Audi SQ5 Sportback vs BMW X5 M

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the BMW X5 M a rating. 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.

Feature Showdown

The Audi SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the BMW X5 M 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 X5 M. The BMW X5 M counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats 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 X5 M offers merino leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 4-zone in the BMW X5 M.

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 X5 M responds with a Petrol making 460kW and 750Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.

The BMW X5 M has the clear power advantage at 460kW vs 270kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW X5 M 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, 231mm shorter than the BMW X5 M at 4,948mm (2,972mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X5 M generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 650L in the BMW X5 M, giving the BMW X5 M a 135L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X5 M 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 Audi SQ5 Sportback's turning circle is 0.9 m tighter, 11.8 m against 12.7 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 X5 M about $3,563 a year (12.5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,397 a year less for the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi SQ5 Sportback) and 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X5 M).

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: the lower starting price ($109,900 against $247,800) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,166 a year against $3,563).

The BMW X5 M: more power (460kW against 270kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (650L against 515L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,700kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi SQ5 Sportback scores higher, 73 vs 59

The Audi SQ5 Sportback scores 73 to the BMW X5 M's 59 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 SQ5 Sportback ahead by 44 points), safety (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 29 points), value (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 23 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi SQ5 Sportback costs about $1,397 less (7.6 L/100km against 12.5 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback, 650L in the BMW X5 M.

Common questions