BMW X3 v AUDI Q5
IF YOU’RE REWARDING YOURSELF WITH A LUXURY MID-SIZE SUV, BMW AND AUDI ARE THE POPULAR PICKS. WE PUT THEM TO THE TEST
Need a new German SUV to match that Lange & Söhne watch? Perhaps sir would like us to drive the wheels off this pair and deliver a verdict?
LOVE ’EM OR LOATHE ’EM, today’s luxury midsized SUVs like the Audi Q5 45 TFSI and BMW X3 30i are now as much a part of the story of us as any homegrown Holden or Ford. It just depends on where you are in life. Thirty-odd years ago, with Ps in hand, maybe your choice – like mine – was between a Volkswagen Golf and Nissan Pulsar. A decade on, commitments might have meant a Mazda 6 or Toyota Camry (and a NoDoz addiction) before the need for bigger stuff like a Ford Territory or Holden Captiva arose. Life’s great tapestry and all that.
Today – if you’re lucky – you might be middle-aged (ish), middle class and in the market for a mid-sized premium SUV. You’ve made it this far, so why not? And before you think this is yet another instance of you turning into your parents, don’t forget that back in their day a Ford Fairlane or Volvo 740 was likely in the mix. So maybe not.
Freshest of the medium luxury SUV all-stars right now is the facelifted Audi Q5. To bring you up to speed, it gains a minor visual makeover (usual stuff: headlights, grille, bumper, tail-lights and alloys) and the mandatory multimedia update. But, lo and behold, it also scores a major mechanical upgrade, including fresh mild-hybrid engine technology. Crikey.
The latter is interesting because it builds on an already frugal proposition; as much as 90kg was skimmed off when this current, B9 A4-based, second-generation, Type FY Q5 debuted in mid-2017.
Later that same year was also when the third iteration of BMW’s X3 surfaced, though its mid-cycle nip and tuck probably won’t happen before late this year at the earliest.
Like the two iterations that came before it, the G10-series X3 shares much of its underpinnings with the corresponding 3 Series – namely the rejuvenated G20 that has been a firm favourite of ours since launching back in early 2019.
Classic Audi versus BMW stuff then. It’s like the old Holden versus Ford feud but for well-heeled folk. And on the subject of money...
Sledgehammer SQ5 aside, the 2021 Q5 is offered in five versions, with a trio of newly mildly electrified internal-combustion powertrain choices.
The base and Sport grades are only available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, driving all four wheels (hence ‘quattro’) via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It can be had with a 150kW/400Nm 40 TDI diesel from $68,900 plus on-roads, or as a 183kW/370Nm 45 TFSI petrol for $1700 more. While these prices are around $2K dearer than before, the new $89,600 50 TDI S Line quattro is some $4500 more expensive; it’s powered by a 210kW/620Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel and employs an eight-speed torque-converter auto.
Safety levels are on a par with class expectations, and in the case of our test vehicle largely mirrors the specifications of the BMW X3 xDrive30i (see breakout, opposite page).
The Q5 45 TFSI quattro also comes with keyless entry/start, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation, ‘Hey, Audi’ speech control for the new 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia, two-phone Bluetooth capability, Audi Connect real-time info connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite navigation, digital radio, wireless smartphone charging, paddle shifters, leather upholstery, electric front seats, tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a powered tailgate with gesture control and alloy wheels.
Our 45 TFSI quattro is the better-equipped Sport, which adds adaptive cruise control and Traffic Jam Assist offering semiautonomous driving, Collision Avoidance Assist, Turn Assist, a 360 degree-view camera, automatic parking, a panoramic sunroof, sport front seats with heating and driver-side memory, a premium audio upgrade, heated/folding/dipping electric mirrors and 20-inch alloys – all for an extra $7K.
Listed at $76,600, the Audi’s driveaway pricing differs in each state/territory due to tax variations, ranging from a $84,909 low in Queensland to a $87,809 high in WA.
Meanwhile, the cheapest X3 petrol with AWD equivalent
– the xDrive30i M Sport Pack – kicks off from $76,396 before on-roads, or $85,900 driveaway (nationally), and it also relies on a 2.0-litre four-pot turbo, with just 2kW more power at 185kW but 20Nm less torque at 350Nm than its four-ringed foe. The auto is ZF’s eight-speed torque-converter unit.
The SUVs from Ingolstadt (but built in Mexico) and Munich (via South Africa) offer near lineball pricing and equipment levels, except that the xDrive30i standardises adaptive dampers, a head-up display and an M Sport body kit, uprated brakes and racier trim package, but forgoes the 45 TFSI quattro Sport’s sunroof and banging stereo.
For that, the X3 can be optioned up with a $4810 Visibility Package as per our test car, which also ushers in premium audio (to match the Q5’s), metallic paint and fancier alloys, meaning the BMW breaches the $90K barrier (by $710).
Replete in body-kit activewear, both German SUVs look better than their base-grade brethren, though neither will be remembered for their beauty. The X3 in particular has always been the pretty X5’s fuglier baby bro. Fun fact: today’s G10 is larger than the original 1999 E53 X5.
In terms of running costs, the Audi takes the honours for fuel economy (see breakout p117), but both brands stumble with their sub-standard three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranties, when rivals like Mercedes-Benz now offer five years.
The Q5’s servicing intervals are 12 months or 15,000km and can be purchased with a five-year service plan for $2870, while the X3 adheres to BMW’s condition-based servicing regime, where the car will display when it requires attention depending on distance and wear and tear.
However, there is a ‘BMW Service Inclusive Basic’ package available starting at $1950, covering scheduled servicing from three years/40,000km to five years/80,000km.
After three years the 45 TFSI quattro Sport is expected to be worth about 61 percent of its value, behind the 63 percent forecast for the xDrive30i.
One area where Audi has long lorded it over rivals is in cabin beauty and quality, but our BMW upends that and even leaves the Q5 wanting in a couple of areas.
Making a mockery of their medium-size stationing, both SUVs are properly large inside, with ample room front and rear for a quartet of six-footers – as long as the trio out back are more Keira Knightley than Newcastle Knights.
They’re remarkably similar in presentation too: doors open up wide for unencumbered entry/egress into solidly made cabins; lofty seating includes big bolsters up front to keep you nestled in tightly and comfortably; and the driving positions simply cannot be faulted, such is their adjustability.
Deep windows affording excellent views out, ample ventilation and more storage than you’ll probably ever need – be it via the big door bins or deep centre console – further underline the fine engineering going on. Both also include rear access to USB ports and fresh-air outlets, as well as considerately sited phone charging.
As mentioned earlier, even the equipment levels more or less align, as if they’re watching over each other’s shoulder. Surely the cheapo rear armrest-sited cupholder arrangement that blights both cabins is proof of that.
If they weren’t spying, Audi might be in for a shock. The
X3’s dashboard is a modern masterpiece of presentation,
Audi takes the honours for fuel economy, but both brands stumble with sub-standard warranties
melding the classic driver-angled display with sophisticated touchscreen tech.
Still, unlike its rival, BMW has resisted the urge to throw out its time-honed iDrive multimedia controller, which operates intuitively after 20 years of continuous evolution.
The gearlever is perfectly positioned, and with the tip-shift function set up in the correct pull-upshift/push-downshift pattern. Our only disappointments are the messy electronic instrumentation – oh how we long for the elegant analogue dials of old – and surprisingly low-rent lower-lying plastics.
The latter also applies to the Q5, and it also brings digital instrumentation that is not as pleasing to the eye as before, but at least they mimic Audi markings of old instead of looking like they’re shared with a Honda Civic.
And the brand-spanking BMW multimedia set-up is largely touchscreen-operated, but the clarity, logic and speed of response doesn’t make that a problem.
Frankly, the 45 TFSI quattro Sport’s interior looks a little plain in this company. Yes, the upper dash feels expensively executed, with pleasing detailing evident in the textured trim and materials deployed, but the BMW seems somehow swankier and more uptown overall.
The M Sport also lends a more athletic ambience that is in keeping with the marque’s reputation.
Both Germans were tested by Euro NCAP in 2017 and received the full five-star rating. To nobody’s surprise given their similar active and passive safety features (see breakout p111), even their scores are practically identical, with the Audi achieving marginally better child occupant protection and pedestrian impact ratings than the BMW.
Aided by lofty seating positions, low beltlines and deep glass areas, all-round vision ranks highly in both vehicles, backed up by large mirrors and big-screen reverse cameras with alternative view options. Both SUVs also include a pair of rear-seat Isofix anchor points and a trio of child seat tether strap anchors.
On the subject of stoppers, considering how heavy these big medium luxo SUVs are, both brake remarkably well, while their (you’ve guessed it – nearly identical) powertrains may even be the best available in their respective ranges.
Audi first. The 183kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo is a terrific engine even before you take its incredible economy into account. Punchy from the get-go, with very little of the lag or hiccup associated with dual-clutch gearboxes, it pulls as hard as it revs, tacho swinging swiftly and effortlessly to the redline without letting up. It simply roars along. A metallic rasp betrays the comparative paucity of capacity, but this is no bad thing, imbuing the Q5 with a zingy, eager charm.
Just as hard to fault and easy to love is Munich’s equivalent. With a well of low-down torque to draw on, the supernaturally intuitive eight-speed auto deals out each ratio with unerring speed and finesse, for an even creamier and more polished experience than the spirited Audi provides.
Ever responsive to throttle inputs, the xDrive30i flexes its muscles forcefully and yet fluidly every single time. What a gem. The only thing missing is the mellifluous soundtrack of a classic BMW six. That’s a trade we’re willing to endure, as this 2.0-litre turbo’s ability to accelerate so vigorously from low revs is quite an achievement. Codenamed B48, it simply elevates this particular X3 grade in the process.
The Q5 carves through corners crisply and cleanly
Initially, the Q5 feels faster, especially in Sport mode, but both return a 0-100km/h result of 6.3 seconds, while the X3 seems to have a deeper set of lungs at the top end, borne out by the 240km/h xDrive30i pipping the 45 TFSI quattro by just 3km/h. Don’t forget, though: it may be a little less evocative, but the Audi’s fuel economy lead is astounding.
Another one of the Q5’s superpowers is its ability to relax and reassure new drivers. Climb in. Get immediately comfortable. Push the button and off it goes, with an ease to its urge and a serenity to its speed that will instantly endear it to many people.
That sense of feeling light on its feet extends to the steering, which is effortless enough around town (and with a slightly better turning circle than the X3), yet precise and planted out on the open road, without becoming heavy or cumbersome. The Q5 carves through corners crisply and cleanly, with exceptional delicacy and control, even in the very heavy rainfall we encountered on the test.
In contrast, the BMW feels palpably heftier and more solidly tied down to the road, from the first turn at low speeds through to blasting up a mountain pass. It’s also in another class with the way it goes and flows with the road. The standard Adaptive M Suspension with its adjustable dampers provides more nuance and finesse, backed up with greater feel and feedback. We’re not talking 3 Series sports sedan levels of handling and roadholding prowess, because ultimately the X3 is what it is – a tall SUV with a high centre of gravity – yet it is the better of the duo if you long to connect and are willing to play. It’s the sportier of the two. The BMW out-funs the Q-fünf.
The BMW also pulls ahead for ride comfort, for two reasons – inch-smaller wheels and those adaptive dampers. BMW fits 20-inch alloys as standard on this grade, but our test car’s 19s are a no-cost option that probably makes the ride more supple. Sneaky. The active dampers reduce the amount of head toss out on the open road and suspension pitter-patter around town.
For a bit over $2K extra, Q5 buyers can option up Adaptive Air Suspension, with variable ride height for greater ground clearance. Do it.
Both the new Q5 and the evergreen X3 deliver exactly what you would expect from their makers – fast, secure, refined, comfy and enjoyable family-friendly mid-sized luxury SUVs, to take you to your next stage in life.
In searing Sport grades as tested, their premium is offset by matching high equipment levels, highlighting how eerily similar in execution the two German machines are.
In one area, however, the Audi is in a league of its own, and that is its mild hybrid-enhanced fuel economy – and that’s even more impressive given how stirring its four-pot turbo performance remains. For some people, that’s enough to give the 45 TFSI quattro Sport a decisive advantage.
Yet the BMW is the more involving driver’s SUV, as well as the better-riding one, with its cabin design and presentation also outpacing the Audi’s.
Which wins then? Your answer may already actually lay within: thinking back again to those earlier formative-years cars, would you have picked Golf, Mazda6 and Territory over Pulsar, Camry and Captiva? If the answer is yes, yes and definitely yes, then the X3 is for you.
The BMW is in another class with the way it goes and flows with the road