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.
In This Article...
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.
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.
Audi Q5 and BMW X5 size comparison
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.
Audi Q7 versus BMW X5: which is better?
Both vehicles have 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engines that are mated to eight-speed automatic gearboxes and produce comparable performance. The Q7, which is slightly more powerful, just edged out the X5 in the 0-60 mph race (6.3sec compared with 6.4).
But in everyday driving, it’s the engines’ adaptability that most astounds. Both cars accelerate fast when you put your foot down, starting at very low revs, and they do so smoothly and linearly until the gearboxes shift up to make the most of that low-down oomph.
The Q7’s engine is so quiet that it is difficult to know when you are accelerating. The engine of the X5 is even smoother, vibrates a little less, but is louder when you press the accelerator. This is partially attributable to the synthetic music that was played over the inside hi-fi speakers. People will either adore it or loathe it. Fortunately, the engine becomes quieter at highway speeds, making the X5 almost as refined as the Q7.
The manner the X5 drives down the road won’t cause you any problems. It provides a smooth and well-controlled ride over even the roughest terrain because air suspension is included as standard. It lacks the magical carpet ride of the lightly sprung Q7, but it also never feels airy or wallowy.
The air suspension, which was available as an option from the start and was chosen by well over half of Q7 customers, was installed in our test vehicle.
Both automobiles have their advantages when it comes to handling. The Q7 has stronger grip and crisper, more precise steering, but the X5 is better at resisting body lean. But overall, the Q7 is a little bit more enjoyable to drive.
Audi Q5: Is it larger than BMW X3?
The BMW X3 contrasts this by being longer but thinner than the Audi Q5. The inner space is severely hampered by these dimensions. The BMW is 74.4 inches wide and 185.9 inches long. It sports a 66.6-inch height overall.
Is the Audi Q7 or the BMW X5 more dependable?
Both vehicles are extremely safe and packed with useful safety equipment, but U.S. News gave the X5 the edge in terms of safety. The results of their crash tests were what determined that the BMW X5 was the winner. Both had good scores, but the X5 had a higher one.
The X5 also wins the prize for power. According to U.S. News, the X5’s starter engine, a turbocharged V6 that produces 335 hp, has more horsepower than the Q7’s top engine. An optional 329-hp engine is available for the Audi Q7, which comes standard with a 248-hp engine. The X5 can, however, also receive an upgrade. A turbocharged V8 with 456 horsepower is an option. The engines of the X5 are both far more powerful than the engines in the Q7.
Additionally, the X5 offers somewhat greater fuel efficiency than the Q7. The Q7’s standard engine achieves 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, compared to the X5’s standard engine’s 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the interstate. Furthermore, according to U.S. News, the X5 is marginally more dependable than the Q7. The X5 received a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 from U.S. News, while the Q7 received a 3 out of 5.
Which is superior, an Audi or a BMW?
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 dependable?
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.
What is the best-in-class Audi Q5?
The top-of-the-line trim is the 2022 Audi Q5 Prestige. It has every safety and opulent feature you would anticipate in a contemporary luxury compact crossover. The four-way power lumbar adjustment and ventilated front sport seats will make commuting to work less painful. Additionally, the heads-up display, traffic sign recognition, and LED headlights with a Matrix-inspired look are all nice upgrades. You will be able to read warning signs, observe speed restrictions, and monitor your own speed without having to look away from the road.
A carefully tuned 755-watt audio system with 19 speakers, a 16-channel amplifier, and 3D sound is what a Bang & Olufsen sound system offers. The Q5 Prestige has a starting MSRP of $54,800. A 55 TFSI Plug-In Hybrid and a 45 TFSI Sportback are both available for $62,350 and $57,100 respectively.
Audi or BMW, which is more comfortable?
Each automaker has a specialty, such as BMW’s handling on the road and Audi’s interiors. However, their advantages eventually balance out in other respects. Overall, the best automaker will be the one that produces models that are most appropriate for your needs. Aim for Audi if you want luxurious comfort.
Audi Q5: Is it a small SUV?
A good luxury compact SUV is the Audi Q5. It features three reliable powertrains, agile handling, standard all-wheel drive with Quattro, and respectable fuel efficiency. Additionally, this crossover has a user-friendly infotainment system and a strong safety rating.
Audi or BMW: whose maintenance costs were higher?
If you’re deciding between an Audi and a comparable vehicle, you might be curious about how Audi maintenance expenses compare to those of other manufacturers. In comparison to Audi vehicles, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles provide comparable degrees of luxury and price points.
- Compared to Audi, the maintenance cost for a BMW is $5,400 higher at $17,800.
- Audi vs. Mercedes-Benz maintenance costs: Mercedes-Benz automobiles require maintenance that costs $12,900, $500 more than Audi.
- Audi costs $5,400 more to maintain than Lexus, which has a $7,000 maintenance cost. The least expensive premium automobile to maintain is typically a Lexus.
Is a Mercedes or a BMW better?
BMW remains the overall champion when it comes to luxury performance, even if the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is one of the best-performing large luxury sedans on the road right now. Customers should choose a BMW automobile if they want performance and style in one convenient package.
What distinguishes the BMW x5 35i and 40i?
The 40e is an electric plug-in hybrid, whereas the 35i has a turbocharged gasoline engine. Each offers fantastic performance, effectiveness, value, and luxury.
The meaning of BMW xDrive40i
Depending on the model, the 2019 BMW X5 crossover SUV may accommodate five to seven passengers. This crossover automobile has four doors and a lift-gate in the back for the trunk. The fourth generation of this SUV, the 2019 model receives a total makeover this year. Additional attention has been placed on general comfort and the inside has been given more room. The already excellent ride quality is improved by an updated suspension system. For this year’s model, BMW has also added a number of cutting-edge, high-tech features.
There are two different trim levels for the BMW X5. The xDrive40i and xDrive50i are what these are known as. Any BMW grade that includes the designation “xDrive” means that the car has the manufacturer’s exclusive all-wheel drive technology. These trim levels’ available engines are one of the key distinctions between them. The 3.0 liter I-6 in the xDrive40i features two turbochargers. The 4.4-liter V-8 engine in the xDrive40i takes the place of the engine while keeping the dual turbochargers. Both engines deliver a powerful, athletic performance.
The amount of cargo space is the same for both trim options. You have about 33.9 cubic feet of space when all the seats are set up according to their default positions. To increase the load space, the back seats can be folded down. The BMW X5 offers an astounding 72.3 cubic feet of cargo space when correctly arranged. The X5 can carry and tow with ease thanks to all of the power and torque from either engine. Even when it is loaded to capacity with passengers or baggage, the automobile never bogs down. In fact, the X5 can tow up to 7,200 pounds when properly outfitted.
Which lasts longer, a Mercedes or a BMW?
AM-Online has conducted research and created a number of infographics to show which German brands are the most dependable and affordable to repair. The study compares maintenance requirements for BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz under six years of ownership, after six years, and after twelve years. As a result, this generally illustrates how each automaker’s models are over their whole lives.
Under six years, the cost and dependability of every car is relatively the same. This is due to the fact that the vehicles are relatively new, often have less than 100,000 miles on them, and come with a factory-backed guarantee, meaning that there won’t be many significant problems.
Audi still has the most issues and requires the most money to fix, though. Mercedes is the most dependable and, therefore, the most affordable vehicle, placing BMW in the center. Things start to alter after six years. The cars do have a tendency to break down as they accumulate more kilometers and perhaps more owners.
The least dependable and priciest of the three manufacturers is still Audi, while Mercedes continues to be the market leader and BMW remains in the center. Twelve years later, though, things usually settle down again because the automobiles are so old and most customers choose to ignore minor issues.
But when you get down to the smaller particulars, things get a little messier. It wasn’t as simple to compare different car classes, such as the 1 Series/2 Series class, 3 Series class, and 5 Series class. The brands’ positioning didn’t change, but the expenses to repair various models did. For instance, the less priced models of both BMW and Audi were less expensive to fix, which seems relatively normal. However, Mercedes-more Benz’s expensive models were the cheapest to repair, probably due to their greater build quality and dependability.