Audi Q5 vs BMW X5

Audi Q5

Audi’s mid-size premium SUV.

BMW X5

BMW’s large luxury SUV.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q5

Pick the Q5 if you want a refined, roomy, comfortable mid-size SUV with quattro — a premium, comfort-focused choice.

Best engine: The mid-range 2.0 TDI diesel for the best balance of economy and torque — or the 2.0 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
Width	1,89 m	2,00 m
Height	1,66 m	1,75 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q5	BMW X5
Platform	MLB Evo (longitudinal, shared with the A4/A5)	CLAR (longitudinal engine, rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA888 petrol · EA288 diesel · plug-in hybrid	B58 petrol · B57 diesel · PHEV
Fuel	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission	7-speed S tronic (DSG)	8-speed Steptronic automatic
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (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) mechatronics are the best-known weak point
EA288 diesels: AdBlue/SCR needs attention with mainly short trips
Direct-injection petrols: carbon buildup with lots of short trips

BMW X5

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

Pros

Audi Q5

Spacious cabin and large 550-litre boot
Quiet, comfortable long-distance cruiser
Wide engine range (petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid)

BMW X5

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

Cons

Audi Q5

No manual gearbox — S tronic (DSG) only
Options quickly push the price up

BMW X5

High running costs
Air suspension & xDrive upkeep

Driving experience

Audi Q5

As a model line, the Q5 is a refined, comfortable mid-size SUV that feels secure and composed. The steering is light and accurate, the ride is calm, and the cabin stays quiet at speed. Quattro all-wheel drive gives reassuring, planted traction in all conditions. The 2.0 TDI is strong and frugal, the 2.0 TFSI smooth, and the plug-in hybrid glides silently. It prioritises comfort and refinement over sharp handling, so it feels effortless and confidence-inspiring on long journeys and around town.