Audi SQ5 Sportback vs BMW iX3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 16 Aug 2026, price 15 Jul 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
BMW iX3: we're still completing ground clearance, turning circle and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$109,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$109,900RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Audi SQ5 Sportback starts from $109,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW iX3 opens at $109,900. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $120,890 and $120,890 respectively.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi SQ5 Sportback and BMW iX3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW iX3, 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
Audi SQ5 Sportback
None open on our record
BMW iX3
None open 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 ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
108.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 400kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 400kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the BMW iX3. The BMW iX3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof and ambient lighting. 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 iX3 offers artificial leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 2-zone in the BMW iX3.
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 iX3 responds with a Electric making 345kW and 645Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.
The BMW iX3 has the clear power advantage at 345kW vs 270kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 0.4s 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, 65mm shorter than the BMW iX3 at 4,782mm (2,897mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW iX3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 520L in the BMW iX3, giving the BMW iX3 a 5L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m diameter
Average
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.4 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years (Audi SQ5 Sportback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi SQ5 Sportback if: You or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW iX3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
BMW iX3: Top CarSorted Score, 74 vs 73
The BMW iX3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (74 vs 73), taking 2 of 3 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (BMW iX3 ahead by 19), safety (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 10), practicality (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 6). The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi SQ5 Sportback and BMW iX3?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback is the cheapest at $109,900 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Audi SQ5 Sportback and BMW iX3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW iX3 has the largest boot at 520L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW iX3 makes the most power at 345kW. The Audi SQ5 Sportback is quickest to 100km/h in 4.5s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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