttered center console has been cleaned up since using the touchscreen makes things easier. A simplified design with practical tiny storage cutaways has taken the place of the weird touchpad and dial setup.
It appears to be as high-tech as Audi’s slogan, “advance through technology.” The seats now have better “leather accented trim,” and the console box has been updated to feature a convenient slide-away wireless phone charging bay.
The two vehicles we evaluated demonstrated the options for interior highlight trim: the diesel vehicle featured an open-pore wood appearance, while the gasoline vehicle featured a textured aluminum finish. Both felt and appeared fantastic.
The rest of the rather upright dash is still the same as when this generation debuted in 2017, which contributes to the Q5’s interior design’s overall aging appearance. It’s a bit of a one-color treatment except from those lovely accent trims. At least it has every comfort feature you might anticipate from a vehicle in its category. The fact that the Q5 lacks this update’s strong design language is more a testament to Audi’s new-generation vehicles’ interiors than it is to argue that the company did a poor job updating the Q5.
Which Audi is the X3’s counterpart?
BMW X3 vs. Audi Q5. When comparing the 2.0-liter versions of the cars, you’ll discover that the Audi Q5 offers only marginally better city miles per gallon (mpg) and vehicle purchase price savings.
Audi Q3 versus BMW X1: which is larger?
Audi increased the size of the second-generation Q3 to better compete with the BMW X1. In comparison to the old Q3, the new Q3 is 97mm longer, 25mm wider, and 38mm higher. In order to give it a stronger presence and boost functionality, the wheelbase has also been increased from 2,604mm to 2,680mm.
These modifications make the Q3 significantly larger and longer than the X1, but they also make it heavier.
The classic radiator kidney grille of the BMW X1 keeps everything stylish and recognizable, and none of these automobiles’ designs can be faulted. The Audi Q3 gets a new hexagonal grille that dominates the front of the vehicle and gives it a more aggressive appearance.
Both the X1 and the Q3 come standard with 17-inch alloy wheels and the LED headlights you’d expect from a vehicle of this caliber. The Q3 outperforms the X1 when it comes to the rear of these vehicles since it has a rear diffuser in grained anthracite and a more sloping roofline than the X1, which can be highlighted even more if you choose the Sportback model.
Is the BMW X5 and the Audi Q5 comparable?
Although the BMW SAV can accommodate seven passengers with an optional third row seat, both the BMW X5 and Audi Q5 are five-seat SUVs. The mid-size BMW X5 SUV is larger and more roomy than the compact Audi Q5, measuring 10 inches longer, four inches wider, and three inches taller.
Better than the BMW X5 or the Audi Q5?
The 2022 X5 and Q5 both perform admirably in terms of speed. Each car offers a smooth, pleasant ride overall because to their rapid shifts, snappy acceleration from their engines, and smooth gearboxes. The BMW X5 might be a better choice if you’re seeking for an SUV with spirited engine specifications.
What model of Audi rivals the BMW 3 Series?
To determine who is the king of the executive saloons, we have placed two of the Germanic giants against one another.
Both are officially categorized as “luxury small saloons,” a category that, despite sounding specialized, is actually very crowded. Additionally, they compete with vehicles like the Mercedes C Class Saloon and the Jaguar XE, for instance.
Although the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 have been fierce competitors for a while, neither one is ready to let up just yet. The BMW 3 Series is in its seventh generation, while the Audi is presently in its fifth generation. Both were revised for this year. See who prevails in this Audi vs. BMW contest by reading on!
We’ve also pitted the BMW 1 Series vs. Audi A3 and the BMW 5 Series vs. Audi A6 against one another, continuing the Audi vs. BMW conflict. We also examined the Audi A4 vs. A5 and the Audi A4 vs. A6 for more information on the A4. Check out our reviews of the A4 Avant, A4 Saloon, and A4 Allroad as well!
Is Audi’s quality superior to BMW’s?
Which Luxury Car Brand Has a Better Reputation? Despite the great reliability of both BMW and Audi, Audi ultimately prevails because to its extended warranty coverage and additional safety measures.
Which SUV is superior, BMW or Audi?
In either the J.D. Power 2020 Initial Quality Study or the 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study, neither the Audi Q5 nor the BMW X3 are ranked among the top three compact premium SUVs. In both surveys, BMW performs better than Audi at the brand level.
Why is BMW more popular than Audi?
It’s difficult to predict who will win the Audi vs. BMW competition. The same target market is being courted by both producers, but they focus on distinct specifications and features.
When it comes to technology and style, Audi is the winner, but BMW offers a smoother, sportier driving experience. When it comes to safety features, both brands score highly, however Audi has far lower reliability ratings. Although there isn’t much of a difference in price between the two, Audi’s reliability difficulties are evident in the price of repairs.
In the end, they are both fairly similar automobile makers with comparable models that appeal to slightly different demographics. Choose a BMW if you want a sporty, controlled ride. Choose an Audi if you want something with understated style and cutting-edge technology.
Audi or BMW, which is more comfortable?
BMW’s vehicles, which are made to provide the “ultimate driving experience,” frequently outperform Audi in terms of handling. Because of their overall stronger suspension systems that promote a smooth, pleasant ride, Audi vehicles are significantly less agile than BMW vehicles. BMW typically ranks higher for dependability
which is more trustworthy Audi, Mercedes, or BMW?
You can see that BMW performs far better than Mercedes-Benz or Audi. Additionally, it performs much better than the industry standard of 121 issues per 100 vehicles. Audi and Mercedes-Benz both rank lower than the average number of issues per 100 vehicles, even though Mercedes is close to the industry average.
Audi or BMW costs less to maintain?
You most likely won’t be overpaying to maintain your Audi if you switch up your automobile quite frequently because the cost of normal maintenance doesn’t vary considerably. Audi actually offers the best prices for electrical, batteries, and steering and suspension repairs. Mercedes-Benz is the most expensive car in comparison for electrical and battery work, costing 17% more than Audi.
What qualifies as an Audi Q3?
A good luxury subcompact SUV is the 2023 Q3. It offers a beautifully designed cabin, lots of standard technology, and driver-assistance systems. It also has an optional turbo-four engine and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment.
What would be the best substitute for a BMW?
Why is Acura not now receiving more love? The 2018 Acura TLX (beginning at $33,000) is a technology-rich small sedan with a sporty exterior and a chic, opulent interior that is frequently ignored. With a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 206 horsepower or a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 290 horsepower, the TLX may be ordered with either front-wheel drive with all-wheel steering or all-wheel drive.
To maximize fuel efficiency, V6 models have a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, variable cylinder management, and idle stop. Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is used with four-cylinder engines. The addition of Acura’s distinctive “Jewel Eye” LED headlights gives the TLX’s front end an extra pop in addition to improving functionality.