Audi Q7 vs BMW X5: Performance, Tuning, and Reliability
Meet Trey
Trey is an automotive enthusiast and has a huge passion for Volkswagen and Audi vehicles of all kinds. His enthusiasm started with the MK5 GTI, and he has massively expanded his knowledge over the years. When Trey is not delivering high-quality and in-depth content, we can usually find him working in his garage on his modified Genesis coupe. Trey created VW Tuning several years ago, and he is the primary visionary behind the content.
We’ve done VW vs Audi comparisons, VW Atlas vs Audi Q7 for example, which are in the same automotive group, but now we’ll be going into competing brands and vehicles. If you have been in the market for a luxury mid-size SUV, you have likely run across Audi’s Q7 and BMW’s X5. Coincidentally, the Audi Q7 and BMW X5 were the first SUV offerings for both brands. In this post, we will be going over the popular Audi Q7 vs BMW X5. We’ll be covering topics such as size, performance, reliability, safety, tech, and more.
Audi Q7 vs BMW X5 – The Basics
The Audi Q7 was first introduced in 2006 and is still being produced today. There have been 2 different generations since it has been introduced: 4L and 4M. The 4L generation was built on the Volkswagen Group’s PL71 platform, while the 4M generation was built on the MLB Evo platform. For the 2022 model year, Audi only offers one other version: the SQ7. The trims available are Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.
The very popular BMW X5 was first introduced in 1999 and is still being produced today. There have been 4 different generations of the BMW X5 since it was introduced: E53, E70, F15/F85, and G05. For the 2022 model year, BMW offers 4 different versions: 40i, 45e, M50i, and X5 M. The trims available are Premium or Executive.
Audi Q7 Generation
- 4L Q7 (2006 – 2014)
- 4M Q7 (2015 – Present)
BMW X5 Generations
- E53 X5 (1999-2006)
- E70 X5 (2007-2013)
- F15 X5 (2014-2018) & F85 X5M (2015-2018)
- G05 X5 (2019+)
Audi Q7 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 Q7 and X5.
New Audi Q7 Price
In this portion, we will be going over the new Q7 2022, as of this writing, model year prices. There are 2 different engines for the Q7: 45 TFSI, and 55 TFSI. A Premium Q7 45 TFSI quattro® starts at $57,500, and a Premium Plus Q7 45 TFSI quattro® starts at $60,400. While a Premium Q7 55 TFSI quattro® starts at $62,500, a Premium Plus Q7 55 TFSI quattro® starts at $66,100, and, lastly, a Prestige Q7 55 TFSI quattro® starts at $73,300. If you’re wanting to elevate your Q7 performance experience, the SQ7 starts at $88,500.
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 portion, we will be going over the new X5 sDrive40i 2022, as of this writing, model year prices. Unlike the Audi, there is only one engine offered in the base X5. BMW offers many different add-ons, so we will try to keep it consistent when it comes to comparing the Q7 and X5. Therefore, a base X5 starts at $60,600, with the option of upgrading trims to Premium or Executive. A Premium X5 sDrive 40i starts at $61,850, while an Executive X5 sDrive 40i starts at $64,150. If you’re wanting to elevate your X5 performance experience, the X5 M starts at $106,100.
Used Audi Q7 & BMW X5 Prices
When it comes to used Audi Q5s vs BMW X5s, pricing is pretty much consistent with new prices. With that, we mean that both models are priced relatively similarly. Since the Q7 and the X5 have been around for over a decade and a half, we will be basing prices on recent generation Q7s and X5s. Therefore, a used 4M Q7s price ranges from $14,995 – $93,990* with an average price overall of $54,499, depending on model year and mileage. A used F15/F85/G05 X5s price ranges from $12,999 – $94,500* with an average price overall of $53,749, depending on model year and mileage. To be expected, the new and used prices are very similar given they are competing midsize SUVs. So since the price is so similar, what are the differences? We’ll go into those below.
*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.Â
General Audi Q7 & BMW X5 Topics
Audi Q7 vs BMW X5 Size
Below are some basic details about the size and weight differences seen between the 2022 Audi Q7 and the 2022 BMW X5.
Audi Q7 vs BMW X5
When it comes to size, there really aren’t many differences when it comes to the exterior dimensions. However, the real difference is cargo space. Since they both can seat 7, they both have three rows of seats. With all the seats up in the X5, it gets 10″ more cargo space at 24.5″, while the Q7 only gets 14.2ft³. With the third and second rows of seats down, the X5 gets 72.3ft³, while the Q7 gets 69.6ft³. Again, not very many differences when it comes to size. The Audi Q7 comes standard with three rows, while the X5 offers an optional third-row of seats.
Audi Q7 vs BMW X5 Performance
For consistencies sake, we will be using the 2022 Audi Q7 and 2022 BMW X5 factory performance specs. This is where the real differences come into play.
Engines, Drivetrain, & Fuel Economy
Audi Q7 Performance
As stated above, the Q7 has two different engine options: a 45 TFSI (2.0T TFSI), and a 55 TFSI (3.0T TFSI). The 45 TFSI engine can only be found in the Premium, and Premium Plus trim. While, the 55 TFSI can be found in all trims. Quattro®, Audi’s AWD system, and an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission come standard on both engines. The 45 TFSI quattro® engine puts out 248hp and 273 lb-ft of torque while the 55 TFSI quattro® engine puts out 335hp and 369lb-ft of torque.
The 45 TFSI engine gets 20mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 22 with a 22.5gal fuel tank. And lastly, the 55 TFSI engine gets 18mpg in the city and 23mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 20 with a 22.5gal fuel tank.
BMW X5 Performance
The X5 only has one engine option for all trims: a 3.0L M TwinPower Turbo engine. It puts out 335hp and 331 lb-ft of torque and comes standard with RWD. However, for a couple thousand more, they offer xDrive, which is BMW’s AWD technology. The 3.0L engine features an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine gets 21mpg in the city and 26mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 23 with a 21.9gal fuel tank.
To put this into perspective, the X5 sDrive 40i comes standard with the 3.0L M TwinPower Turbo engine that puts out 335hp and 331 lb-ft. This would run someone up $60,600. However, if you are wanting an Audi engine similar to the X5 engine, you would have to get the 55 TFSI. This starts $1,500 more and it doesn’t get as much hp.
Audi Q7 & BMW X5 Reliability and Common Problems
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7s reliability is average. According to RepairPal, the Q7 is rated at a 2.5 out of 5, which is the average for all luxury full-size SUVs. This positions the Q7 8th out of 19. The average annual ownership cost for a Q7 is $1,185, which is $60 above the average maintenance cost for all luxury full-size SUVs. If you are looking for a used Q7, we would advise going with a 2006, 2010, 2016, and 2019-2021 model years.
Common problems that are seen in Q7s are as followed: fuel pump flange failure, N80 valve failure, premature CV boot failure, timing chain tensioner failure, and ignition coil and spark plug failure. If an Audi Q7 is maintained properly, it can last up to 150,000-200,000 miles. Early diesels can even last up to 300,000 miles. Check below for a more in-depth article on the Audi Q7.
Audi Q7 Common Engine Problems & Reliability
BMW X5
Unlike the Audi Q7, the BMW X5s reliability is below average. RepairPal rated it a 2 out of 5, which is under the average for all luxury full-size SUVs. This puts the X5 13th out of 19 for all luxury full-size SUVs. The average annual ownership cost for an X5 is $1,166, which is barely below the Q7’s maintenance cost and above the average maintenance cost of $1,127 for all luxury full-size SUVs. If you are looking for a used X5, we would advise avoiding the 2008-2009, and 2012-2013 model years.
Since they are many generations, we will compile common problems seen across all X5s: ignition coil and spark plug failure, water pump & thermostat failure, VANOS unit failure, leaking valve cover gasket, valve stem seals, and stretched cam chain/timing chain. If an X5 is maintained properly, we’ve seen them last up to 200,000 miles. Check below for a more in-depth article on the BMW X5.
BMW X5 Reliability, Problems, & Driving Experience
Audi Q7 vs BMW X5 – Which is Better?
The question you’ve all been reading for: which is better the Audi Q7 vs BMW X5? We may be a little biased because we own a Volkswagen/Audi blog, but we favor the Audi Q7 because the value of your money goes further. Although it has less cargo space, the interior quality reigns supreme in our opinion. However, the thing we like about the BMW is the standard engine and drivetrain. Both have equivalent 5-star safety ratings. Both have similar safety and tech features. The Q7 can tow 500 lbs more. The X5 has a more powerful engine and gets slightly better gas mileage.
Audi Q7 vs BMW X5 Conclusion
In conclusion, we hope the information above has assisted anyone debating between the Audi Q7 vs BMW X5. We understand that purchasing a vehicle, especially luxury, is a daunting task, so we hope you got something out of this article. Unsurprisingly, both vehicles are very similar. If you have had first-hand experience with either model, please let us know in the comments below. This will not only assist us in our research but also help future readers in their purchasing decisions.
