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Audi Q5 FY vs BMW 3 Series G20

Audi Q5

Audi Q5

FY · 2016 – 2024

The second-generation Q5 on the longitudinal MLB Evo platform.

VS
BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

G20 · 2018 – 2026

The seventh-generation 3 Series on the rear-drive CLAR platform.

First car
Second car

Verdict

Pick this one if…

Audi Q5

Pick the Q5 for refinement, a big boot and quattro traction in a premium mid-size SUV.

Best engine: The 40 TDI (190 hp diesel) — the thrifty, torquey sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…

BMW 3 Series

Pick the 3 Series for benchmark handling, efficient engines and a premium cabin in a compact executive sedan.

Best engine: The 320d (190 hp diesel) — the classic 3 Series sweet spot.
Read the full guide

Performance

EA888 45 TFSI · Petrol vs B48 320i · Petrol

Audi Q5 BMW 3 Series
Power
245 hp Winner
184 hp
Torque
370 Nm Winner
300 Nm
0–100 km/h
6,3 s Winner
7,1 s
Top speed
237 km/h
240 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight
136,5 hp/t Winner
125,2 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)
183 g/km
134 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)
8,1 L/100km
5,9 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

Audi Q5 BMW 3 Series
Boot
550 L Winner
480 L
Boot (seats folded)
1.550 L
—
Wheelbase
2,82 m
2,85 m Winner
Length
4,66 m
4,71 m
Ground clearance
20,0 cm
14,4 cm
Turning circle
11,8 m
11,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)
2.000 kg Winner
1.600 kg

Powertrain & tech

Audi Q5 BMW 3 Series
Platform MLB Evo (longitudinal) CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive All-wheel drive Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family EA888 petrol · EA288 diesel · plug-in hybrid B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission 7-speed S tronic 8-speed automatic
Fuel Petrol Petrol
Euro standard Euro 6d-TEMP Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q5
  • S tronic (DSG) needs maintenance on early cars
  • AdBlue/SCR issues on 2.0 TDI diesels
  • Early MMI infotainment quirks
BMW 3 Series
  • Early iDrive/infotainment quirks
  • DPF on diesels doing mainly short trips
  • Timing chain rare but known on B48

Pros

Audi Q5
  • Big boot (550 l) & roomy cabin
  • Refined, composed ride (quattro)
  • Efficient, torquey EA288 diesel
BMW 3 Series
  • Benchmark handling (rear-drive base)
  • Efficient, strong B48/B47 engines
  • Excellent iDrive 7 infotainment

Cons

Audi Q5
  • Firm ride on S line / big wheels
  • Pricier than most rivals
BMW 3 Series
  • Firm ride on M Sport suspension
  • Rear seat less roomy than some rivals

For sale at dealers