BMW X5 vs. Audi Q7: A Battle for Best Luxury SUV Supremacy

Another year, another battle of luxury cars. The question, “which SUV is the best,” is sometimes a subjective thing. But sometimes there’s simply a clear winner.

Both the new BMW X5 and new Audi Q7 are the epitome of German automotive engineering. As fantastic machines, they embody the true sense of what it means to be the best luxury SUV. We’re here to talk about how they differ, though. So, let’s get on with our BMW vs. Audi comparison and find out which brand offers the best midsize luxury SUV.

Engine and Drivetrain

The powertrain is the most important component of any vehicle, because without that, all you have is a very expensive paperweight with Bluetooth.

Regarding drivetrain options, the BMW X5 has available sDrive and xDrive, or RWD and AWD, respectively. New Audi Q7s are only available with the Audi Quattro AWD drivetrain.

Where they really differ, though, are the engine options.

Available BMX X5 engines include:

• X5 sDrive40i/X5 xDrive40i: 3.0L Inline-6 TwinPower Turbo (375 max horsepower)
• X5 xDrive50e: 3.0L Inline-6 TwinPower Turbo w/Electric Motor (483 max horsepower)
• X5 M60i: 4.4L V8 M TwinPower Turbo (523 max horsepower)

Available Audi Q7 engines include:

• Q7 45 Premium: 2.0L 4-Cylinder TFSI (261 max horsepower)
• Q7 55 Premium/55 Premium Plus/55 Prestige: 3.0L 6-Cylinder TFSI (335 max horsepower)

In terms of pure power, the X5 takes the cake as a sporty luxury SUV—the base model alone is capable of going from zero to 60 in under five and a half seconds, while even the zippiest Q7 can’t manage that in its wildest dreams.

For those with a real need for speed, sport-tuned performance models are available for both as well:

• X5 M Competition: 4.4L V8 M TwinPower Turbo (617 max horsepower)
• SQ7 Premium Plus/Prestige: 4.0L V8 TFSI (500 max horsepower)

If performance is a big concern for you, there’s simply no contest here. From the garden variety factory trim, all the way up to the highest echelon, BMW makes Audi eat dust.

Electrification and Fuel Economy

These top-rated luxury SUVs have both embraced the hybrid mindset, albeit in different ways.

Both engine options for the Audi Q7 follow a mild-hybrid schematic, which utilizes standard-issue tech like regenerative braking to recharge the battery. It has fairly competitive MPG ratings for its segment: 21 MPGe combined for the 4-cylinder, and 20 MPGe combined for the 6-cylinder.

BMW has also implemented a mild-hybrid system. The X5’s average gas mileage is noticeably more wallet-friendly, which is almost surprising—usually, you have to pick between either performance or economy. The X5 is that rare exception. Both the sDrive and xDrive versions return a respectable 25 MPG combined.

If that wasn’t enough, Beemer has a pocket ace: the X5 xDrive50e, which serves as the model’s dedicated plug-in hybrid platform. BMW claims its dedicated electric motor is rated for a combined average of 58 MPGe, and it allows for 39 miles of electric range on a full charge. With the X5 PHEV, it’s possible to commute to work, run to the store, or pick the kids up from school without burning a drop of gasoline.

Audi’s attempts at electrification aren’t enough to give it the edge. The BMW X5 is the clear-cut choice for a luxury SUV with the best gas mileage.

Passenger Room and Cargo Space

The whole point of an SUV is to maximize interior dimensions without sacrificing handling or economy. So, which one does it best?

In terms of cargo capacity, the BMW X5 comes out on top yet again. With the seats in the upright position, it boasts 33.9 cubic feet, but with the second row folded, cargo space jumps up to an impressive 72.3 cubic feet. Meanwhile, the Audi Q7 has a maximum cargo capacity of 69.6 cubic feet, but if you want to make use of its full seating area, the cargo space drops down to a meager 14.2 cubic feet. So, inch for inch, the BMW’s cabin is undeniably bigger.

Which has the better seating configuration, though? Well, that depends if you’re looking for a luxury SUV with a 3rd row. The once-optional 3rd row in the X5 appears to have gone the way of the dodo bird for now, with BMW choosing to maximize comfort ergonomics for five passengers instead of trying to cram seven in. The Q7 retains its 3rd row, but it remains suitable only for children and contortionists.

If you’re absolutely married to the idea of seating for seven or eight, we’d recommend going full minivan. If you want to make the absolute best use of space, the X5 is the smart move.

Safety and Infotainment

If you’re paying luxury prices, you’re going to want luxury amenities. As two of the most luxurious SUVs on the market, the X5 and Q7 have ‘em in spades, but which one pulls it off better?

Display Design

The X5’s display is simultaneously futuristic and simple. It consists of two screens: a 12.3-inch info display positioned behind the steering wheel, and an enormous 14.9-inch screen that handles all the fun stuff. Both curve seamlessly across the cockpit, giving the impression of a single elongated command center.

The Q7’s display is a bit busier. It features three screens total: an info display with nearly identical dimensions to the X5’s, and two separate center displays for entertainment and climate control, situated one on top of the other. One prominent critic noted, “You may find the system delightful or devilish, depending on whether you enjoy using touchscreens while driving.”

Sound System

The X5 and Q7 both come with already-impressive factory sound systems, but each also has an option for an upgrade to a premium setup. The X5 can be equipped with a Harmon-Kardon Surround Sound system, and the Q7 can be equipped with a Bang & Olufsen system with 3D sound.

ADAS

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems have become a crucial component to making roads safer; pretty much every major auto manufacturer these days includes many features as standard across all models.

Available features included in both the X5 and Q7 are numerous. Blind spot detection, frontal collision warning, remote parking assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more can all be added to ensure maximum protection for your most precious cargo. But, once again, the X5 pulls ahead by offering more comprehensive features, like the available Highway Assistant, which can allow for hands-free driving up to 85 miles per hour.

BMW has gone above and beyond to offer not only the most reliable luxury SUV, but the safest SUV, which might be why the X5 won a 2022 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. Throw in a whole kitchen sink’s worth of style and luxury amenities, and it wins by a mile.

Have You Been Keeping Score?

For our money, if you want to know what really makes for the best midsize luxury SUV, we have one word for you: options.

At the end of the day, the X5 simply has more quality options for customization, which might be why fans and critics are raving about it. The new X5 earned a score of 9.5/10 from Car and Driver, a 4.8/5 from Edmunds, and a 4.7/5 Expert Score from Kelley Blue Book. We can’t say the same for our friends over at Audi.

Are you looking for a BMW X5 for sale in Miami? Braman has a BMW dealer near you, and we’d love to show you why the X5 is our pick as the top-rated luxury crossover of the year. If you want to see for yourself how the X5 stacks up against the competition, give us a call at (786) 577-5220 and ask about spending some quality time with one of BMW’s best luxury family SUVs.