2020 Audi Q7 vs 2019 BMW X5

The 2019 BMW X5, despite its substantial size, was designed with a focus on providing a sedan-like driving experience, which set it apart in the crossover market. This ambition meant it was less effective off-road, but it excelled on paved surfaces, offering a smooth ride that prioritized comfort over rugged capability. The exterior boasted an aggressive design with adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and available 19-inch alloy wheels enhancing its curb appeal. However, those opting for seven-passenger seating found the third row cramped, suitable mainly for children. This could be expanded with various packages such as the xLine for off-road styling, or M Sport for enhanced performance touches.

In contrast, the 2020 Audi Q7 received design tweaks that aligned its aesthetics with the flagship Q8, resulting in a more cohesive and modern look. The front and rear facelifts brought the Q7 up to date with new lighting elements and wheel designs. However, the design changes didn’t just stop on the exterior. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing physical controls with three digital displays. With standard 20-inch wheels and a refined exterior, the Q7 projected an upscale and contemporary vibe. High-tech cabin elements like the Okapi Brown leather and multi-color ambient lighting in the Prestige trim contributed significantly to an elevated in-car experience.

Performance was a highlight for the 2019 BMW X5, particularly with its two turbocharged engine options. The xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline-six producing 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, delivering a rapid 0-60 mph time of just over 5 seconds. Even more powerful was the xDrive50i's 4.4-liter V8, which churned out 456 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds. Both engines were paired with an impeccable ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, known for its smooth and efficient shifting. The new Cluster Architecture platform added strength while reducing weight, enhancing overall performance. The X5’s adaptive air suspension offered impressive ride comfort and could adjust the car’s height for various driving conditions.

For the 2020 Audi Q7, the introduction of a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology stood out. This engine produced 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, handling the 0-60 mph sprint in 5.7 seconds. The system helped improve fuel efficiency through functionalities like extended start/stop operation and coasting with the engine off. Paired with Audi’s reliable eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, the Q7 provided a balanced mix of performance and efficiency. Audi Drive Select allowed customization of driving modes, from Comfort to Off-Road, to match driving conditions. Despite its weight, the Q7 remained agile and adept on winding roads, with adaptive air suspension smoothing the ride significantly.

Inside the 2019 BMW X5, the redesign featured more aggressive angles and dual 12.3-inch screens for the iDrive infotainment system. However, some users felt the materials used, unless upgraded, were not as premium as expected for its class. Seating comfort was another concern, as some found the seats less supportive and somewhat narrow. Yet, the X5 excelled in space, offering 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet. The two-axle air suspension made loading and unloading easier with its adjustable height, and the split rear tailgate added convenience for accessing the spacious cargo area.

For the 2020 Audi Q7, the interior also leaned heavily towards technological sophistication with twin touchscreens at the center of the design. The cabin was adorned in quality materials, including luxurious leather and natural wood inlays, making for an upscale feel. However, practical storage space inside the cabin was limited, often taken up by the tech features. Despite its three-row configuration, the third row was best reserved for children, as it lacked comfort and legroom. With the third row folded, the Q7 provided 35.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which expanded to 69.6 cubic feet with the second row also folded. This made the Q7 practical for family trips, albeit slightly less spacious than the X5 in maximum cargo capacity.

The technological setup in the 2019 BMW X5 was somewhat disappointing. Gesture controls were inconsistent, and the customizable screens didn't quite match up to competitors’ user-friendly interfaces. Voice controls were also hit-or-miss, struggling with certain accents. Though the iDrive system was advanced, it wasn’t as intuitive as hoped, with steering wheel controls proving difficult to memorize. The Driving Assistance Plus package, promising Level 2 autonomy, fell short at high speeds, causing confusion and safety concerns. On the plus side, features like Parking Assistant Plus and the excellent Harman Kardon stereo system were highly appreciated.

The 2020 Audi Q7’s major technological advance was the new MMI Touch Response. It integrated two touchscreens with natural voice and handwriting recognition, wireless smartphone integration, and Audi Connect services like a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Despite occasional unresponsiveness due to dry conditions, it was relatively intuitive and allowed extensive user customization. The Prestige trim added a head-up display (though compromised by polarized sunglasses) and a premium Bose sound system. These features were well-received, enhancing the overall user experience and ensuring a more modern driving environment.

Safety was robust in the 2019 BMW X5. Besides advanced tech features, the X5 had a new brake-by-wire system that felt almost natural. While NHTSA awarded the X5 a 4-star rating overall, it received 5 stars in side crash tests. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, giving it top scores in all categories, underscoring its strong safety credentials.

The 2020 Audi Q7 excelled in safety features as well, with HD Matrix LED headlights that provided superb visibility despite a "poor" rating from IIHS for glare. The array of advanced driver-assistance systems included Emergency Assist and Turn Assist, among others. However, the adaptive cruise control’s traffic-sign recognition was problematic, often misinterpreting signs and causing unsafe braking. Nonetheless, the Q7 scored highest ratings in collision protection from the IIHS, securing its reputation for safety, apart from the headlight issue.