Audi Q3 vs Volkswagen ID.5

The Audi Q3 starts from $61,600 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen ID.5 opens at $62,990. That makes the Audi Q3 the more affordable entry point by $1,390.

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. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $68,868 for the Audi Q3 and $66,990 for the Volkswagen ID.5.

The Volkswagen ID.5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi Q3, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Audi Q3 and Volkswagen ID.5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi Q3 and 93% for the Volkswagen ID.5.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi Q3 and 6 in the Volkswagen ID.5. The Volkswagen ID.5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Audi Q3 misses.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Audi Q3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen ID.5 gets a 12.9-inch display and 5.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q3 stands out with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volkswagen ID.5. The Volkswagen ID.5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q3 gets leather upholstery while the Volkswagen ID.5 offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Audi Q3 and 3-zone in the Volkswagen ID.5.

The Audi Q3 uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging, MHEV technology and Cylinder on Demand (CoD) producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.

The Volkswagen ID.5 responds with a Electric making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.

The Volkswagen ID.5 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen ID.5 is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi Q3 measures 4,531mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 53mm shorter than the Volkswagen ID.5 at 4,584mm (2,769mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen ID.5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 488L in the Audi Q3 and 549L in the Volkswagen ID.5, giving the Volkswagen ID.5 a 61L advantage.

For towing, the Audi Q3 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen ID.5). Both match on warranty length.