BMW X5 vs Audi Q7

BMW X5 vs Audi Q7: Performance Specs

Luxury SUVs are popular thanks to their accommodating and versatile performances that pack a lot of punch on the roads. The 2021 BMW X5 and the 2021 Audi Q7 both offer smooth rides and engaging handling as well as powerful engine options for your city or highway commutes. So, which one is right for you?

The X5 comes standard with a 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine. This beast of a machine delivers 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, allowing you to do some great things. With this type of oomph, you can hit 60 MPH in a short 5.3 seconds and reach a top track speed of 151 MPH when properly equipped.

The Q7, meanwhile, comes standardly outfitted with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that delivers 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Although this is still a lot of strength behind the wheel, it doesn’t quite compare to the BMW X5—especially considering it takes 6.9 seconds to reach 60 MPH and its top speed maxes out at 130 MPH.

If you’re craving a bit more power, the 2021 X5 has you covered with its available 4.4L TwinPower Turbo V8. This hard-hitting powertrain churns out an impressive 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, allowing you to reach 60 MPH in a breathless 4.1 seconds.

Unfortunately, the Audi Q7’s available 3.0L 6-cylinder engine doesn’t quite meet up to these high standards, either. It produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with a 0 to 60 MPH acceleration rate of 5.7 seconds.

X5 vs Q7: Fuel Economy

With these luxury SUVs generating so much power under the hood, you’d think that the fuel economy would suffer. However, both of these models achieve high levels of efficiency, letting you show off your stylish ride longer with fewer fill-ups.

That being said, even though the BMW X5 boasts a stronger standard engine, you’ll still fare better than in the  Audi Q7 when it comes to fuel economy, too. Let’s take a peek:

While the numbers aren’t much different, they may start to affect you almost immediately with the number of trips you make to the gas station.

Looking for even better efficiency behind the wheel? Once again, the 2021 BMW X5 has your back with its available electrified powertrain. Pairing the 3.0L 4-cylinder engine with hybrid and electric technologies results in an estimated fuel economy of 50 MPGe (miles per gallon electric).* It also boasts a 400-mile driving range as well as a remarkable 389 combined horsepower and 331 combined lb-ft of torque.* 

BMW X5 vs Audi Q7: Passenger & Cargo Room

The versatility of an SUV doesn’t limit itself to what’s under the hood. It also shows itself inside the cabin, providing you and your passengers with an accommodating, spacious, and configurable area for your travels.

Although both these luxury SUVs offer roomy interiors, the major difference between the two models is their seating capacity. While the Audi Q7 comes standard with room for seven people in three rows of seats, you might find the X5 more versatile. Its standard 2-row, 5-passenger seating can be changed to fit two more seats, bumping the capacity up to seven.

When comparing standard layouts, however, you’ll still find a bit more space in the 2021 BMW X5, especially when it comes to headroom. Let’s take a look:

Additionally, you’ll get more cargo room inside the BMW X5. When the second row is folded down flat, you’ll have 72.3 cubic feet for shopping bags, luggage, and more. The Audi Q7, on the other hand, offers just 69.9 cubic feet of cargo space when the second and third rows are folded down.

BMW X5 vs Audi Q7: Interior Features & Technology

Since they’re luxury SUVs, you can expect first-class amenities inside the cabins of both the BMW and Audi models. To ensure your drives are cozy and accommodating, the 2021 BMW X5 and the Q7 each offer a suite of features that focus on personal comfort. These include:

• Heated/ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Multi-zone climate control systems

With features like these, you can warm up or cool down easily, no matter what the weather.

Each vehicle also comes with high-end technology to keep you entertained throughout your commutes. For example, there’s standard Bluetooth® technology and HD Radio™ for dozens of great music options.

To making commuting even better, the BMW X5 pulls out all the stops. It comes standard with an iDrive infotainment system. All your media options, including Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, will appear on a crisp, clear 12.3-inch touchscreen for easy access while behind the wheel.

The Q7 comes standard with an infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ as well. However, the apps will appear on a 10.1-inch screen for slightly reduced visibility.

Other exclusive technologies you’ll find in the BMW X5 include:

• Intelligent Personal Assistant
• Live Cockpit Professional
• Cloud-based Navigation

BMW vs Audi: Safety

No matter which vehicle you decide is better for your commutes, you’ll get the peace of mind you deserve thanks to advanced driver-assistive technologies in both the X5 and the Q7. These systems utilize high-end cameras and sensors around the model to keep you alert while helping prevent collisions when possible.

In the BMW X5, you’ll receive the standard Active Driving Assistant. This suite of driving aids includes

• Active Blind Spot Detection
• Lane Departure Warning
• Dynamic Cruise Control
• Automatic High Beams
• Frontal Collision Warning
• Speed Limit Info

The Audi Q7 comes with similar standard features that can help keep you safer on the roads as well. These include:

• Cruise control system
• Audi pre sense® front
• High-beam assist
• Rearview camera
• Lane departure warning

However, there are fewer features and some of the systems appear less advanced than the ones found in the X5. However, you do have the option to add on extra driver-assistive technologies at the higher trim levels.

* Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower. Note for MPGe: All data are provisional and subject to official confirmation. The provisional power consumption figures have been calculated based on the ECE test cycle.