Audi Q7 vs. BMW X5: which is better?
Between the Audi Q7 and the BMW X5, which is better suited to your needs? Find out in our Q7 vs X5 review
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The Audi Q7 and BMW X5 are large SUVs that can both accommodate seven people.
Leaders in their class, they combine luxury with practicality and a very enjoyable driving experience.
But which one suits your lifestyle best?
Audi Q7 vs. BMW X5: styling
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The Q7 is longer than the X5, but not bigger. It had a facelift in 2019 that improved the proportions and made it sharper, more elegant, and better for carrying seven people.
It’s imposing and very classy, so it looks good in any situation or location.
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The X5 is wider and taller than the Q5 and more aggressive-looking. It’s angular, with air vents and sharp edges that give it a slightly flashier look.
If you get the M model, then the X5 looks especially sporty and aggressive.
If you like a head-turning and very glamorous look then the X5 really has that ‘wow’ factor, but if you prefer your car to be discreet and more classic then the Q7 is a winner.
Audi Q7 vs. BMW X5: what are they like to drive?
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The X5 offers petrol and diesel engine options and is a true driver’s SUV. You can choose from multiple drive modes; the handing is precise, and the air suspension makes easy work of even the bumpiest of roads. The entry-level 2-litre engine gives you 50.4mpg too.
The X5 comes into its own on country roads because the steering is so responsive, so it’s a smart family buy if you’re going to be splitting time between town and country.
Get the M model and the performance is something to behold for a large car: 0-62 in 4.2 seconds.
The 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.
It’s amazingly comfortable, gliding over rough road surfaces, especially if you get a model with air suspension – it’s a seven-seater that feels like floating on clouds.
The Q7 isn’t a 4x4 but the all-wheel drive can handle the odd adventure holiday or bad UK winters easily.
The latest generation of the Q7 is only available with diesel engines so it’s worth bearing that in mind if you’re partial to a petrol engine.
There is an older plug-in hybrid TFSI e option with 25-30 miles of claimed range, which is great for ferrying the family around urban streets.
Audi Q7 vs. BMW X5: interior and technology
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You’d expect top-quality spacious interiors with these two SUVs, and you won’t be disappointed.
The X5’s interior is the sportiest, focused around maximising the driver’s experience. You get a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display with BMW’s IDrive control system that’s configurable to your perfect setup.
The infotainment is a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, with air vents below, which creates a clean, crisp and angular central dash.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth and sat-nav are all standard. Add more extras including a panoramic sunroof with starlight illumination mode and Bowers & Wilkinson audio for optimum opulence.
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.
There’s a two-screen setup in the latest models, with a 10.1-inch touch infotainment screen on top of an 8.6-inch climate screen.
The driver has Audi’s Virtual Cockpit and all models come with Audi’s MMI system, internet connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa.
If you prefer a more traditional interior and comfort for five, then the X5 is going to tick the boxes.
For the ultimate quality, refinement, and sleekness then you’ll find it hard to beat the Q7 when it comes to carrying seven.
Audi Q7 vs. BMW X5: bootspace and practicality
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The BMW X5 is a five-seater with the option to get a third row, while the Q7 is always a seven-seater.
The Q7 was designed with seven people in mind, so it’s longer than the X5. With all seven seats in place, the Q7 offers 295 litres of room, and with five onboard you get a huge 770 litres: in other words, pack to your heart’s content. Fold all the seats down and you get just short of 2,000 litres.
The X5 offers 650 litres with five seats up, and 1870 with all the back seats folded down. The rear sets fold down 40/20/40 too, which is very handy.
Four adults fit in with room to spare and three young teenagers will be perfectly happy in the back in both models. The tailgate splits too, so you can perch for a break or easily rearrange the boot on the go.
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.
Read our in-depth car reviews:
Audi Q7 vs. BMW X5: safety and reliability
Both cars scored a full five stars in their most recent Euro NCAP crash tests.
If you’re after the most reliable Audi Q7, then opting for a PHEV or electric version means you’ll have cheaper maintenance costs.
Electric cars have fewer moving parts so fewer repairs and less maintenance are needed.
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.
Dimensions:
Audi Q7
Length: 5063mm
Width: 1970mm
Height: 1741mm
Boot space: 770 litres
BMW X5
Length: 4935mm
Width: 2004mm
Height: 1765mm
Boot space: 650 litres
Verdict: Audi Q7 vs BMW X5: which should you buy?
Sometimes you can only come to a decision at the last moment, and if you’re still on the fence then our quick verdict here should help you make your choice.
For families who want 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.
It’s hard to fault because it’s so luxurious, easy to drive for such a big car, and superbly built and finished.
The X5 delivers on the stylish, bold SUV looks and is best-suited to a family of five, who occasionally want seven seats.
This car delivers on performance, so if your idea of a family car is one that is also a thrilling drive, the X5 M Competition will keep you smiling.