Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 - Compare and Decide Which is Better

The Audi Q5 and BMW X3 are two of the most popular luxury SUVs on the market today. These two-row, up to five-passenger, vehicles offer luxury and comfort to drivers and passengers. Both are also equipped with advanced features and technology.

So, which one is the right choice for you?

The Sloane Automotive Group is here to help you figure that out. We'll compare the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 side-by-side, looking at everything from their specs and reliability to their pricing and performance. We'll also discuss their unique strengths and weaknesses, so you can make an informed decision.

Whether you're looking for a sporty SUV to take on the open road or a luxurious family hauler, the 2024 Audi Q5 and BMW X3 are both excellent options. Read on to find out which one is the better choice for you and your family!

Price

Winner: Audi Q5

Getting into a 2024 Audi Q5 is cheaper than a BMW X3, with a $2,300 starting MSRP difference at their entrance points. The disparity changes with each trim, but the Q5 remains the more affordable option throughout. The X3 M, BMW's powerful and sporty model, is the most expensive by a wide margin.

The new Q5 offers consumers more choices. These include prices and engine types, a sloping-roofline Sportback version, and a PHEV (Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) variant.

Below is a breakdown of each trim level's starting MSRPs.

• X3 sDrive30i - $46,900
• X3 xDrive30i - $48,900
• X3 M40i - $61,900
• X3 M - $75,500
• Q5 Premium 40 / 45 / 55 PHEV - $44,600 / $47,500 / $57,800
• Q5 Premium Plus 40 / 45 / 55 PHEV - $49,400 / $52,300 / $61,700
• Q5 Prestige 40 / 45 / 55 PHEV - $54,900 / $57,400 / $67,000
• Q5 Sportback Premium 45 / Premium Plus 45 / Prestige 45 - $51,500 / $54,700 / $59,700

Features

Winner: Audi Q5

The 2024 Audi Q5 provides more bang to go with that less buck. Along with additional horsepower, the Q5 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less time than the X3: 5.7 seconds compared to 6 seconds. That excludes the X3 M, which generates up to 81% more horsepower than the Q5 and goes from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds.

Fuel economy for most new Q5 and X3s are a combined 25 mpg. The Q5 PHEV produces an impressive 60 combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent.

Both SUVs come with a large amount of standard technological, comfort, and safety features. But the entry 2024 Q5 has a few important ones not available on the base X3, such as:

• Standard All-Wheel Drive
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keep Assist
• Front Heated Seats
• Genuine Leather Seat Material
• 550 Additional Watts of Stereo Output (755 overall) and 16 Additional Speakers (19 overall)

The 2023 Q5 and X3 received five-star overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The X3 also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the Q5 received a Top Safety Pick. Ratings for the 2024 vehicles will be released later in the model year.

Reliability

Winner: BMW X3

The BMW X3 is generally more reliable than the Audi Q5. According to J.D. Power, the X3 has a predicted reliability rating of 85 out of 100, while the Q5 has a rating of 69 out of 100. The X3's score is considered "Great." The Q5's is considered "Fair." The Q5 received a Kelley Blue Book consumer reliability rating of 4.3 (out of 5). The X3 got 4.5. With the 2024 model year still in its infancy, those scores are based on 2023 versions.

As of this writing, there have been no safety recalls issued from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for either the 2024 Q5 or X3. The 2023 X3 hasn't been recalled. The 2023 Q5 was recalled once.

Both SUVs come with four-year/50,000-mile warranties covering powertrain and basic components.