Audi SQ5 Sportback vs BMW iX

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi SQ5 Sportback 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 SQ5 Sportback and 91% for the BMW iX, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW iX, against 6 on the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

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 SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-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 SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the BMW iX. The BMW iX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi SQ5 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the BMW iX offers vernasca leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 4-zone in the BMW iX.

Drivetrain

The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses a Petrol MHEV producing 270kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 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 270kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi SQ5 Sportback 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 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 500L in the BMW iX, giving the Audi SQ5 Sportback a 15L 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 SQ5 Sportback'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 SQ5 Sportback costs about $2,166 a year (7.6 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 SQ5 Sportback) and 5 years / Unlimited (BMW iX).

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: the lower starting price ($109,900 against $142,900) and the bigger boot with the seats up (515L against 500L).

The BMW iX: more power (300kW against 270kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,500kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi SQ5 Sportback scores higher, 73 vs 69

The Audi SQ5 Sportback scores 73 to the BMW iX's 69 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: safety (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 10 points), practicality (BMW iX ahead by 10 points).

Common questions