2023 Audi Q5 vs 2024 BMW X5

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 hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. 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 competitors. The build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, though the M Sport treatment was less favored for its station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch wheels with staggered-width summer tires, enhancing its sporty look. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder, a turbo-six PHEV, and a turbocharged V8, with the high-performance X5 M Competition at the top. The xDrive50e M Sport model came with Brooklyn Grey paint and every available equipment package, priced at $88,075. The 2024 model received a styling refresh and introduced the BMW Curved Display, modernizing the interior with reduced physical controls while retaining high-quality materials. The X5's interior updates aligned it with BMW's other models, offering a blend of modern technology and traditional luxury.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, exclusive to the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI was a plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s featured 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 transmission, making initial acceleration feel sluggish. However, once underway, power was adequate, and handling was sporty, with precise steering. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, with a quiet engine and minimal road noise, providing a calm cabin experience.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured a new, more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It offered 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was favored for its performance and efficiency, though a Level 2 home charging station was recommended for maximizing electric driving. The adaptive damping air suspension masked the vehicle's weight, and the 21-inch wheels did not compromise ride quality. The X5 excelled in handling, with quick steering and excellent visibility. In Sport mode, it delivered impressive acceleration, grip, and steering response, with brakes that performed well under hard use. The PHEV also gained battery charge during spirited driving, achieving an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018, with a well-placed infotainment touchscreen and traditional controls for climate and secondary functions. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar and better-than-average rear visibility. The front seats offered ample space for taller passengers, and the rear seats accommodated six-footers comfortably, even in the Sportback model. Storage options were varied, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly reduced to 24.7 cubic feet in the Sportback, which was competitive within its class.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five and a 33.1 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to reach deep cargo. The test vehicle featured BMW's Sensafin artificial leather, which felt like genuine leather. Standard sport seats and the optional Climate Comfort Package added 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, four-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The panoramic sunroof and side window sunshades enhanced rear passenger comfort. The X5 no longer offered a third-row seat, a feature reserved for the larger X7.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses, though system boot-up and Apple CarPlay activation were slow. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto were available across all trims, with a Bang & Olufsen audio system standard on higher trims. The Audi Connect Care service allowed remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, with a limited-time subscription. Mid-range trims featured a customizable digital instrument panel, providing ample information.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a single glass piece. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, often misinterpreting commands. The available head-up display effectively conveyed data, and the augmented video function for navigation was useful, though reliant on accurate directions from the assistant.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, with 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, a semi-automated parking system, and optional rear-seat side airbags.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving system, requiring deliberate activation. It performed well in dense or light traffic but could behave unpredictably in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance worked effectively, though occasional errant braking occurred. The IIHS rated the X5 highly, but lower headlight ratings prevented an award. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating.