Two of the biggest names in the luxury SUV world have just been fully redesigned, and both are worth a very close look if you want space, comfort and plenty of kit. The BMW X5 and Audi Q7 have long been rivals, and with all-new versions of each now on sale, it's worth weighing up how they compare across price, design, technology, space and driving dynamics.
On price, the new X5 starts at just over £85,000, with the fully electric iX5 oddly the cheapest in the range, followed closely by diesel and hybrid versions. The priciest "normal" X5, the iX5 M Sport Pro, comes in at around £91,500, while the high-performance M60e xDrive tops out at just over £101,000. The Q7 starts lower on paper at just under £82,000 for the entry diesel, but that's roughly £10,000 more than its predecessor, climbing to nearly £89,000 for Edition 1 and £101,665 for the range-topping Vorsprung, which doesn't get a more powerful engine to match that price. A V8 SQ7 is confirmed for the UK, though full specs aren't out yet.
Design-wise, the X5 borrows cues from the iX3 but wears them better, with striking X-shaped headlights that flash orange on indication and a bold, imposing front end. The Q7 counters with customisable OLED taillights and headlights that can project warnings onto the road, alongside a more boxy, traditional Audi grille-led look. Overall, the BMW edges it for presence.
Both cars prioritise comfort over outright sportiness. The Q7's air suspension soaks up broken roads slightly better, and it's quieter on the motorway, while the X5 counters with sharper driving dynamics and better adaptive cruise control. On a twisty road, the BMW is the more engaging of the two.
Inside, the X5 impresses with its wide "Panoramic Vision" head-up display and premium materials, though some lower trim plastics feel cheap. The Q7's infotainment is simpler to use, but its design and digital dials feel comparatively plain. Practicality favours Audi, though, as the Q7 offers optional seven seats and a bigger boot, 722 litres versus 650.
Engine choice is wider for BMW, spanning diesel, plug-in hybrid and the brand's first fully electric X5, the iX5, with around 500 miles of range. Audi currently offers only diesel, with a hybrid and SQ7 to follow.
Overall, the BMW X5 narrowly wins out for driving enjoyment, styling and choice, while the Audi Q7 remains the stronger pick for families needing seven seats and extra comfort.
Source: Carwow
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