When it comes to the top in luxury three-row vehicles, it is time to go head to head and see how the all-new 2020 BMW X5 and the 2019 Audi Q7 compare — and which one takes the top spot. When making this distinction before considering purchasing a luxury SUV, it is important to take into account everything from aesthetics and drivetrain to interior and exterior style, and everything in between. With its commitment to providing motorists with the most complete vehicle that meets all their needs — and then some — BMW continues to be a leader, an inspiration and the top contender in this face-off.
Here’s why
Interior style…..
While the Audi is smart and neat in its design, it is also understated, something the BMW is certainly not. In fact, many call its cabin “jaw-dropping.” Alternatively, the Audi lacks flair and panache in its cabin, and is considered conservative, while the X5 boasts various design touches resulting in a posh interior, including a new character line along the bodysides, a restyled fascia with reshaped air inlets and new LED lighting. This fully redesigned BMW has a completely upscale, spacious interior with quality materials that are sure to impress. Its look is fresh and more modern than its outgoing model and embraces a true driver-focused environment. This is a big vehicle, with optional third-row seats, perfect for any excursion. The Q7 by comparison is not set apart from other Audi SUV’s, and therefore does not hold the appeal of motorists. It does, however, have pleasing-to-the-touch switchgear, but its third row is only suitable for children and pets.
Drivetrain comparison
The all-new X5 comes with two engine options, and compare very favorably to the ones in the GLS-Class. The X5 xDrive40i has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 335 hp and reaches 0-60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. Even stronger in terms of performance is the X5 xDrive50i, which extracts 456 hp from its twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, getting it to 60 mph in an impressive 4.6 seconds. By comparison, the Audi Q7’s engine choices are one size down, both in the areas of displacement and cylinder-wise, than the other two. It features a base engine that is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 252 horsepower, giving it the ability to reach 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. This is far behind the X5 in terms of performance. The Audi does, however, have an upgrade pick to a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 333 hp, and while an excellent engine able to propel the vehicle to 60 in 5.7 seconds, it is only on par with entry-level engines of its competitors. All in all, if you have a need for speed, the BMW X5 is your preferred choice!
Tech talk
Thanks to a new, standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the all-new X5 is high on the tech quotient with the Q7 considered somewhat second fiddle. Smart features on the X5 include navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot and a long list of active safety features including lane-keep assist with traffic jam assistant. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support will most likely round out the list. Similarly, the Audi Q7 is a tech leader, with its own digital instrument cluster dubbed the Virtual Cockpit and a large infotainment screen. This screen, however, has a remote controller rather than touch operation. In all the new iDrive system on the X5 is considered better than ever and more customizable than before. Such tasks as inputting destinations is a breeze, whether you are sitting stationery or on the open road.
Driver focused
When it comes to your position within your luxury SUV — your view from behind the wheel — it is both about aesthetics and comfort. BMW has got this concept not only down to a science, but presents an interior that is truly inspirational and functional. By comparison, the Q7 is much more conservative. To start, the dashboard of the X5 is angled to create a true driver-focused environment. Quality of materials are also notable, with neat stitching on the leather dashboard and acres of brushed aluminum and piano black trim. Everything not only looks special, but feels special! Drivers also sit higher in the X5 when the driver’s seat is set in its lowest position. Both cars do come with electrically adjustable front seats as standard. There is also four-way lumbar adjustment and extendable under-thigh support.
Space/practicality
The Q7 does get the nod for interior space, as it gives both front and middle-row passengers significantly more head and leg room than they will find in the X5. That being said, there is the option of adding a third row of seats to your X5. The X5 also lags behind in boot space, but does offer a split tailgate that is supremely useful for loading larger items, which folds down, before sliding them into the boot. The upper half opens and closes electrically as standard, and you can also choose to have the lower section operate that way as well. Both cards boast a usefully flat extended load area with the second-row seats folded down. While the X5 does not offer the same amount of space inside as the Q7, it is still extremely roomy due to large side windows and a broad interior.
The winner?
While both of these vehicles offer features appealing to both the driver and passenger, overall, the BMW X5 outshines the Q7 in many areas. This all-new vehicle fulfills much broader needs for today’s driver. It is amazing to drive, packed with technology and features a lavish interior. It is alluring, powerful and offers just enough grit that makes it stand out from the rest. It is competent to say the least and is a truly excellent product.
