Audi Q5 vs BMW XM

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

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 Q5 features a 10.1-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 Q5 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the BMW XM. The BMW XM counters with 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 Q5 gets leather upholstery while the BMW XM offers merino leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q5 and 4-zone in the BMW XM.

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 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 150kW. 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 Q5 measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 393mm 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 520L in the Audi Q5 and 527L in the BMW XM, giving the BMW XM a 7L advantage.

For towing, the BMW XM 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 BMW XM's turning circle is 0.4 m tighter, 11.4 m against 11.8 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 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 $2,023 a year less for the Audi Q5. 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 Q5) and 5 years / Unlimited (BMW XM). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Audi Q5), no data (BMW XM).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q5: the lower starting price ($80,900 against $309,900) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,625 a year against $3,648).

The BMW XM: more power (550kW against 150kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (527L against 520L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,700kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi Q5 scores higher, 76 vs 58

The Audi Q5 scores 76 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 Q5 ahead by 65 points), performance (BMW XM ahead by 46 points), value (Audi Q5 ahead by 37 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $2,023 less (5.7 L/100km against 12.8 L/100km as a hybrid, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions