2021 BMW X7 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 and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold, large taillights. The Q5's overall appearance was classy and modern, with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, stood out even more, offering standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. The interior featured smartly grouped controls, high-quality materials, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen positioned for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather seating surfaces.

The 2021 BMW X7 was a standout in its class, offering greater interior quality than a Cadillac Escalade and more prestige than an Infiniti QX80 or Lincoln Navigator. It boasted extra layers of technological sophistication over a Lexus LX 570 and significant visual presence compared to a Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. The X7's styling was appealing, with traditional BMW cues and enough glam to claim its position at the top of BMW's SUV lineup. Inside, the X7 shared similarities with the X5 but with minor differences. It featured high-tech design, high-quality materials, and mostly intuitive controls. The X7's interior was luxurious, with premium extended leather, a leather-wrapped dashboard, and an Alcantara suede headliner. The test vehicle included 22-inch aluminum wheels and a trailer hitch, enhancing its visual appeal and functionality.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided convincing acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds, and impressive fuel economy figures of 65 MPGe combined. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive, offering various driving modes for battery power management. The vehicle's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. It paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. The X7 incorporated eBoost mild-hybrid technology, adding a 48-volt starter/generator and battery to improve fuel economy and responsiveness. Despite the technology, the X7's fuel economy ratings dropped slightly compared to the previous year. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering smooth and serene driving. However, the self-leveling air suspension struggled with excessive body motions, affecting driving enjoyment. The Dynamic Handling Package improved maneuverability and stability, while the M Sport brakes provided reliable stopping power.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging, with the battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and up to 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row offered reasonable legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation options. The interior featured smartly laid-out controls and storage solutions.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was decadent, with heated and ventilated front seats, massaging functions, and premium Merino leather upholstery. The front seats offered outstanding comfort, while the second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable. The SUV's rear doors were long, making entry and exit challenging in tight parking spaces. The X7 featured a four-zone automatic climate control system, with an available five-zone system for third-row occupants. The third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably, with power-folding options for increased cargo space. The X7 offered 48.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering an impressive user experience. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster provided customizable views, enhancing the cabin's futuristic tech feel. The Q5 included a built-in Integrated Toll Module, a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The navigation system optimized fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation and an iDrive 7.0 infotainment system with navigation. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, enhanced SiriusXM 360L, and Connected Package Pro. The X7 offered wireless smartphone charging, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The iDrive system was user-friendly, but finding specific functions while driving could be distracting. The test vehicle included a head-up display, though visibility was limited with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, Audi Pre Sense, and various driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and a top-view camera system.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with numerous safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. The package included evasive-steering assist, traffic-jam assist, and lane-control assist. The X7's driving assistance technology was accurate and smooth, though some specific experiences revealed areas for improvement. The Parking Assistance Package added semi-automated parking assist and a surround-view camera.