These luxury SUVs are crafted for the whole family to enjoy. You may be wondering what’s the biggest difference between the Audi Q7 and BMW X5 and which one is the best fit for you.
In the first moment, it seems that the Audi Q7 offers greater seating capacity than the BMW X5, making it a better choice for those who find themselves chauffeuring others around. But… are you sure? I had the opportunity to try both and let’s see who is the winner.
Key Takeaway
- Design: BMW X5 for glamour, Audi Q7 for classic elegance.
- Space & Drive: Q7 for practicality, X5 for sporty performance.
- Value: Audi holds value better, but BMW is the best-selling premium brand in 2023.
Design and Exterior
It wasn’t easy to decide who was the winner. When I wrote this article, I spoke with my friend Brad, who is passionate about cars. He tried to be balanced and said:
“If you like a glamorous look then the X5 has that ‘wow’ factor, but if you prefer your car to be discreet and more classic then the Q7 is a winner”.
I had the opposite opinion. The Audi Q7’s aggressive ‘single frame’ grille and modern lines are appealing, but the X5’s design has a timeless appeal that stands out on the road. The BMW X5 wins in this category.
Quality and Comfort
Here, the Audi Q7 takes the lead. The Audi Q7 delivers the high driving position you’d expect from an SUV and it’s designed to make you feel relaxed and confident behind the wheel. Also, The Q7 has a more open interior, with a wide dash that’s minimalistic compared to the X5. Expect fewer buttons and a very intuitive system.
The Virtual Cockpit is a standout feature, offering a futuristic and intuitive user experience. While the BMW X5’s interior is high-quality and driver-focused, it doesn’t feel as bespoke or advanced as the Audi’s.
Practicality
Now, 2-1 for Audi. The Audi Q7 again comes out ahead in terms of practicality. Its sheer volume of space, offering up to 770 liters in five-seat mode and expanding to 1,955 liters with the second row down, surpasses the X5.
Even with all seats in use, the Q7 provides substantial cargo space. The X5 is practical, but Audi’s smart use of space and seating flexibility is superior.
Performance and Driving Experience
Advantage again! The BMW X5 excels in driving dynamics, living up to its sporty heritage. It offers an engaging drive with tight handling and minimal body roll, something I’ve particularly enjoyed. BMW X5 xDrive40i: 0-60 in 5.3 seconds. 2024 BMW X5 xDrive45e: 0-60 mph n 4.6 seconds. 2024 BMW X5 M50i: 0-60 in 4.1 seconds.
Your Audi Q7 could go 0-60 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds, depending on how you build the SUV. If you prefer the standard Q7 45 Premium or Premium Plus models, it’ll clock a 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds.
If you build a 55 Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige Q7, the 0-60 mph time will be 5.7 seconds. So, The Audi Q7, despite its weight reduction and improved handling, cannot match the X5’s sporty feel. The Q7 offers a smooth ride, but for driving enthusiasts, the X5’s performance is unmatched.
Safety and Reliability
Both vehicles offer an extensive suite of safety features and comparable warranties. The X5 is very reliable and is recommended by Consumer Reports, ranking highly in its respective class.
BMW offers a three-year unlimited mileage warranty too, and Audi offers a three-year/60,000 miles warranty. The Audi Q7 provides extensive hybrid/electric component coverage, but overall, BMW’s maintenance package might be more appealing for long-term ownership.
Of course, Audi disagrees: “No fewer than eight Audi models have received the coveted Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). BMW, by comparison, has received just two awards for their 2023 model lineup. It’s clear that Audi vehicles offer superior crash protection”.
Dimension and Specifications
Comparing dimensions and specifications, the differences are minimal, but the BMW X5’s slightly more compact size is advantageous for maneuverability and parking without sacrificing much in terms of interior space or comfort.
| Dimension | Audi Q7 | BMW X5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 5063mm | 4935mm |
| Width | 1970mm | 2004mm |
| Height | 1741mm | 1765mm |
| Boot space | 770 litres | 650 litres |
My personal preference leans towards the BMW X5 for its superior driving dynamics, design, and comprehensive maintenance coverage. The Q7 is longer than the X5, but not bigger. If interior luxury, space, and cutting-edge technology are your priorities, the Audi Q7 is your choice.
Also, if you have a big family, and need seven seats and are happy to pay for all the bells and whistles that come with that, then the Q7 is the car for you.
The Audi Q7’s emphasis on advanced technology and interior luxury, especially with its pionee ring use of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, offers users a futuristic driving experience.
Of course, it’s pretty hard to fault because it’s so luxurious, easy to drive for such a big car, and superbly built and finished. The X5 is spacious upfront and leg room is very generous in the back. The Q7 has less legroom for the second row with the third row behind, but it comes on runners so you can adapt the legroom, which is brilliant.
Audi claims opposite
Audi claims that it comes out as the superior brand for earning its trust by providing the best features for the greatest value. Where BMW expects you to spend more for less, Audi believes you should pay less for more.
Issues with The Audi Q7
For the Audi Q7, one intriguing case study involves addressing charging issues with the Audi Q7 e-tron PHEV. Experts pinpointed the problem to several possible causes, including wiring harness errors and incorrect signals between the charge inlet socket and the onboard charger.
The action plan focused on thorough testing, including wiggle testing, measurements, and “pinout” testing of the onboard charging system.
This case underscores the complexity of modern vehicle diagnostics and the need for sophisticated equipment and methodologies, like using an 8-channel scope in a high-voltage environment, emphasizing safety and precision in diagnosis.
Which BMW or Audi holds its value better?
Audi cars depreciate slower, while BMW cars have the worst resale value among German brands. But the situation changes when you buy a used BMW– the BMW 5 Series turns out to be the most profitable.
BMW retained the world’s best-selling premium brand title in 2023; beating Mercedes & Audi. According to media reports, BMW retained the title of the “world’s best-selling premium automaker” in 2023 for the second year in a row.
Both brands are expensive in terms of vehicle costs and running expenses. However, the direct connection between Audi and Volkswagen has led to the fact that it is cheaper to buy spare parts and carry out routine maintenance on cars under the Audi brand.
On the other side, all BMW engines are made for BMW cars, which makes them feel a little bit more premium. BMW the manufacturer focuses more on driving dynamics and performance – with a splash of luxury thrown in, of course.
Their marketing slogan, ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’, pretty much sums up the essence of the brand, with BMW aiming to give you the best driving experience possible.
Let’s get to the point. I would love to have an Audi Q7. That’s for sure with no doubt. And I would be so proud and happy to own one Q7. But for an engaging driving experience and timeless design, if I can choose, I vote for the BMW X5.