2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights flanking the prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the greenhouse resembled a protective shell. The rear was marked by bold, large taillights, contributing to its classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in Q5 stood out with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels, elevating its aesthetic appeal.

Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern ambiance, packed with technology yet retaining an uncluttered appearance. Buttons, switches, and knobs were smartly grouped by function, creating a pleasing unity of design. High-quality materials, such as real wood and metal, were used, with crisp lines where different materials met. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed at the top of the center stack for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed, featuring standard leather seating surfaces throughout.

The 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, received updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The redesign refined the X3 formula, giving it the exterior and interior presence of larger, more expensive BMW models. Its outward appearance resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior featured the cold, mechanical styling typical of BMW's lineup. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dashboard was more functional.

The 2021 X3 offered trims such as sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, with the high-performance X3 M covered separately. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, navigation, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Numerous options and packages were available, adding features like genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate. The M40i trim included many standard features, such as 19-inch alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, unique exterior styling, and an M Sport suspension.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience by adding 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery to the standard gasoline-only Q5 45. This resulted in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, well-suited to the crossover's 4,665-lb curb weight. The electric motor worked with the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, providing a boost function and supporting the gas engine during coasting and low-demand situations. This setup delivered convincing acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds, and impressive fuel economy figures of 65 MPGe combined. In gasoline-only mode, the Q5 PHEV was rated at 27 mpg combined. The battery pack could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service.

The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and offered various driving modes, including battery-only, hybrid, and battery-reserve modes. Speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and a wider-than-expected turning radius of 38.4 feet were notable features. The four-wheel independent suspension, with five-link setups front and rear, provided good handling with minimal body roll and powerful, predictable braking.

The 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i featured rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i came with all-wheel drive, providing solid pickup for city and highway driving. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid powertrain produced 288 hp, offering brisk acceleration, especially at low speeds, with a 17-mile electric-only range. It could be recharged in about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger or nearly 12 hours with a 120-volt outlet.

For a true performance driving experience, the M40i trim featured a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, delivering robust acceleration and responsive cornering abilities. The X3 M performance model offered a 473-hp engine, catering to those seeking speed and family space.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV exemplified the Goldilocks Phenomenon, offering a compact crossover SUV that was neither too big nor too small. Its smart packaging allowed the battery pack to be placed under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. With 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and up to 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded, it provided ample cargo capacity. The second row offered reasonable legroom (37.8 inches), headroom (37.7 inches), and shoulder room (56.5 inches), accommodating two adults comfortably and a third for shorter rides. The front seats were super-comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim.

The front row featured cupholders, cubbies, and nooks for small items, with a center-console armrest that lifted to reveal a small storage bin. The interior design was uncluttered, with smartly laid-out functions.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered impressive cargo space, with up to 62.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded, among the best in the small luxury SUV segment. With the rear seats in use, it provided 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space. A power liftgate was standard, with an optional hands-free power liftgate available.

The X3's interior was spacious for all passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in the front row and a commanding driving position. The rear seats were adult-friendly, even on longer trips. The driver and front passenger benefited from real buttons and dials, complementing the main touchscreen and reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, known for its impressive performance. The center-console touchpad was user-friendly, and the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered three customizable views: classic, sport, and dynamic. The cabin's futuristic tech was enhanced by color/mood-adjustable LED ambient interior lights. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, optimizing fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode with route guidance.

A new Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard on all Q5 models, providing a built-in transponder compatible with most U.S. toll road services. The Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers and a 16-channel/755-watt amplifier was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included and functioned seamlessly.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, known for its ease of use compared to other luxury systems. The combination of touch operation and the iDrive dial in the center console catered to different user preferences. The X3 included standard Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto as an option. Other options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. Gesture control was available, allowing basic controls through hand movements, though it could result in false positives for those who gestured frequently.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline-only model received top "good" ratings in all categories except headlights, which received a "marginal" rating. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars, with PHEV ratings expected to match. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic preventative occupant protection, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control with off-road mode, electronic vehicle immobilization, anti-theft alarm, interior motion sensor, LED daytime running lights and taillights, LATCH connectors, a rearview camera, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, Parking System Plus, adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, park steering assist, traffic-sign recognition, and a top-view camera system.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.