Audi e-tron vs BMW X5

Audi e-tron

Audi’s electric luxury SUV.

BMW X5

BMW’s large luxury SUV.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi e-tron

Pick the e-tron if you want a spacious, comfortable, quiet electric SUV with quattro — accepting real-world range below the best EVs.

Best engine: The 55 quattro with the larger battery for the best balance of range and performance.

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
Width	1,94 m	2,00 m
Height	1,63 m	1,75 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi e-tron	BMW X5
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal, adapted for electric drive)	CLAR (longitudinal engine, rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	Dual electric motors (quattro)	B58 petrol · B57 diesel · PHEV
Fuel	Electric	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission	Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio)	8-speed Steptronic automatic
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)
LEZ access	Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi e-tron

Early software bugs in the infotainment and driver-assist systems
High-voltage system: coolant circuit and electronics need checking on early cars
Real-world range sits well below the WLTP figure

BMW X5

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

Pros

Audi e-tron

Big interior & roomy boot
Dual-motor all-wheel drive (quattro)
Improved range (Q8 e-tron)

BMW X5

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

Cons

Audi e-tron

Heavy and not especially agile for an electric SUV
Options quickly push the price up

BMW X5

High running costs
Air suspension & xDrive upkeep

Driving experience

Audi e-tron

As a model line, the e-tron is a smooth, quiet electric SUV that prioritises comfort. Two electric motors deliver effortless, near-silent quattro acceleration, and the air suspension irons out bumps for a calm, refined ride. It feels substantial and planted rather than agile, and it is happiest on long journeys. Regeneration is adjustable, which makes one-pedal-style driving easy in town. Real-world range trails the most efficient rivals, so it suits buyers who value comfort and space over outright efficiency.