BMW X5 vs Audi SQ5

Five versions of this midsize luxury SUV are available for 2026, all satisfying in one way or another. The 40i models cost the least but can be optioned with almost everything buyers could want. The 50e is a plug-in hybrid with 38 miles of electric-only range. The M60i and X5 M are the performance models, and offer a handful of desirable exclusive options, especially for audiophiles with deep pockets.

Verdict: Prices rise quickly with upgrades, but few luxury SUVs blend style, quality, comfort, tech, and performance like the 2026 X5.

Based on the redesigned 2025 Audi Q5, the SQ5 is a compact luxury crossover SUV that features styling, equipment, and mechanical upgrades to deliver a sporty, luxurious, and fun-to-drive experience. It comes in standard or Sportback body styles, the latter equipped with a racy roofline that doesn’t compromise passenger and cargo space as much as you expect. Upgrades with this redesign include a new vehicle architecture, more power, added practicality, and next-generation technology.

Verdict: Choosing a sport-tuned SUV over a sport-tuned sedan typically means making a dynamic compromise. The added weight and higher center of gravity can make an SUV less enjoyable when the road turns twisty. With the 2025 Audi SQ5, that’s not the case. We like it more than the Audi S5 Sportback that shares its Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture.