Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3: Which Is Better?

A premium large SUV is something many people dream of owning. It could be for the stylish look, practicality, or luxurious interior, but these cars are always in demand.

The Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 are both popular five-door, five-seater SUVs that have been family favourites for years. Both have been around since the early 2000s and continue to be exceptional in their class. They come with a hefty price tag when new, but buying used will save you quite a bit.

With plenty of models to choose from, the real question is: between the Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3, which of these rivals feels like the right fit for you?

Engine Options and Performance

Neither the Audi Q5 nor the BMW X3 is a slouch — they offer a range of powertrains with efficiency and satisfying performance.

Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 features a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that’s quick and reaches 0-62mph in around 6.3 seconds. It’s quick enough to give you a satisfying punch when you need it, but you still feel comfortable on long cruises.

BMW X3

The BMW X3, with its 2.0-litre engine, takes a fraction longer to hit 0-62mph, at 6.4 seconds, but it feels more dynamic behind the wheel. The X3 is quicker to respond and a bit more engaging, especially on winding roads. It offers a snappier, more responsive driving experience, especially when you put the pedal to the metal.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 difference in pricing and trim options isn’t vast. For example, a 2016 Audi Q5 starts at around £15,000 (with 60,000 miles), and a 2021 model can reach up to £45,000 depending on the mileage. The entry-level SE trim includes leather seats, xenon headlights, parking sensors, and smartphone integration for navigation. The Sport trim adds sat-nav and sportier seats, and the S line offers bigger wheels and a more aggressive look.

The BMW X3 is priced just slightly higher, with a 2016 model starting at £19,500 and newer versions around £46,000. The base SE trim offers LED headlights, leather seats, and dual-zone climate control. As you move up to the xLine trim, you’ll find larger wheels and sportier seats, and the M Sport trim adds a more dynamic design and firmer air suspension. For extra power, the M40i and M40d trims come with noticeable performance upgrades.

Styling

Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 and BMW X3 are both widely seen as great-looking cars. The Q5 received a facelift, which brought it closer in style to the larger Q7. It now has a narrower honeycomb grille, expanded air vents, and redesigned side panels. The headlights and rear lights are more detailed and angular, and that gives the Q5 a sharper, more aggressive look. It’s always been stylish, but now it feels even more dynamic.

BMW X3

The BMW X3, on the other hand, keeps things simple, which suits its slightly larger size. It has a prominent bonnet, a one-piece kidney grille (depending on the model), and stylish, streamlined headlights with 3D tail lights. Overall, the Q5 has a bold, aggressive presence, and the X3 is more about smooth, sculpted lines.

If you want a sportier Q5, the S Line, SQ5, or SQ5 Sportback are great options. For a sportier X3, the X3 M Competition adds an extra touch of flair.

Driving

When you get behind the wheel, the driving experience of the Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 couldn’t be more different.

The Audi Q5 prioritises comfort and keeps things calm and composed. Thanks to a suspension system that glides over bumps and other rough surfaces, it’s all about smoothness and serenity. The steering is light and accurate, but it doesn’t have the excitement you might expect from a sportier SUV. Overall, the Q5 focuses on delivering a relaxed and dependable ride.

In contrast, the BMW X3 is more lively and engaging. It’s built for driving enjoyment, with sharp steering and confident handling, especially around tight corners. However, the ride quality is firmer than the Q5’s, and you’ll feel more of the road, especially on uneven surfaces.

Interior Quality and Comfort

The Audi Q5 comes in strong with an interior that exudes luxury. Ambient lighting, high-quality materials, soft-touch plastics, and real aluminium accents create a premium feel, plus the precise switches add a sophisticated touch. The cabin is spacious and quiet, and there’s plenty of legroom for comfort. The rear seats are fixed, but some models offer an optional sliding and reclining bench for extra flexibility.

The BMW X3 is a close contender, with a solid, well-built cabin. The aluminium trims and rich plastics give it a premium feel, although it doesn’t quite match the Q5’s level of polish. The standard heated seats are comfortable, with optional lumbar support and power adjustments for longer drives. The rear seats don’t slide, but the optional reclining backs compensate for it and offer some flexibility.

Technology and Features

The Audi Q5’s standard features include a crisp 10.1-inch touchscreen, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, sat-nav, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The BMW X3 comes with a slightly different package — a 12.3-inch touchscreen, BMW’s iDrive system, smartphone integration, a digital driver display, and your usual DAB radio and Bluetooth.

Boot Space and Practicality

Neither model has a third row, but both offer plenty of room for up to four adults (two in the back and two in the front) or three smaller passengers (like teenagers) in the back. The X3 is particularly practical for young families, with Isofix points and wide-opening rear doors for easy child seat installation. The rear seats are split 40/20/40, and the electronic tailgate is there for convenience.

The Q5 also comes with three-way folding seats, an electronic boot, and a ski hatch. With 550 litres of boot space and a sliding back row, it’s great for longer trips. As for the X3’s boot, it offers 450 litres.

Reliability

BMW is particularly strong in terms of dependability, but the good news is that both cars come with a three-year warranty. The Q5 offers coverage for up to 60,000 miles, and the X3 offers unlimited mileage, which is a plus if you’re on the road a lot and rack up the miles quickly.

Running Costs and Ownership

The Q5’s 2.0 TDI version offers 55.4mpg, and the X3’s best diesel, the 20d, delivers 45.6mpg. The Q5 also has a more efficient PHEV option that claims 128.4mpg, and the X3 petrol models return about 36-34mpg. The road tax is similar for both, with £190 per year for petrol and diesel. However, the Q5 has an additional £410 fee for models that cost over £40,000 in the first six years.

Servicing for both brands is competitive, but Audi is typically a little cheaper.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Both the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 have earned five-star ratings from Euro NCAP, excelling in adult and child protection.

As for the assistance tech, the Q5 includes forward collision warning, emergency braking, rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The X3 offers similar features, plus lane departure warning, head-up display, and blind-spot detection. Both have hill descent control.

Dimensions

The X3 is 26 mm longer and 14 mm taller (although it doesn’t translate into more ground clearance), and the Q5 is 2 mm wider. These differences between the Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 are quite minimal, so both SUVs are practically the same size and offer a similar overall footprint.

Audi Q5

• 4,682 mm in length
• 1,893 mm in width
• 1,662 mm in height

BMW X3

• 4,708 mm in length
• 1,891 mm in width
• 1,676 mm in height

Who Is the Audi Q5 for?

The Audi Q5 is for someone who wants a comfortable, premium SUV for everyday life. If you drive long distances for work or take family trips, you’ll find that the Q5 makes those journeys feel more relaxed. It’s also perfect for someone who values a smooth ride and a high-quality driving experience but doesn’t need a huge, oversized vehicle.

Who Is the BMW X3 for?

The BMW X3 is better suited for someone who enjoys a more engaging driving experience. If you like the idea of driving something sporty that still offers enough space for family life or weekend trips, the X3 is a great fit. It’ll feel equally exciting navigating winding roads or just commuting around town.

Carplus Will Help You Finance a New Car

Carplus makes it easy to finance your new car. You might have already picked out a vehicle or need help deciding, but we’ll guide you through the process in any case. We’ll work with you to find the best financing options to match your budget and handle all the details, from getting approved to completing the paperwork. With Carplus, you can be confident that the entire process will be straightforward!

Final Words: Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3? Your Best Option

If you’re still unsure after reading through our Audi Q5 vs. BMW comparison, let’s sum it up. The Q5 is the more affordable option, perfect if you’re looking for a compact SUV that works well in both the city and the suburbs. It’s also very efficient, so it’s a smart choice for daily commuting.

The X3 is among the most polished and comfortable larger SUVs available. If you want a smooth, comfortable ride for long drives or family trips, it’s hard to beat.