Audi Q5 vs BMW X6 M

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the BMW X6 M. 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.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW X6 M 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 Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the BMW X6 M. The BMW X6 M counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated 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 X6 M offers merino leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q5 and 4-zone in the BMW X6 M.

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 X6 M responds with a Petrol making 460kW and 750Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.

The BMW X6 M has the clear power advantage at 460kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW X6 M is 4.7s 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, 231mm shorter than the BMW X6 M at 4,948mm (2,972mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X6 M generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q5 and 580L in the BMW X6 M, giving the BMW X6 M a 60L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X6 M leads with a 2,700kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 700kg 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 0.9 m tighter, 11.8 m against 12.7 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 fuel for the BMW X6 M about $3,563 a year (12.5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,938 a year less for the Audi Q5.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q5) and 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X6 M). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Audi Q5), no data (BMW X6 M).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q5: the lower starting price ($80,900 against $247,900) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,625 a year against $3,563).

The BMW X6 M: more power (460kW against 150kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (580L against 520L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,700kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi Q5 scores higher, 76 vs 59

The Audi Q5 scores 76 to the BMW X6 M's 59 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 Q5 ahead by 62 points), performance (BMW X6 M ahead by 45 points), value (Audi Q5 ahead by 37 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $1,938 less (5.7 L/100km against 12.5 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 520L in the Audi Q5, 580L in the BMW X6 M.

Common questions