Audi SQ5 Sportback vs BMW X1

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi SQ5 Sportback at 5 stars (2025) and the BMW X1 at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2022). 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 86% for the BMW X1, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi SQ5 Sportback, against 5 on the BMW X1.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 6 in the BMW X1.

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 SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the BMW X1 gets a 10.7-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the BMW X1. The BMW X1 counters with head-up display 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 X1 offers sensatec synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 2-zone in the BMW X1.

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 X1 responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 115kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 4.5s 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, 217mm longer than the BMW X1 at 4,500mm (2,692mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi SQ5 Sportback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 540L in the BMW X1, giving the BMW X1 a 25L advantage.

For towing, the Audi SQ5 Sportback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,700kg. That 300kg 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 X1's turning circle is 0.5 m tighter, 11.3 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 SQ5 Sportback costs about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km) and fuel for the BMW X1 about $1,853 a year (6.5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback) and 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X1).

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: more power (270kW against 115kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,700kg).

The BMW X1: the lower starting price ($61,800 against $109,900) and the bigger boot with the seats up (540L against 515L).

The Verdict

BMW X1 scores higher, 75 vs 73

The BMW X1 scores 75 to the Audi SQ5 Sportback's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 43 points), value (BMW X1 ahead by 19 points).

Common questions