BMW Z4 vs Audi Q7

The BMW Z4 starts from $99,200 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q7 opens at $102,296. That makes the BMW Z4 the more affordable entry point by $3,096.

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 $109,120 and $112,526 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW Z4 by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.

The Audi Q7 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the BMW Z4. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the BMW Z4 and 92% for the Audi Q7.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q7 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the BMW Z4.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 4 in the BMW Z4 and 7 in the Audi Q7. The Audi Q7 adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW Z4 misses.

The BMW Z4 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Audi Q7 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q7 counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that the BMW Z4 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The BMW Z4 uses a Petrol producing 145kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.4 seconds.

The Audi Q7 responds with a 4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection system, turbocharging making 185kW and 370Nm, paired to a 8-speed tiptronic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

The Audi Q7 has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 145kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW Z4 is 1.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The BMW Z4 measures 4,335mm long on a 2,470mm wheelbase, 717mm shorter than the Audi Q7 at 5,052mm (2,994mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q7 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 210L in the BMW Z4 and 740L in the Audi Q7, giving the Audi Q7 a 530L advantage. The Audi Q7 seats 7 vs 2.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,223/year for the BMW Z4 and $2,622/year for the Audi Q7. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the BMW Z4.

Estimated annual total: $2,223 (BMW Z4) vs $2,622 (Audi Q7). The BMW Z4 saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW Z4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q7). Both match on warranty length.