Audi SQ5 Sportback vs BMW X3

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Audi SQ5 Sportback and BMW X3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2025. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 88% for the BMW X3.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW X3, against 6 on the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 6 in the BMW X3.

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 X3 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 and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the BMW X3. The BMW X3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and Bowers & Wilkins 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 X3 offers merino leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 4-zone in the BMW X3.

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 X3 responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 140kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 4.0s 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, 38mm shorter than the BMW X3 at 4,755mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 570L in the BMW X3, giving the BMW X3 a 55L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 400kg 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 0.3 m tighter, 11.8 m against 12.1 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 X3 about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback) and 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X3).

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: more power (270kW against 140kW).

The BMW X3: the lower starting price ($86,100 against $109,900), the bigger boot with the seats up (570L against 515L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Level at 73: here's what splits them

The Audi SQ5 Sportback and BMW X3 are level on the CarSorted Score at 73 each, so neither takes the overall call. What splits them: performance (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 36 points), practicality (BMW X3 ahead by 12 points), value (BMW X3 ahead by 9 points). Boot space with the seats up: 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback, 570L in the BMW X3.

Common questions