Audi has forever been just below BMW looking up, but it has worked wonders on its SUV lineup as of late, bringing in models that legitimately challenge its rival. Enter the monsters of the luxury SUV segment, the three-row Audi Q7 and its home-country rival, the BMW X5.
Has Audi finally done enough to push its range-topping SUV past the iconic BMW X5? Find out below.
See a side-by-side comparison of the Q7 & X5 »
What the X5 Gets Right
Visually, the BMW X5 continues with the automaker’s sport-meets-luxury design with its upscale features and sharp looks that include large air inlets on the front bumper, pronounced ridges on the hood, and a strong character line down the side.
Speaking of luxury, the X5 leaves buyers wanting very little, as it comes standard with all the goods and then some. Its standard features include 19-inch wheels, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, leatherette upholstery, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The Q7 is well-equipped too, but its standard 7-inch touchscreen cheapens it a bit.
The X5 not only boasts a sporty look, it has the power to match. Its base turbocharged six-cylinder engine pumps 340 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque for a 5.3-second 0-60 mph time. Opt for the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, and the X5 treats you to 456 hp and a 4.6-second 0-60 time.
What the Q7 Gets Right
The Audi Q7’s base 2.0-liter engine may not have the power to go head-to-head with the X5, but its quattro all-wheel-drive system is a legend in the industry. Folks looking for numbers closer to the BMW will find this in the Q7’s optional supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 329 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.
The Q7 gets a big leg up on the BMW, especially in the eyes of larger families, thanks to its seven-passenger seats. This is made possible by its third row that offers a child- and young-teen-friendly 29.2 inches of legroom. The X5 can only haul up to five passengers. Also, the Q7’s second row offers 38.8 inches of legroom, beating the X5 by 1.4 inches.
And though it lacks a few standard features relative to the X5, the Q7 offers greater value with its $54,545 starting price, making it $5,350 cheaper than the X5. Plus, it boasts standard all-wheel drive, making it a slam dunk for shoppers in the snow belt.
Want the Cream of the Crop? Go BMW.
There's no doubting the BMW X5 has the brand cachet battle sealed up for many years, as Audi is still lagging a bit in this area. This makes the X5 the only option for buyers seeking top-notch status from their luxury SUV.
Our Verdict: Audi Q7
Though it lacks in brand prestige, the Audi Q7 is a far better value than the BMW X5. With seating for up to seven passengers in a pinch and its roomy second-row seats, the Q7 barely squeaks by the X5.