Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2015 Audi Q5 VS 2015 BMW X5 Near Scottsdale, AZ

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Audi Q5 have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The BMW X5 doesn’t offer pretensioners for the rear seat belts.

The Q5’s front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The X5 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Audi Q5 are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X5 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Q5. But it costs extra on the X5.

Both the Q5 and the X5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Q5 third among compact premium suvs in their 2013 Initial Quality Study. The X5 isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Q5’s 3.0 turbo V6 diesel produces 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (428 vs. 413) than the X5’s 3.0 turbo diesel.

The Q5 stops shorter than the X5:

For better maneuverability, the Q5’s turning circle is 3.6 feet tighter than the X5’s (38.1 feet vs. 41.7 feet).

The Audi Q5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 600 to 700 pounds less than the BMW X5.

The Q5 is 10.6 inches shorter than the X5, making the Q5 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Q5 has .6 inches more front legroom and .8 inches more rear legroom than the X5.

The Q5 has a much larger cargo area than the X5 with its rear seat up (29.1 vs. 22.9 cubic feet).

The Q5’s liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The X5’s tailgate’s top part raises up, but the bottom part lowers, getting in the way of loading and making an uneven surface for sliding cargo.

Insurance will cost less for the Q5 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Q5 will cost $1355 to $3630 less than the X5 over a five-year period.

The Q5 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The Intellichoice estimates that the Q5 will retain 54.85% to 57.62% of its original price after five years, while the X5 only retains 49.67% to 53.21%.

Intellichoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Audi Q5 will be $15203 to $22115 less than for the BMW X5.

The Audi Q5 has won recognition from these important consumer publications:

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Q5 first among compact premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The X5 was rated second in its category.

The Audi Q5 outsold the BMW X5 by 330 units during the 2014 model year.