Audi A7 vs BMW X5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Audi A7 starts from $144,200 before on-road costs, while the BMW X5 opens at $137,600. That makes the BMW X5 the more affordable entry point by $6,600.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $158,620 and $151,360 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Audi A7 by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi A7 and BMW X5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Audi A7 and 89% for the BMW X5.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi A7 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the BMW X5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi A7 and 7 in the BMW X5.
Feature Showdown
The Audi A7 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the BMW X5 gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi A7 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the BMW X5. The BMW X5 counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi A7 uses a Petrol MHEV producing 250kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds.
The BMW X5 responds with a Diesel making 210kW and 620Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
The Audi A7 has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 210kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X5 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi A7 measures 4,969mm long on a 2,926mm wheelbase, 47mm longer than the BMW X5 at 4,922mm (2,975mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 535L in the Audi A7 and 650L in the BMW X5, giving the BMW X5 a 115L advantage.
For towing, the BMW X5 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.7m to 12.7m
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,995/year for the Audi A7 and $2,451/year for the BMW X5. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Audi A7.
Estimated annual total: $1,995 (Audi A7) vs $2,451 (BMW X5). The Audi A7 saves you roughly $456 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A7) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A7 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW X5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Audi A7 will save you roughly $456 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW X5 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi A7 and BMW X5?
The BMW X5 is the cheapest at $137,600 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi A7 by $6,600.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A7 uses the least fuel at 7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi A7 and BMW X5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X5 has the largest boot at 650L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi A7 makes the most power at 250kW. The BMW X5 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.3s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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