2025 Audi Q5 vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, although the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with the high-performance X5 M Competition variant. The xDrive50e M Sport specification test vehicle came with Brooklyn Grey paint, optional wheels, and all available equipment packages, priced at $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh, aligning it with other BMW models, and introduced the BMW Curved Display instrumentation and infotainment screen, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2025 Audi Q5 embraced a robust SUV aesthetic with a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, giving it an imposing front-end look. Despite new styling elements, the design felt more evolutionary than revolutionary. The Q5 was available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims, with LED Headlights Plus and programmable OLED taillights on higher trims. It offered standard crossover SUV and coupe-like Q5 Sportback body styles, with the latter sacrificing cargo space and rear-seat headroom for a sleeker profile. The SQ5 performance grade featured increased power, sport suspension, and distinctive design elements. The interior design was detailed, with top-notch materials, although the dashboard and door panel lines seemed discordant. The SQ5 offered a red interior with Alcantara trim and sportier front seats, but the piano-black plastic around the cupholders and shifter was prone to dirt. The SQ5 seats lacked adequate bolstering for enthusiastic driving.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with a significant upgrade to the xDrive50e PHEV’s electric range and power output. The PHEV featured a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, doubling the maximum AC charging rate to 7.4 kW. It offered 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was favored for its balance of performance and efficiency, with a recommendation for a Level 2 home charging station. The adaptive damping air suspension masked the vehicle’s weight, and the 21-inch wheels did not compromise ride quality. The X5 excelled in handling, with excellent acceleration, grip, and steering response, achieving an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during evaluation.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro AWD, with a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque for the base model, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque for the SQ5. The Q5’s performance was competitive, with a manufacturer-estimated zero to 60 mph time of 5.8 seconds for the standard model and 4.6 seconds for the SQ5. However, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, affecting acceleration. The air suspension provided capable handling, balancing damping and body control, but did not encourage aggressive driving. The Q5 included Off-Road and Off-Road Plus modes, raising the air suspension and incorporating hill-descent control, but was more suited to dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2024 BMW X5 offered a spacious interior with room for five people and a cargo area expanding from 33.1 to 71.2 cubic feet. The split liftgate design provided a seating area but required stretching to reach deep cargo. The test vehicle featured standard Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, sport seats, and the Climate Comfort Package, which included 20-way power-adjustable front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, and heated features. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort and a panoramic sunroof. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2025 Audi Q5 maintained similar dimensions to the 2024 model, with adequate headroom and legroom. It featured a sliding and reclining 40/20/40 split-folding second-row bench seat, with cargo space increasing to 27.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.9 cubic feet behind the first row. The Q5 offered more cargo space than some rivals but less than others. Standard features included a power tailgate and heated front seats, with upgrades available for a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, and heated rear seats. The Q5 had a towing capacity of up to 4,400 pounds, surpassing some competitors.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system running BMW Operating System 8.5. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant had limitations, struggling with voice recognition and providing inaccurate directions. The head-up display effectively conveyed data, and the navigation system offered an augmented video function.

The 2025 Audi Q5 came with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, with a 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen on the Prestige trim. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a cooled wireless charging pad, and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system on Premium Plus models. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was user-friendly, with a built-in voice assistant for some functions. The head-up display provided clear information, and the Dynamic Interaction Light offered additional cues. The Q5 also featured digital key connectivity and a built-in toll transponder.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, effective in dense or light traffic but less so in moderate traffic. The system occasionally engaged brakes sharply without cause. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed well, but the X5 misinterpreted a parked truck as an obstacle. The driver aids operated subtly, encouraging use. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS but did not earn a safety award due to lower headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2025 Audi Q5 included standard driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control, active front assist, lane departure warning, parking sensors, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Premium Plus models added a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise assist. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at press time, but Audi aimed to match the previous generation’s five-star NHTSA rating.