2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV demeanor with its third-generation design. It featured a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, creating an imposing front end. The body sides were adorned with well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch. Despite these updates, the new styling elements appeared more evolutionary than revolutionary, giving the impression of a facelift rather than a complete redesign. The Q5 was available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims, with LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights on higher trims. The model offered both standard crossover SUV and coupe-like Q5 Sportback body styles, with the latter sacrificing cargo space and rear-seat headroom for a sleeker profile. The SQ5 performance variant stood out with matte chrome trim, larger air intakes, and quad exhaust tips, offering increased power and sport suspension.

Inside, the Q5's design was a mix of intricate details, with dashboard and door panel lines accommodating the opposing curves of the main touchscreen and bulging doors. While the design was somewhat discordant, the materials were top-notch, with sturdy plastics and contrasting silver and black trim pieces. Leather seating surfaces were standard, and the SQ5 offered a red interior with Alcantara trim and sportier front seats. However, the piano-black plastic around the cupholders and shifter was prone to dirt, and the SQ5 seats lacked adequate bolstering for enthusiastic driving.

The 2025 BMW X3, on the other hand, exuded a seductive appearance for a two-box SUV. Its redesigned form featured an oversized grille, aerodynamically honed flanks, and a long, tall hood, creating an athletic look. The test vehicle's Arctic Race Blue paint, with chilly silver undertones, complemented the machined surface wheel finish and gloss black M Sport details. Inside, the X3's cabin was simple yet functional, with plastic trim elements glowing with ambient lighting. While quality materials were present where expected, some areas revealed the X3's price point, particularly the lower cabin plastics. The X3 was available in 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive model series, both with standard all-wheel drive. The base price ranged from $51,125 to $65,875, making it a good value compared to rivals like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

The 2025 Audi Q5 offered a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive across all models. The base Q5 featured a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5 boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The base model's output was competitive, with slightly less horsepower than an Acura RDX but more torque. The SQ5 nearly matched the Mercedes-AMG GLC43 in output, with a manufacturer-estimated zero to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds. However, both the Q5 and SQ5 experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, affecting acceleration. The air suspension with adaptive damping, standard on the SQ5, provided capable handling but didn't encourage aggressive driving. Off-Road and Off-Road Plus modes were available, but the Q5 was more suited for dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Despite its 4,176-pound weight, the X3 achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The engine's power curve provided peak torque from 1,600 rpm to near redline at 6,500 rpm. The X3 also included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for improved responsiveness. The M50 xDrive variant offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided a go-kart-like ride on imperfect roads but excelled on twisty backroads. The turbo-four engine delivered impressive fuel economy, though our test vehicle fell short of the official EPA rating.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the 2024 model, with adequate headroom and legroom. The sliding and reclining second-row bench seat was standard, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 offered 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet behind the first row, surpassing the Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC but falling short of the Acura RDX and BMW X3. A power tailgate and heated front seats were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof available on higher trims. The Q5's towing capacity of 4,400 pounds exceeded that of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic and Lexus NX.

The 2025 BMW X3 provided a spacious interior with a power-adjustable driver's seat offering a sports car-like view of the hood. The dashboard featured a BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and Veganza artificial leather, while the rear seats were less comfortable. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight cargo cover, netted storage area, and a temporary spare tire under the load floor. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger arrangements.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. Premium Plus models added USB-C ports and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, offered a user-friendly interface. A built-in voice assistant handled vehicle functions, while an available head-up display provided essential information. The Q5 also included digital key connectivity and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2025 BMW X3's BMW Curved Display featured the new iDrive 9 software, offering a Quick Select user experience. Owners could create profiles using the MyBMW app, though our attempts were unsuccessful. The system occasionally froze, and the default Guest profile lacked access to BMW Digital Services. Despite these issues, the navigation system with augmented video provided accurate directions. Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity worked flawlessly, offering a reliable alternative to the native infotainment features.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came equipped with standard driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. An exit alert feature used ambient lighting to warn occupants of oncoming vehicles or cyclists. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at press time, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation's five-star NHTSA rating.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. The standard Active Driving Assistant included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Steering Assistant technology. The Parking Assistant Professional Package offered semi-automated parking tech, while the Driving Assistant Professional Package included hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and Lane Change Assistant. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact crash test.