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."
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