Audi Q5 FY vs BMW X4 F26

Audi Q5

FY · 2016 – 2024

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

BMW X4

F26 · 2014 – 2018

The first-generation X4 (F26), on the F25 X3 platform.

First car

Second car

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 (diesel) or 40 TFSI (petrol).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X4

Pick the F26 only with documented N20 chain work or a later build — otherwise the timing-chain risk is real.

Best engine: The xDrive28i (N20, 245 hp) or xDrive30d (N57).

Read the full guide

Performance

EA888 45 TFSI · Petrol vs xDrive28i · Petrol

	Audi Q5	BMW X4
Power	245 hp	245 hp
Torque	370 Nm Winner	350 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,3 s Winner	6,4 s
Top speed	237 km/h Winner	232 km/h
Power-to-weight	136,5 hp/t	136,5 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	183 g/km	179 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	8,1 L/100km	7,2 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q5	BMW X4
Boot	550 L Winner	500 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.550 L Winner	1.400 L
Wheelbase	2,82 m Winner	2,81 m
Length	4,66 m	4,67 m
Ground clearance	20,0 cm	20,0 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m Winner	11,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.000 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q5	BMW X4
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal)	F25 (F26, xDrive)
Drive	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45/50/55 TFSI e PHEV	N20/N55 petrol · N47/B47 · N57 diesel
Transmission	7-speed S tronic	8-speed automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6
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 X4

N20 timing chain and tensioner (biggest risk)
Electric water pump and coolant loss
Oil-filter housing and valve-cover leaks

Pros

Audi Q5

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

BMW X4

First X4: more aggressive style than the X3 F25
N55 (35i) is the reliable petrol choice
B47 diesel (20d/25d) much improved over N47

Cons

Audi Q5

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

BMW X4

N20 cold-start chain rattle is a warning sign
Sloping roof limits rear headroom

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 X4

More dynamic than a standard X3 of the same generation. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels planted and secure with xDrive. It is engaging for a crossover but not a pure sports car — weight and the higher centre of gravity are noticeable when pushed. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps balance firmness and comfort. The N55 petrol sixes (35i/M40i) deliver strong, linear performance and a characterful engine note. The N20 four-cylinder petrols are competent but less refined. Diesels (especially the N57 sixes) offer strong low-end torque and effortless cruising. Overall a stylish, capable crossover that prioritises road presence and dynamics over maximum practicality.