2025 BMW X5 vs 2025 Audi Q5

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved from its predecessors, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing new details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which added a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the signature twin-kidney grille remained a reasonable size, avoiding the puzzling trim seen on other BMW models. The optional M Sport Package added sportier bumpers and darkened exterior trim, with further upgrades available in the M Sport Professional version. The X5 celebrated its 25th anniversary with a limited-production Silver Anniversary Edition, featuring unique trim options and an off-road package. Inside, the X5's interior evolved gradually, maintaining a connection to previous generations with a similar feeling of quality, albeit with a plainer appearance compared to some competitors.

The 2025 Audi Q5 embraced a tough SUV aesthetic with a large, textured grille, prominent air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, giving it an imposing look. The body featured well-defined lines, creating a muscular appearance. Despite the new styling elements, the Q5 seemed more like a facelift than a complete redesign. Trim levels included Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights available on higher trims. The Q5 was offered in standard SUV and coupe-like Sportback body styles, with the latter sacrificing cargo space for a sleeker profile. The SQ5 performance grade added power and sport suspension, along with distinctive design elements. Inside, the Q5's interior was detailed and distinctive, with top-notch materials and standard leather seating surfaces. However, the design was somewhat discordant, and the SQ5 seats lacked adequate bolstering for enthusiastic driving.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the RWD X5 sDrive40i and AWD X5 xDrive40i, both powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the X5 to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The AWD-only X5 M60i xDrive featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero to 60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. Both models shared an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The X5 plug-in hybrid, the xDrive50e, combined the inline-six with a larger electric motor and battery pack, delivering a total system output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, with a zero to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and up to 39 miles of all-electric range. The Silver Anniversary Edition included the xOffroad Package, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro AWD across all models. The base Q5 was equipped with 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 SQ5 achieved a manufacturer-estimated zero to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, while the standard Q5 was estimated at 5.8 seconds. However, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts from the dual-clutch transmission. The Q5's steel-spring suspension with passive damping was standard, with air suspension available on higher trims. The air suspension provided capable handling, but the steering lacked responsiveness. The Q5 included Off-Road and Off-Road Plus driving modes, but it was more suited for dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV, offering generous passenger space but not class-leading. It had slightly less first-row legroom compared to some rivals but offered more headroom. The X5's sport seats provided appreciated bolstering during cornering and comfort on long drives. However, the lack of real leather upholstery and front-seat ventilation was noticeable given its price. The X5 offered 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. Its split tailgate was a unique feature, providing convenience for loading and unloading. The X5's towing capacity was 7,200 pounds, competitive for its class.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to the 2024 model, offering adequate space compared to rivals. It featured a sliding and reclining second-row bench seat with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 provided 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet with the first row folded, offering more space than some competitors. A power tailgate and heated front seats were standard, with additional features available on higher trims. The Q5's towing capacity was 4,400 pounds, surpassing some rivals but falling short of others.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read, with a prominent speed readout. Augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity were also available, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with an optional 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. The MMI infotainment system was based on Android Automotive OS, offering a user-friendly interface. A built-in voice assistant handled some vehicle functions, while the digital instrument cluster had less functionality than previous versions. An available head-up display provided additional information, and the Q5 featured Audi's Dynamic Interaction Light for visual cues.

The 2025 BMW X5 came standard with Active Driving Assistant, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. Adaptive cruise control was available through the Driving Assistance Professional Package, which included Highway Assistant for hands-free driving. The standard Parking Assistant included Reversing Assistant, with additional features available in the Parking Assistance Professional Package. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Audi Q5 included standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. 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 overall safety rating from the NHTSA.