Compared: 2022 Audi Q5 vs. 2022 BMW X3

It's elegance vs. sporting aspirations in this German compact-crossover matchup.

Carl Malek | 

Nov 27, 2023 | 3 min read

Audi | BMW

The 2022 Audi Q5 and BMW X3 lineups seemingly have something for everyone, and yet certain things matter more to one brand than the other. For Audi, a luxury experience is top of mind, whereas at BMW, performance is king. Here, we look at how these two premium compact crossovers differ. (This comparison does not cover the Sportback version of the Q5 or the new electric iX3.)

BMW

The pricier X3 outpowers the Audi Q5

The base Q5 starts at a little less than $45,000. It comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and offers a variety of powertrains to suit different buyers. You can have the regular Q5 40, with a four-cylinder making 201 horsepower; the Q5 45, with a 261-hp version of that engine (nearly $47,000); the Q5 55, with a 362-hp plug-in hybrid (around $56,000); or the performance-oriented SQ5, with a 349-hp six-cylinder (almost $57,000).

The X3 doesn't have quite as many underhood options, but its base engine makes 47 more horses than the entry-level Q5's, and both of the lineup's M models outpower the mightiest in Audi's. The M40i makes 382 ponies and costs almost $59,000, while the range-topping X3 M is in another league, putting out 473 horsepower and opening at just over $71,000. BMW offers a Competition package on the latter that will boost output to a ferocious 503 ponies.

BMW

BMW X3 favors a sportier look while Audi Q5 is minimalist

As for the cabins of these five-seat luxury compact crossovers, BMW favors a sportier look. It has a 10.3-inch infotainment screen with adaptive cruise control in every model. For an additional cost, you can get leather seating and heated front seats. As for space, the X3 has the edge in cargo volume with 29 cubic-feet.

The Audi adopts a more minimalist design. It has a 10.1-inch infotainment screen and provides standard leather seats as well as heated front seats. The Q5 has 26 cu-ft in cargo space but more space for passengers in the back seat compared with the X3.

The two utes boast similar infotainment systems with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity coming standard.

Audi

X3 and Q5 are similar in fuel economy — except for the plug-in model

The X3 has a decent fuel-economy showing, with the base rear-wheel-drive model returning 23/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined. As you might expect, the X3 M doesn't put much store in fuel economy: it manages only 15/20/17 mpg.

Audi shows identical fuel economy to the base X3 for the AWD-only Q5 40 and Q5 45 scores of 23/29/25 mpg. Audi's plug-in model is far behind, providing 23 miles of electric range and 61 MPGe. Both automakers recommend premium fuel for these models.

All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.

Carl Malek

Carl Malek is an automotive journalist with more than 10 years of professional experience. He covers all aspects of the automobile industry but specializes in vehicle reviews and industry analysis with strong knowledge in both fields. When he is not writing, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife Emily and being involved in other family activities.