Audi Q5 vs BMW iX

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi Q5 at 5 stars (2025) and the BMW iX at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi Q5 and 91% for the BMW iX, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi Q5, against 7 on the BMW iX.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

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 Q5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW iX gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q5 stands out with power tailgate, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the BMW iX. The BMW iX counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q5 gets leather upholstery while the BMW iX offers vernasca leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q5 and 4-zone in the BMW iX.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q5 uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.

The BMW iX responds with a Electric making 300kW and 700Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds.

The BMW iX has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW iX is 3.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q5 measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 248mm shorter than the BMW iX at 4,965mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW iX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q5 and 500L in the BMW iX, giving the Audi Q5 a 20L advantage.

For towing, the BMW iX leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 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 Q5's turning circle is 1.0 m tighter, 11.8 m against 12.8 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 Q5 costs about $1,625 a year (5.7 L/100km) and electricity for the BMW iX about $960 a year (20 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q5) and 5 years / Unlimited (BMW iX). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Audi Q5), no data (BMW iX).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q5: the lower starting price ($80,900 against $142,900) and the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 500L).

The BMW iX: more power (300kW against 150kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,500kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi Q5 scores higher, 76 vs 69

The Audi Q5 scores 76 to the BMW iX's 69 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (BMW iX ahead by 33 points), value (Audi Q5 ahead by 20 points).

Common questions