2023 BMW X7 vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, featuring subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which boasted a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. Despite the typical reservations about "coupelike" styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from the hatch to the upright tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show since its last redesign five years prior. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to newer non-luxury competitors. The build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks over rough surfaces, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design inspired by the BMW 7 Series sedan. The front end featured LED accent lights and recessed headlights, maintaining the oversized kidney grille that sparked mixed reactions. While the facelift aimed for a striking appearance, it sacrificed some grace and cohesiveness. The interior received a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, and a more elemental dashboard design. The center console introduced a toggle switch-like gear selector, replacing the previous crystal lever. Interior materials were top-notch, with leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. The X7's interior revisions lent it a modern and elegant appearance, despite the polarizing exterior. The cabin was sturdily built, with no creaks on bumpy roads, and the interior updates provided a more contemporary feel.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, likely due to the slow-reacting transmission, making initial acceleration feel sluggish. However, once underway, power was adequate. Handling was sporty, with precise steering, and the Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well. The cabin remained quiet, with minimal road and wind noise.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup began with the base xDrive40i model, featuring a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a similar hybrid system, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled its mass well, with potent acceleration from the V8. The base six-cylinder was also adequate, though not as smooth. Handling was limited by the X7's weight and ride height, but body roll was well managed. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, reflecting BMW's focus on driver engagement. Overall, the X7 offered a good blend of performance and comfort.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018, but it aged well. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned atop the dash for reduced distraction, with traditional dials and buttons for climate controls. Outward visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The rear seats accommodated six-footers comfortably, with minimal headroom reduction in the Sportback model. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 offered 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly reduced to 24.7 cubic feet in the Sportback.

The 2023 BMW X7 provided ample space, with the second-row seats accommodating taller passengers. Accessing the third row required time as the power-operated middle row moved, but it offered a large opening. The third row could hold average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. Behind the third row, there was 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats folded. The X7 featured a split tailgate and a button to lower the suspension for easier loading. Front-seat passengers had adequate storage, with a large center console bin and well-sized cupholders.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. However, the system took time to boot up, and Apple CarPlay activation was slow. Both CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly. Higher trims featured a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Audi Connect Care service allowed remote monitoring and feature control via a smartphone app, with a limited-time subscription. Mid-range trims included a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which was less intuitive than previous versions. Basic functions were easy to operate, but many physical buttons were replaced by on-screen controls, complicating tasks like adjusting seat settings or cruise control. Voice commands offered a workaround, but they interrupted audio playback. The system's complexity highlighted the need for more physical buttons and intuitive menus.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist. The top Prestige trim featured matrix-design LED headlights, a head-up display, and a semi-automated parking system.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test results from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive list of safety features. Standard features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights, and parking sensors. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera, with options for adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward cross-traffic alerts, and a semi-automated parking function. The highway driving assist feature reduced driver fatigue on long trips, and all safety features performed reliably.