Audi Q6 e-tron vs BMW X5

Audi Q6 e-tron

Audi’s electric premium SUV.

BMW X5

BMW’s large luxury SUV.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q6 e-tron

Pick the Q6 e-tron for 270 kW DC charging and the ~95 kWh battery — accepting the new-model reliability risk.

Best engine: The quattro with the larger battery for the best balance of range and performance.

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

quattro · Electric vs B58 40i · Petrol

	Audi Q6 e-tron	BMW X5
Power	388 hp Winner	340 hp
Torque	855 Nm Winner	450 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,9 s	5,5 s Winner
Top speed	210 km/h	243 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	165,1 hp/t Winner	159,3 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	198 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	8,6 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q6 e-tron	BMW X5
Boot	526 L	650 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.529 L	1.870 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,90 m	2,98 m Winner
Length	4,77 m	4,92 m
Width	1,94 m	2,00 m
Height	1,65 m	1,75 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q6 e-tron	BMW X5
Platform	PPE (Premium Platform Electric, 800-volt)	CLAR (longitudinal engine, rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors (RWD / quattro)	B58 petrol · B57 diesel · PHEV
Fuel	Electric	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission	Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio)	8-speed Steptronic automatic
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)
LEZ access	Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q6 e-tron

Early software bugs in the infotainment and driver-assist systems
As a new model, long-term battery and drivetrain reliability is not yet proven
High-voltage system check recommended before buying used

BMW X5

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

Pros

Audi Q6 e-tron

800-volt architecture enables 270 kW DC charging
100 kWh battery (~95 kWh usable)
526-litre boot (plus optional 64-litre frunk)

BMW X5

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

Cons

Audi Q6 e-tron

Long-term battery reliability is not yet proven (2024 launch)
Range drops in cold weather

BMW X5

High running costs
Air suspension & xDrive upkeep

Driving experience

Audi Q6 e-tron

As a model line, the Q6 e-tron accelerates strongly and silently on its electric motors, and the ride filters out poor surfaces. It feels planted and secure rather than sporty. Regeneration is adjustable for one-pedal driving in town. The quattro has 388 hp, and the 800-volt system charges at up to 270 kW DC, so long trips need short stops.