Audi e-tron GE vs BMW X5 G05

Audi e-tron

GE · 2018 – 2025

The first-generation e-tron (GE), Audi’s first all-electric SUV.

BMW X5

G05 · 2018 – 2023

The fourth-generation X5 (G05), on the CLAR platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi e-tron

Pick the e-tron for a big cabin, smooth all-wheel drive and zero-emission driving in a premium SUV.

Best engine: The 55 quattro (larger battery).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X5

Pick the X5 for a luxurious cabin, strong engines and generous space in a large premium SUV.

Best engine: The xDrive30d (diesel) or xDrive40i (petrol).

Read the full guide

Performance

55 quattro · Electric vs B58 40i · Petrol

	Audi e-tron	BMW X5
Power	408 hp Winner	340 hp
Torque	664 Nm Winner	450 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,7 s	5,5 s Winner
Top speed	200 km/h	243 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	159,1 hp/t	159,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	198 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	8,6 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi e-tron	BMW X5
Boot	660 L Winner	650 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.725 L	1.870 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,93 m	2,98 m Winner
Length	4,90 m	4,92 m
Ground clearance	17,2 cm	21,4 cm
Turning circle	12,2 m Winner	12,6 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi e-tron	BMW X5
Platform	MLB Evo (electric)	CLAR (longitudinal)
Drive	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors · 50 quattro / 55 quattro	B58 3.0 petrol · B57 3.0 diesel · 45e PHEV
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	8-speed Steptronic
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi e-tron

Software/electronics (early cars)
Long-term battery data still limited
High-voltage system check recommended

BMW X5

Transfer case (xDrive) needs maintenance
Air suspension (if fitted)
Cooling system/EGR on diesels

Pros

Audi e-tron

Quiet, refined electric ride
Strong DC fast charging
Air-suspension comfort

BMW X5

Luxurious, premium interior
Strong B57/B58 engines
Light, stiff CLAR body

Cons

Audi e-tron

Less efficient than newer EVs
Early software quirks

BMW X5

High running costs
Air suspension & xDrive upkeep

Driving experience

Audi e-tron

Smooth, silent and effortlessly luxurious. The e-tron rides with genuine isolation, steers lightly and accurately, and accelerates strongly from its dual-motor quattro with none of the fuss of a combustion engine. It is heavy, which shows in corners and in real-world range, but the payoff is a hushed, relaxed calm that suits long journeys. Regenerative braking is strong enough for one-pedal driving in traffic. It was the first large electric SUV from Audi, and it drives more like a luxury saloon than a tall, heavy crossover.

BMW X5

Luxurious, composed and surprisingly agile for its size. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control excellent, and the X5 hides its bulk through bends with real composure. xDrive delivers tenacious all-weather grip and a reassuringly planted feel. Air suspension, where fitted, spans cushioned to firmly controlled and irons out rough roads. The B58 petrols are smooth and muscular, the B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive45e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, capable luxury SUV that feels smaller and sharper than it is.