We’ve written many competing brand comparisons, such as the Audi Q7 vs BMW X7, but we haven’t touched on the Audi Q5 vs BMW X5, until now. Both of these SUVs are Audi and BMW’s middle-sized SUV offerings. In this article, we’ll be covering the similarities and differences between the two models. We’ll be going over topics such as price, size, performance, common problems, reliability, and more. The Audi Q5 is classified as a compact luxury crossover SUV, while the BMW X5 is classified as a mid-size luxury crossover.
Audi Q5 vs BMW X5 – The Basics
The Audi Q5 was first introduced in 2008 and is still in production today. The Q5 is positioned between the Q4 e-tron and Q7. Since its inception, the Audi Q5 has had two generations: the 8R and FY. The 8R generation was built on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform. The FY generation was built on the MLB Evo platform. The current model offers two body styles: the regular SUV and a Sportback version. For those looking for more performance out of their SUV, there is a sports model called the SQ5.
The BMW X5 was first introduced in 1999 and is still in production today. The BMW X5 was BMW’s first SUV offering. Needless to say, BMW was ahead of its time for the SUV craze that occurred in the early 2000’s and is still present today. The X5 is positioned between the X4 and X6. Since its inception, the X5 has had four different generations: E53, E70, F15, and the G05. For those looking for more performance, BMW offers the X5 M50i and X5 M.
Audi Q5 Generations
- 8R Q5 (B8) (2008 – 2017)
- FY Q5 (B9) (2018 – Present)
BMW X5 Generations
- E53 X5 (1999-2006)
- E70 X5 (2007-2013)
- F15 X5 (2014-2018) & F85 X5M (2015-2018)
- G05 X5 (2019+)
Audi Q5 vs BMW X5 Price
In this portion, we will be going over brand new 2022, as of this writing, model prices and used prices for the Q5 and X5. This is going to be one of the many differences between the two models.
New Audi Q5 Price
In this section, we will be going over the new Q5 2022 model year prices. There are three engine options featured in the Q5: a 40 TFSI, 45 TFSI, and a 55 TFSI hybrid. The 40 TFSI is a 2.0 TFSI, the 45 TFSI is also a 2.0 TFSI, and lastly, the 55 hybrid is a 2.0 TFSI with an electric motor. All engines can be found in every trim. A Premium 40 TFSI Q5 starts at $43,300, a Premium Plus 40 TFSI Q5 starts at $48,300, and a Prestige 40 TFSI Q5 starts at $54,000. A Premium 45 TFSI Q5 starts at $45,800, a Premium Plus 45 TFSI Q5 starts at $50,800, and a Prestige 45 TFSI Q5 starts at $56,500.
Lastly, the Premium 55 TFSI hybrid Q5 starts at $55,400, a Premium Plus 55 TFSI hybrid Q5 starts at $59,500, and a Prestige 55 TFSI hybrid Q5 starts at $64,800. Again, the SQ5 is a more powerful and sportier Q5 that starts at $55,800.
If you are curious about the trim differences with Audi’s, here is an article we wrote about the different Audi trims.
New BMW X5 Price
In this section, we will be going over the new X5 sDrive40i 2022, as of this writing, model year prices. There are many different add-ons that BMW offers, so we will try to keep it consistent when it comes to comparing the Q5 and X5. There is only one engine offered in the base X7. Therefore, a base X5, or X5 sDrive40i, starts at $60,600, with the option of upgrading to BMWs AWD system, xDrive, for an extra $2,300. If you’re wanting to elevate the X5s driving experience, there is an X5 M50i that starts at $82,800 and an X5 M that starts at $106,100.
Used Audi Q5 & BMW X5 Prices
When it comes to used Audi Q5s vs BMW X5s, pricing is pretty much consistent with new prices. Meaning since the BMW X5 is classified as a mid-size crossover and the Q5 is a compact, the X5 will tend to be more expensive. Since the X5 has been around a little longer than the Q5, we will compare similar model years for both vehicles. So, a used Q5s price ranges from $8,995 – $59,991* with an average price overall of $34,495, depending on model year and mileage. A used X5s price ranges from $6,229 – $94,988* with an average price overall of $50,608, depending on model year and mileage. To no surprise, the X5 is more expensive on the new side and used side. So, is the BMW X5 worth the extra money? Let’s go into more detail.
*At the time of writing this article, we believe we are in a market where used vehicles are inflated, so consider that when seeing the used prices above.
General Audi Q5 & BMW X5 Topics
Audi Q5 vs BMW X5 Size
Below are some basic details about the size and weight differences seen between the 2022 Audi Q5 and the 2022 BMW X5. Another main difference between the two is size.
Audi Q5 vs BMW X5
As you can see above, all of the dimensions are bigger on the X5. This goes back to the Audi Q5 being a compact crossover. Things that stood out to us were that the X5 has an option to seat up to 7 people. Also, with both the second and third-row seats folded down, the X5 has substantially more cargo space.
Audi Q5 vs BMW X5 Performance
For consistencies sake, we will be using the 2022 Audi Q5 and 2022 BMW X5 factory performance specs.
Engines, Drivetrain, & Fuel Economy
Audi Q5 Performance
As we stated above, the Q5 has three available engine options: a 40 TFSI, a 45 TFSI, and a 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid. The 40 TFSI, 2.0T TFSI, quattro® engine puts out 201hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. It gets 23mpg in the city and 29mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 25 on an 18.5gal fuel tank. The 45 TFSI, 2.0T TFSI, quattro® engine puts out 261hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It gets 23mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 25 on an 18.5gal fuel tank. Lastly, the 55 TFSI, 2.0T TFSI + electric motor, quattro® engine puts out 362hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It gets a total electric range of 390 miles and a combined mpg of 26 on gas with a 14.3gal fuel tank.
All engines come standard with Quattro®, Audi’s AWD system, and a 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. For those wanting more performance, the SQ5 has a bigger 3.0T TFSI V6 engine that puts out 349hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
BMW X5 Performance
The X5 only has one engine option: a 3.0L TwinPower Turbo V6 engine. It puts out 335hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. It gets 21mpg in the city and 26mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 23 with a 21.9gal fuel tank. sDrive, which comes with the base X5, is a 2WD system, but there is an option to upgrade to xDrive, which is BMW’s AWD system. This 3.0L engine features an 8-speed automatic transmission. For those wanting more performance, the BMW X5 M50i has a bigger 4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that puts out 523hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Lastly, the BMW X5 M features the same 4.4L engine but it is tuned for more performance and puts out 600hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.
So, when it comes to performance, you can get the Audi Q5 55 TFSI hybrid engine that puts out equivalent power and more torque for cheaper. However, the X5s M variant far surpasses the SQ5s engine power.
Audi Q5 & BMW X5 Reliability and Common Problems
Audi Q5
Is the Audi Q5 reliable? The Audi Q5s reliability is average. We believe that it gets a bad reputation from excessive oil consumption seen in the Gen2 EA888 engines. RepairPal rated the Q5 3 out of 5, which places the Q5 11th out of 14 for all luxury midsize SUVs. Model years we advise avoiding are 2010-2014 because these are viewed as the least reliable. The average annual ownership cost for an Audi Q5 is $928, which is slightly higher than the average $805.
Common problems we’ve compiled for Q5s are timing chain tensioner failure, excessive oil consumption, leaking fuel pump flanges, start-stop system malfunction, and DRL failure. Q5s can last well over 150,000 miles if maintained properly. However, TDIs (diesel engines) can even last up to 300,000 miles. Click below for a more in-depth guide on Audi Q5s reliability and common problems.
The 5 Most Common Audi Q5 Engine Problems
BMW X5
Unlike the Audi Q5, the BMW X5s reliability is below average. According to RepairPal, it rated its reliability 2 out of 5, which is under the average for other luxury full-size SUVs. This places the X5 13th out of 19 for all luxury full-size SUVs. The average annual maintenance cost for an X5 is $1,166, which is way above the Q5’s maintenance cost and above the average maintenance cost of $1,127 for all luxury full-size SUVs. Model years we advise avoiding are 2008-2009, and 2012-2013 model years because they are deemed as the least reliable.
We compiled common problems seen across all X5s and those include VANOS unit failure, valve stem seals, ignition coil and spark plug failure, stretched cam chain/timing chain, water pump & thermostat failure, and leaking valve cover gasket. X5s can last up to 200,000 miles if maintained properly. Check below for a more in-depth guide on the BMW X5s reliability and common problems.
BMW X5 Reliability, Problems, & Driving Experience
Audi Q5 vs BMW X5 – Which is Better?
The question everybody is wanting to be answered, which is better the Audi Q5 vs BMW X5? We can provide our opinion, but these models suit different consumers. We prefer the Audi Q5, but that is because we personally don’t need three rows of seats and the Q5 is cheaper. However, if a consumer needs more than 2 rows of seats, then the X5 is for them. The Q5 is cheaper, can be more powerful, gets better gas mileage, is more reliable, and is better looking, to us. While the X5 is more powerful standard, has more customization, seats 7, and is larger. Both have 5-star safety ratings and similar tech and safety features.
Something we always advise before purchasing a luxury vehicle is to get first-hand experience. Therefore, go to your local BMW and Audi dealership for a test drive. Nothing will help more than seeing both in person.
Audi Q5 vs BMW X5 Conclusion
To wrap this guide up, we know that purchasing a vehicle, a luxury vehicle for that matter, is a daunting task. Therefore, we hope the information provided above helps anyone in their purchasing decisions. In short, the Audi Q5 is perfect for the consumer that doesn’t need three rows of seats and wants to save some money. While the BMW X5 can accommodate 7 passengers and has a more powerful standard engine. If you are reading this and happen to have first-hand experience with either vehicle, please let us know your experience in the comments below. This will help our research and future readers with their decisions.
Here is an article on the Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 if you are wanting to read up on more competitive comparisons.
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