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2024 Audi Q7 Vs BMW X5: Which is Better?
Audi’s Q7, a family SUV derived from the A6 sedan, encapsulates sedan-like qualities in a taller, three-row format. The Q7 delivers a sporty drive, especially in models with adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering. Offering a choice between a 261-hp turbo-four and a 335-hp turbo V6. The 2024 Q7 and SQ7 showcase cosmetic updates, customizable lighting, a new grille, and enhanced infotainment and safety features while retaining previous powertrain options. Contrasting with the Porsche Cayenne’s driving excitement and the Genesis GV80’s seamless ride. The BMW X5 balances both, offering broad appeal and luxurious comfort with three powertrains. An inline-six, twin-turbo V8, and a plug-in hybrid. The X5’s premium cabin incorporates high-quality materials and advanced technology. Including a sleek curved digital display spanning the dashboard’s length. Making it a favoured mid-size luxury SUV with easily overlooked shortcomings.
| Audi Q7 | BMW X5 | |
| Dimensions | 199.6 in x 77.5 in x 68.8 in | 194.3 in x 78.9 in x 68.7 in |
| Engine | 3.0L turbocharged V6 | 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 |
| Horsepower | 340 hp | 523 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.6 sec | 3.9 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 13.5 sec | 11.9 sec |
| Top-Speed | 155 mph | 127 mph |
Audi Q7
Engine & Performance
The base engine for the Q7 is a 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. Equipped with a 12-volt hybrid system, ensuring satisfaction for most drivers. For those seeking more power, there’s an option for a turbocharged 3.0L V6 featuring a 48-volt hybrid system, delivering a robust 340 hp. Surprisingly, despite its considerable size. The Q7, especially when adorned with optional performance tires on 21-inch wheels. Adopts a low and nimble feel reminiscent of a pumped-up sports wagon. This transformation is facilitated by the optional air suspension’s adjustability and the enhanced agility provided by four-wheel steering. Making the Q7 unexpectedly enjoyable to navigate through twisty back roads.
Price & Mileage
The Audi Q7 is currently available for order in the market. With pricing starting at $84,475 for the entry-level Q7 45 TDI S Line and reaching $141,234 for the fully loaded SQ7 Vorsprung. In terms of fuel efficiency. The V6 model achieves 17 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined. Conversely, the turbo four-cylinder model takes the lead in efficiency, boasting ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Acceleration & Features
During a test of the turbo V6-powered Q7. It demonstrated impressive performance by accelerating to 60 mph in a swift 5.0 seconds. Just slightly quicker than its mechanically similar two-row counterpart, the Q8 SUV. Internally, the dashboard layout remains consistent, but the touchscreen now integrates the latest iteration of Audi’s infotainment system. This updated system provides compatibility with third-party applications such as Spotify and Amazon Music. Additionally, the standard Audi virtual cockpit has been enhanced to display information about other road users and includes ADAS-related features like lane change warning, distance warning, intersection assist, and traffic light information.
BMW X5
Engine & Performance
The X5 offers three distinct power setups, each associated with a specific model. X5s carrying the sDrive40i or xDrive40i labels feature a 375-hp turbocharged inline-six engine. The plug-in hybrid xDrive50e combines a turbocharged inline-six with an electric motor, boasting a total output of 483 hp. Finally, the M60i takes the lead with its potent 523-hp twin-turbo V8. All three powertrains seamlessly pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing ample power for various driving situations.
Price & Mileage
The BMW X5 is priced starting at $66,195 for the sDrive40i and can reach up to $90,295 for the xDrive M60i. While the fuel economy estimates for the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e are not yet available from the EPA, the sDrive40i with RWD and the xDrive40i with AWD are rated at 23 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. On the other hand, the V8-powered M60i model is anticipated to achieve around 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Acceleration & Features
The xDrive40i, boasting 335 hp, achieves a rapid 4.8-second run to 60 mph. The M60i, equipped with a robust 523-hp twin-turbo V8, impressively accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. Similarly, the xDrive50e, the plug-in hybrid variant, demonstrates remarkable speed with a sprint to 60 mph in the same quick time of 3.9 seconds on a test track. Upon entering the X5’s cabin, a curved display wall spanning two-thirds of the dashboard is revealed. This includes a 12.3-inch screen functioning as a gauge display, accompanied by a larger 14.9-inch touchscreen providing access to BMW’s iDrive infotainment interface. Users can effortlessly control the system via a center-console-mounted rotary knob. Standard features encompass Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot.