Audi Q7 vs BMW X7: 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 covered the Audi Q7 vs BMW X3 and Audi Q7 vs BMW X5, so now we will be comparing the Audi Q7 vs BMW X7. Both of these vehicles are Audi’s and BMW’s largest SUV offerings. The Audi Q7 is positioned between the Q5 and Q8, while the BMW X7 is positioned above the X6. In this article, we’ll be covering price, size, performance, technology, and more to assist in any consumer’s purchasing journey.
Audi Q7 vs BMW X7 – The Basics
The Audi Q7 was first introduced in 2006 and is still being produced today. It is classified as a mid-size luxury SUV. Although Audi makes it seem like the Q8 is larger than the Q7 based on the numbers, the Q7 is the largest luxury SUV Audi has to offer. We’ve compared the Audi Q7 vs Q8 if you’re interested in learning more. There have been two generations of the Q7 since its inception: 4L and 4M. The 4L Q7 is built on the Volkswagen Group’s PL71 platform and the 4M Q7 is built on the MLB Evo platform. There is a sports variant of the Q7 if you’re wanting more power and it is badged as the SQ7.
The BMW X7 was first announced by BMW in 2014, but wasn’t produced until 2019. It is the largest and most expensive full-sized luxury SUV BMW has to offer. The X7 is classified as a full-sized luxury SUV. It is built on the same CLAR platform as the BMW X5, but it has been stretched for extra cargo space and seating capacity. There are two different sport variants for the X7: M50i and ALPINA XB7.
Audi Q7 Generation
- 4L Q7 (2006 – 2014)
- 4M Q7 (2015 – Present)
BMW X7 Generations
- G07 X7 (2019+)
Audi Q7 vs BMW X7 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 X7.
New Audi Q7 Price
In this section, we will be going over the new Q7 2022 model year prices. There are two engine options featured in the Q7: a 2.0T TFSI and a 3.0T TFSI. The 2.0T TFSI, otherwise known as the 45 TFSI, is only found in the Premium and Premium Plus trim. While the 3.0T TFSI, otherwise known as the 55 TFSI, is found on all trims. A Premium 45 TFSI Q7 starts at $57,500 and a Premium Plus 45 TFSI Q7 starts at $60,400. While a Premium 55 TFSI Q7 starts at $62,500, a Premium Plus 55 TFSI Q7 starts at $66,100, and, lastly, a Prestige 55 TFSI Q7 starts at $73,300. If you are wanting to up the performance aspect, an 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 X7 Price
In this section, we will be going over the new X7 xDrive40i 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 Q7 and X7. There is only one engine offered in the base X7. Therefore, a base X7, or X7 xDrive40i, starts at $74,900, with the option of upgrading trims to Premium or Executive. A Premium X7 xDrive 40i starts at $76,800 and an Executive X7 xDrive40i starts at $78,100. If you’re wanting to elevate the X7s driving experience, the X7 M50i starts at $99,800.
Used Audi Q7 & BMW X7 Prices
When it comes to used Audi Q7s vs BMW X7s, pricing is pretty much consistent with new prices. Since the X7 has only been around for a few years, we will compare similar model years for both vehicles. So, a used Q7s price ranges from $36,491 – $93,991* with an average price overall of $65,241, depending on model year and mileage. A used X7s price ranges from $54,998 – $95,980* with an average price overall of $75,489, depending on model year and mileage. To no surprise, the X7 is more expensive on the new side and used side. So, is the BMW X7 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.Â
General Audi Q7 & BMW X7 Topics
Audi Q7 vs BMW X7 Size
Below are some basic details about the size and weight differences seen between the 2022 Audi Q7 and the 2022 BMW X7.
Audi Q7 vs X7
When it comes to size, since the BMW X7 is classified as a full-size SUV and the Audi Q7 is classified as a midsize SUV, all exterior dimensions are larger on the X7. Both can seat 7, which is perfect for those with a family and needing space. Although there is less cargo space in the X7 initially, with all of the seats down it gets 90.4ft³. With the third row of seats folded down the Q7 gets 35.7ft³ in cargo space and the X7 gets 48.6ft³ in cargo space. Lastly, if towing capacity is needed, the X7 offers 1,000 more pounds.
Audi Q7 vs BMW X7 Performance
For consistencies sake, we will be using the 2022 Audi Q7 and 2022 BMW X7 factory performance specs.
Engines, Drivetrain, & Fuel Economy
Audi Q7 Performance
The Q7 has two available engine options: a 45 TFSI, and a 55 TFSI. The 45 TFSI, 2.0T TFSI, quattro® engine puts out 248hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. It gets 20mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 22 with a 22.5gal fuel tank. The bigger 55 TFSI, 3.0T TFSI, quattro® engine puts out 335hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It gets 18mpg in the city and 23mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 20 with a 22.5gal fuel tank. Both engines come with Quattro®, Audi’s AWD system, standard and an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
For those wanting more performance, the SQ7 has a bigger 4.0L TFSI V8 engine that puts out 473hp and 457 lb-ft of torque.
BMW X7 Performance
The X7 only has one engine option for all trims: a 3.0L TwinPower Turbo V6 engine. It puts out 335hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. It gets 19mpg in the city and 24mpg on the highway for a combined mpg of 21 with a 21.9gal fuel tank. xDrive, which is BMW’s AWD technology, comes standard on the base X7. The 3.0L engine features an 8-speed automatic transmission. For those wanting more performance, the BMW X7 M50i has a bigger 4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that puts out 523hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.
So, when it comes to performance, you can get the Audi Q7 55 TFSI engine that puts out equivalent power and more torque for $12,000 cheaper. However, the X7s M variant far surpasses the SQ7s engine power.
Audi Q7
Is the Audi Q7 reliable? The Q7 has an average reliability rating. According to RepairPal, it is rated 2.5 out of 5, which is the average for all other luxury fullsize SUVs. This puts the Q7 8th out of 19 in the luxury full-size category. The average annual ownership cost for an Audi Q7 is $1,185, which is slightly above the $1,127 average cost for all other luxury full-size SUVs. Q7 model years that don’t have the best reliability ratings are 2006, 2010, 2016, and 2019-2021.
Common problems seen in both Q7 generations are as followed: premature CV boot failure, N80 valve failure, fuel pump flange failure, ignition coil and spark plug failure, and timing chain tensioner failure. An Audi Q7 can last up to 150,000-200,000 miles if it is maintained properly. Some early 4L diesels can even last up to 300,000 miles. Click below for more details on the Audi Q7s reliability and common problems.
Audi Q7 Common Engine Problems & Reliability
BMW X7
Is the BMW X7 reliable? Since the X7 has only been around for 3 years, as of writing this, there isn’t much information to go off of. However, after scrolling through hours of forums, we have compiled some information. The BMW X7 has a predicted reliability of 83 out of 100. According to J.D. Power, they rated it 81 out of 100, which places the X7 in #2 for luxury premium SUVs. Many certified owners vouch for the X7s reliability even after 100,000 miles. If you are interested in reading more X7 content, click below for an excellent X7 article.
BMW X7 Review & Technical Specs
Audi Q7 vs BMW X7 – Which is Better?
The tough question, which is better: the Audi Q7 vs BMW X7. We feel like this is rather subjective because consumers have different lifestyles and vehicle needs. Therefore, we will provide our opinion and we are a little biased. So, we personally like the Audi Q7. It is cheaper, the 55 TFSI provides more power, and we personally like the exterior more. However, the BMW X7 has more cargo space, cabin space, gets better gas mileage, and can tow more. Both have 5-star safety ratings and similar tech and safety features. We personally like the interiors in Audi’s more.
Before making a decision, we advise getting first-hand experience. Therefore, schedule a test drive with your local Audi dealer and local BMW dealer to see which one suits your needs and lifestyle.
Audi Q7 vs BMW X7 Conclusion
To conclude this article, we hope the information provided above assists anyone currently on the fence about which brand to go with. We know researching and eventually purchasing a luxury vehicle is a daunting task, so we try to assist in the researching process. Both brands build excellent quality vehicles and, honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. If you are a consumer that happens to have first-hand experience with either model, please let us know in the comments below. This information will help us in our research and any future readers in the purchasing decision.
