Audi Q5 FY vs BMW iX1 U11

Audi Q5

FY · 2016 – 2024

The second-generation Q5 (FY), on MLB Evo.

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

The first-generation iX1 (U11), BMW’s fully electric compact SUV on the FAAR platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q5

Pick the FY for the refined, roomy Q5 with quattro and the strong 40 TDI diesel — ideally a well-kept example.

Best engine: The 40 TDI (diesel) or 40 TFSI (petrol).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW iX1

Pick the U11 for BMW’s smallest electric SUV with a usable 490-litre boot and the punchy dual-motor xDrive30.

Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA888 45 TFSI · Petrol vs xDrive30 · Electric

	Audi Q5	BMW iX1
Power	245 hp	313 hp Winner
Torque	370 Nm	494 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	6,3 s	5,6 s Winner
Top speed	237 km/h Winner	180 km/h
Power-to-weight	136,5 hp/t	150,1 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	183 g/km	0 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	8,1 L/100km	—

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q5	BMW iX1
Boot	550 L Winner	490 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.550 L Winner	1.495 L
Wheelbase	2,82 m Winner	2,69 m
Length	4,66 m	4,50 m
Ground clearance	20,0 cm	17,0 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m Winner	11,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.200 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q5	BMW iX1
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal)	FAAR (electric)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45/50/55 TFSI e PHEV	Single front motor (eDrive20) · dual front + rear motors (xDrive30)
Transmission	7-speed S tronic	Single-speed automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Electric
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	N/A (electric)
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q5

S tronic (DSG) mechatronics on early cars
AdBlue/SCR issues on 2.0 TDI diesels
Early MMI infotainment quirks

BMW iX1

OS8/OS9 software: connectivity and CarPlay glitches (mostly fixed via update)
IBS recall (2022–2024): brake assist/ABS — verify via VIN
12V battery can drain when parked or with frequent app use

Pros

Audi Q5

Refined, composed ride (quattro)
Efficient, torquey EA288 diesel
High-grade interior

BMW iX1

Fifth-generation eDrive motors are notably efficient
Large usable battery (~65 kWh) with 430–514 km WLTP range
xDrive30 delivers 313 hp with all-wheel drive

Cons

Audi Q5

Firm ride on S line / big wheels
Pricier than most rivals

BMW iX1

DC fast charging peaks around 130 kW — slower than some rivals
Regenerative braking takes getting used to in Efficient mode

Driving experience

Audi Q5

Refined, effortless and supremely polished. Steering is light and accurate rather than talkative, the ride is supple and isolating, and the Q5 settles into a calm, confident lope. quattro ultra shuffles torque seamlessly for all-weather security, though it favours safe, neutral grip over playful engagement. Adaptive suspension keeps it composed and hushed on rough roads. The 40/45 TFSI petrols are smooth and willing, the 2.0 TDI pulls strongly and sips fuel, and the 55 TFSI e plug-in glides on electric power. The 7-speed S tronic is quick and smooth; the V6 8-speed tiptronic even more so. Overall a quiet, tech-rich SUV that puts long-distance comfort and easy confidence ahead of outright driver involvement.

BMW iX1

Quiet, refined and responsive in typical EV fashion. Instant torque makes it feel brisk in traffic. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted for a crossover; body control is good and the car feels planted. The xDrive30 (dual motor) is notably quicker and more secure in poor conditions; the eDrive20 (front-drive) is lighter and more efficient. Regenerative braking is strong in Efficient mode and takes some getting used to. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps, but the car can feel firm on poor Belgian roads, especially with larger wheels. Overall a capable, composed electric crossover rather than a pure driver’s car.