Comparison: BMW X3 Takes On Audi Q5

SUVs are popular in Germany, as well as diesel engines. Considering this, German publication AMS decided to pit two popular diesel SUVs against each other -- the BMW X3 xDrive 30d against Audi Q5 3.0 TDI Quattro or 258hp/413 lb-ft inline-6 vs 240hp/369lb-ft V6.

The X3 x-Drive 30d has 258hp and offers 560 Nm of torque while the Audi Q5 3.0 TDI Quattro is good for 240hp and 500 Nm of torque. Both allow plenty of acceleration and flexibility. The BMW inline-6 powers the X3 effortlessly and the heavier Audi (143 lbs more) has a hard time keeping up. Accelerating from 0 to 180kph, the X3 is more than 3 seconds faster while also showing an unmatched engine smoothness. Remarkably, it's the other way round at idle where the X3 sounds clearly like a Diesel -- while the Audi doesn't.

Both test cars are equipped with optional adaptive dampers, and the X3 also has the variable sports steering. Maybe this option makes the difference, but the Audi Q5 understeers suprisingly early and shows a quite intense amount of torque steering on curvy uphill mountain roads.


The outcome is that both cars are similar in many ways, but the BMW X3 manages to get the edge and wins this comparison:

1st Place: BMW X3 xDrive 30d - 519 points

"The BMW X3 xDrive 30d is slightly less spacious, but the remarkably powerful yet frugal diesel engine makes for the first place. A precise steering and a very comfortable suspension add up to this. Fit and finish and ease of use are top notch as well. Both cars are on a similar level in terms of price."


2nd Place: Audi Q5 3.0 TDI Quattro - 507 points

"Ignoring costs, the bigger and very safe Audi Q5 3.0 TDI Quattro trailed by only 5 points. Reasons for this are the thirsty engine, a twitchy steering, and some rattles on bumpy roads. Fuel consumption and resale value being worse also add to the gap from the X3."


Read Article

cohwang - 6/18/2011 1:29:31 AM

+3 Boost

I test drove both X3 28i and Q5 2.0T in the city and on the hwy here in Canada. Both cars are very good cars with their strengths and weaknesses. X3 28i is nice in the interior. Handling is pretty much the same on both cars. Their steering are so light and got tighten up in high speed. Wind noise in X3 is louder than Q5. There is startup delay in X3 while Q5 doesn't even they both use ZF 8-speed tranny. The 2.0T engine feel a lot faster than the N52 engine in X3 as well. The 3.0L I6 engine is noiser than 2.0T in full throttle.

I ended up ordering the X3 because I like the style and the features it offers. Also I prefer the non turbo engine more the turbo engine in Q5. Even Q5 has lower fuel consumption than X3 28i in the official specs, 2.0T is never good on gas in real driving especially going uphill. At the end, X3 is only about $1000 less than the equivalent model in US while Q5 in Canada is $5000 more than the identical US model.

cohwang - 6/18/2011 1:11:36 PM

+3 Boost

I am not complaining. I am not the dead hard fan of BMW or Audi. My comments are based on the actual road tests and based on facts. The engine noise in X3 is louder but is acceptable. Some fellows in Bimmer forum also have similar comments on the X3.

Lexus is quiet but not very quiet that they advertise. There is also a trade off in handling and comfort. I choose X3 because it provides a good balance of handling and comfort. F25 and F10 begin to input more comfort elements instead of keep emphasising sporty, driving experience. This is the thing I like the new X3 and 5er.

jtz7 - 6/19/2011 4:15:47 PM

+2 Boost

Go BMW!!! Go Audi!!! I respect them both.... especially BMW.

Alui - 7/1/2011 9:13:14 AM

+1 Boost

Ordered the BMW X3 3.0d. The engine is a liiiittle bit noisy, but that's a small price to pay for the POOOOWER it provides:). I don't get the Audi Q5 though. In Europe a similar configuration with my X3 is 10.000 Euros more. And why? The Q5 does not have the real "quattro" system (see also comparative tests on youtube), is slower and kinda dull. On every comparative test on the internet, including the one made by the German magazine Autobild, the BMW is considered better than the Q5.