Audi Q2 vs BMW X5

Audi Q2

Audi’s compact crossover.

BMW X5

BMW’s large luxury SUV.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q2

Pick the Q2 for quattro (on the 2.0-litre engines), the 1.5 TFSI’s cylinder-on-demand and the Virtual Cockpit — but check rear legroom.

Best engine: The 1.5 TFSI (35, 150 hp).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X5

Pick the X5 for the 650-litre boot, the 30d’s 620 Nm and the 40i’s 340 hp.

Best engine: The xDrive40i (petrol) for everyday use — or the xDrive30d (diesel) for high mileage.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs B58 40i · Petrol

	Audi Q2	BMW X5
Power	150 hp	340 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	450 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	8,5 s	5,5 s Winner
Top speed	211 km/h	243 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	111,1 hp/t	159,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	128 g/km Winner	198 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,6 L/100km Winner	8,6 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q2	BMW X5
Boot	405 L	650 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.050 L	1.870 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,60 m	2,98 m Winner
Length	4,19 m	4,92 m
Width	1,79 m	2,00 m
Height	1,51 m	1,75 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q2	BMW X5
Platform	MQB A1 (transverse, shared with the VW T-Roc)	CLAR (longitudinal engine, rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI	B58 petrol · B57 diesel · PHEV
Fuel	Petrol · Diesel	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission	S tronic (7-speed DSG) · 6-speed manual	8-speed Steptronic automatic
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)
LEZ access	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q2

DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics are the best-known weak point
Direct-injection petrols: carbon buildup with lots of short trips
DPF on diesels with mainly short trips

BMW X5

Run-flat tyres wear the suspension components
Direct-injection petrols: carbon buildup with lots of short trips
Diesel DPF needs regular motorway runs

Pros

Audi Q2

quattro available on the 2.0-litre engines
1.5 TFSI has cylinder-on-demand
Virtual Cockpit digital instruments on higher trims

BMW X5

650-litre boot (1870 litres folded)
xDrive40i (B58): 340 hp and 450 Nm
xDrive30d (B57): 265 hp and 620 Nm

Cons

Audi Q2

Rear legroom is tight for adults
S line suspension rides firmly

BMW X5

Run-flat tyres make the ride firm over broken tarmac
Air suspension and xDrive add long-term maintenance cost
Optional 7-seat configuration layout reduces maximum boot space and deletes underfloor luggage compartments

Driving experience

Audi Q2

As a model line, the Q2 steers quickly and lightly, and the raised seating position gives a good view out. The ride is firm rather than plush, and you feel it on rough roads. The 1.0 TFSI is adequate, the 1.5 TFSI is the one to have and the 2.0 TDI is the high-mileage pick. It is happiest in town, where its compact size makes it easy to place.

BMW X5

The X5 rides quietly and steers accurately for a large SUV on its all-wheel-drive CLAR base. The xDrive40i is smooth and strong, the xDrive30d delivers 620 Nm for effortless towing, and the xDrive45e plug-in hybrid adds electric running with 394 hp. The 8-speed Steptronic shifts imperceptibly, and the air suspension smooths out the motorway. Run-flat tyres make the ride firm over broken tarmac, but the cabin stays hushed at speed.