Audi Q2 vs BMW XM

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Audi Q2 a rating. ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the BMW XM. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q2 features a 8.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW XM gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q2 stands out with Apple CarPlay and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the BMW XM. The BMW XM counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q2 gets leather upholstery while the BMW XM offers merino leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Audi Q2 and 4-zone in the BMW XM.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q2 uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.

The BMW XM responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 550kW and 1000Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds.

The BMW XM has the clear power advantage at 550kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW XM is 4.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q2 measures 4,208mm long on a 2,601mm wheelbase, 902mm shorter than the BMW XM at 5,110mm (3,105mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW XM generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 405L in the Audi Q2 and 527L in the BMW XM, giving the BMW XM a 122L advantage.

For towing, the BMW XM leads with a 2,700kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Audi Q2's turning circle is 0.9 m tighter, 10.5 m against 11.4 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q2 costs about $1,568 a year (5.5 L/100km) and fuel for the BMW XM about $3,648 a year (12.8 L/100km as a hybrid), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $2,080 a year less for the Audi Q2. A plug-in hybrid is costed running as a hybrid (battery depleted); charged daily, it uses less fuel and some electricity.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q2) and 5 years / Unlimited (BMW XM).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q2: the lower starting price ($49,400 against $309,900) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,568 a year against $3,648).

The BMW XM: more power (550kW against 110kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (527L against 405L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,700kg against 1,200kg).

The Verdict

Audi Q2 scores higher, 71 vs 58

The Audi Q2 scores 71 to the BMW XM's 58 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Audi Q2 ahead by 66 points), performance (BMW XM ahead by 53 points), value (Audi Q2 ahead by 49 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q2 costs about $2,080 less (5.5 L/100km against 12.8 L/100km as a hybrid, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 405L in the Audi Q2, 527L in the BMW XM.

Common questions