Audi Q5 FY vs BMW X5 G05

Audi Q5

FY · 2016 – 2024

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

BMW X5

G05 · 2018 – 2023

The fourth-generation X5 (G05), on the CLAR platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q5

Pick the FY for the 3.0 TDI’s 620 Nm and quattro — ideally a post-facelift car with MIB3 touchscreen.

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

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

EA888 45 TFSI · Petrol vs B58 40i · Petrol

	Audi Q5	BMW X5
Power	245 hp	340 hp Winner
Torque	370 Nm	450 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	6,3 s	5,5 s Winner
Top speed	237 km/h	243 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	136,5 hp/t	159,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	183 g/km Winner	198 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	8,1 L/100km Winner	8,6 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q5	BMW X5
Boot	550 L	650 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.550 L	1.870 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,82 m	2,98 m Winner
Length	4,66 m	4,92 m
Ground clearance	20,0 cm	21,4 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m Winner	12,6 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q5	BMW X5
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal)	CLAR (longitudinal)
Drive	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45/50/55 TFSI e PHEV	B58 3.0 petrol · B57 3.0 diesel · 45e PHEV
Transmission	7-speed S tronic	8-speed Steptronic
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) mechatronics on early cars
AdBlue/SCR issues on 2.0 TDI diesels
Early MMI infotainment quirks

BMW X5

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

Pros

Audi Q5

55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid does ~50 km electric
3.0 TDI (50) has 286 hp and 620 Nm
Air suspension optional

BMW X5

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

Cons

Audi Q5

55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid cuts boot space from 550 down to 465 litres
Pre-facelift MIB2 infotainment has no touchscreen

BMW X5

High running costs
Air suspension & xDrive upkeep

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 X5

Luxurious, composed and surprisingly agile for its size. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control excellent, and the X5 hides its bulk through bends with real composure. xDrive delivers tenacious all-weather grip and a reassuringly planted feel. Air suspension, where fitted, spans cushioned to firmly controlled and irons out rough roads. The B58 petrols are smooth and muscular, the B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive45e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, capable luxury SUV that feels smaller and sharper than it is.