Audi Q5 vs BMW 5 Series

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

BMW 5 Series
The seventh-generation 5 Series on the rear-drive CLAR platform.
First car
Second car
Performance
EA888 45 TFSI · Petrol vs B48 520i · Petrol
| Audi Q5 | BMW 5 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
245 hp
Winner
|
184 hp
|
| Torque |
370 Nm
Winner
|
290 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
6,3 s
Winner
|
7,8 s
|
| Top speed |
237 km/h
Winner
|
235 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
136,5 hp/t
Winner
|
119,1 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
183 g/km
|
140 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
8,1 L/100km
|
6,2 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| Audi Q5 | BMW 5 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
550 L
Winner
|
530 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.550 L
|
—
|
| Wheelbase |
2,82 m
|
2,98 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,66 m
|
4,94 m
|
| Width |
1,89 m
|
1,87 m
|
| Height |
1,66 m
|
1,48 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| Audi Q5 | BMW 5 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MLB Evo (longitudinal, shared with the A4/A5) | 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 |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 7-speed S tronic (DSG) | 8-speed automatic (ZF) |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) | Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d-TEMP (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 Q5
- S tronic (DSG) needs maintenance on early cars
- AdBlue/SCR issues on 2.0 TDI diesels
- Early MMI infotainment quirks
BMW 5 Series
- EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
- Early iDrive (NBT EVO) software quirks
- Level sensor of the optional air suspension can fail
Pros
Audi Q5
- Big boot (550 l) & roomy cabin
- Refined, composed ride (quattro)
- Efficient, torquey EA288 diesel
BMW 5 Series
- Benchmark ride/handling balance (CLAR)
- Efficient, quiet B47/B48 engines
- Big boot (530 l) & roomy cabin
Cons
Audi Q5
- Firm ride on S line / big wheels
- Pricier than most rivals
BMW 5 Series
- Firm ride on M Sport + run-flat
- Pricey options list
Compare specific generations
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 5 Series
Pick the 5 Series for a benchmark balance of comfort and handling, a hushed ride and a big boot in a premium executive sedan.
Best engine: The 520d (190 hp diesel) — the thrifty, torquey sweet spot.
Read the full guide