The Audi Q5 Vs. BMW X5: An In-Depth Comparison

When hunting for your next luxury SUV, you'll eventually want to compare the Audi Q5 vs. BMW X5. These two five-seat sport-utes are known for their advanced technology and powerful performance. However, where the 2025 BMW X5 carried over from 2024 with minor adjustments, the 2025 Audi Q5 coming to our Audi Pittsfield showroom received a full-on makeover from the previous model year. See how Audi Q5 compared to BMW X5 specs and dimensions stack up below, then find yours at our dealership today.

Audi Q5 vs. BMW X5 Performance

Let's see if the BMW X5 can do what it's advertised to do. As a performance-centric SUV, the X5 markets its engine as one of the best in the sector. However, the Q5 reaches 60 mph just 0.4 seconds slower and has better MPG ratings to boot.

Yes, the BMW X5 uses a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with much higher on-paper specs than the Audi Q5 45 TFSI. However, the X5 is only 0.4 seconds faster at reaching 60 mph. The 268-horsepower engine available on the Q5 feels nearly as good to drive and will still let you merge with ease. Even better, you get to choose the trim you get the Audi Q5 engine on, while the X5 alternative engine options are locked behind the X5 M model variants.

Acceleration can be considered a relatively close matchup. What about MPG ratings? These are nearly identical, too – the Q5 gets one more Highway MPG than the X5.^{3, 4} It may not seem like much, but you'll still get more highway driving per gallon out of the Audi model. Either way, we have to say the 2025 Audi Q5 vs. 2025 BMW X5 showdown is too close to call so far.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in performance between the Audi Q5 and BMW X5?

The BMW X5 is a performance-focused vehicle, so it's no surprise that the X5 has more horsepower and torque than the Audi Q5. However, the Audi Q5 S Line 45 TFSI provides a very similar acceleration time to that of the BMW X5, at 5.7 seconds vs. 5.3 seconds, respectively. The 45 TFSI also has one more highway MPG than the BMW model.^{3, 4}

Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency: the Audi Q5 or BMW X5?

The Audi Q5 and BMW X5 have similar fuel efficiency for 2025. The Audi SUV gets an EPA-estimated 23/28/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).³ In contrast, the BMW X5 earns an EPA rating of 23/27/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).⁴ The Audi Q5 40 TFSI, which will carry over alongside the 2025 model, has even better ratings – 23/29/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).⁵

What are the safety ratings for the Audi Q5 and BMW X5?

According to the NHTSA, the 2025 Audi Q5 is rated higher at five stars¹ compared to four for the BMW X5.² The Audi model scored five stars in all categories except Rollover Risk,¹ while the BMW SUV has four stars in Frontal Crash and Rollover Risk.² This means while both models are competent at keeping you safe on the road, the Q5 goes the extra mile.

Related Audi Q5 Buying, Leasing, and Comparison Pages

¹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/AUDI/Q5/SUV/AWD

²Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2025/BMW/X5/SUV/AWD

³23 city/28 highway/25 combined city/hwy MPG (2025 Audi Q5 S Line 45 TFSI). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

⁴Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.

⁵23 city/29 highway/26 combined city/hwy MPG (2025 Audi Q5 40 TFSI). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.