Audi SQ5 Sportback vs BMW XM

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the BMW XM. 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.

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 XM 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 XM. The BMW XM counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Bowers & Wilkins audio 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 XM offers merino leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 4-zone in the BMW XM.

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 XM responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 550kW and 1000Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds.

The BMW XM has the clear power advantage at 550kW vs 270kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW XM is 0.7s 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, 393mm shorter than the BMW XM at 5,110mm (3,105mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW XM generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 527L in the BMW XM, giving the BMW XM a 12L advantage.

For towing, the BMW XM 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 BMW XM's turning circle is 0.4 m tighter, 11.4 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 XM about $3,648 a year (12.8 L/100km as a hybrid), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,482 a year less for the Audi SQ5 Sportback. A plug-in hybrid is costed running as a hybrid (battery depleted); charged daily, it uses less fuel and some electricity.

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

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: the lower starting price ($109,900 against $309,900) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,166 a year against $3,648).

The BMW XM: more power (550kW against 270kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (527L against 515L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,700kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi SQ5 Sportback scores higher, 73 vs 58

The Audi SQ5 Sportback scores 73 to the BMW XM's 58 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 47 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 $1,482 less (7.6 L/100km against 12.8 L/100km as a hybrid, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions