If you are looking for a compact luxury SUV, two models will be at the top of the list. The upcoming season will bring many changes in 2019 Audi Q5 vs 2019 BMW X3, but their relationship is the same. Any update from each company is followed by the quick response from the other side. Is that a new engine, styling, some accessory, or a big innovation, these two models are the closest rivals.
We can’t decide which one of these is better. Every car fan has its own preferences. In our comparison, you will see that 2019 BMW X3 and 2019 Audi Q5 are very similar. So, tiny levels are going to be decisive. Of course, every buyer will have its own opinion and likes why BMW X3 or Audi Q5 is better than the other one. So, let’s check the pros and cons step by step.
2019 Audi Q5 vs 2019 BMW X3 Specs
Under the hood of the 2019 Audi Q5 is a 2.0-l turbo-four engine. The same displacement powers the 2019 BMW X3. With such units, outputs are nearly the same. Audi creates more power, but the difference is only 4 ponies. Q5 can make 252 hp and BMW X3 248 horsepower. The Q5 is slightly torquier with 273 lb-ft, compared to 258 pound-feet coming from the X3.
Lack of power the BMW makes up with better fuel economy. Well, the advantage is nothing special, since you can go 3 mpg more on the highway, while in a city drive, results are the same.
The alternative 3.0-liter turbo-six returns significantly better mileage. For 2019 BMW X3 it is 20/27 mpg for city/highway, while 2019 Audi Q5 comes up with 19/24 mpg.
Price – 2019 Audi Q5 vs 2019 BMW X3
When we talk about luxury crossovers we must know that these vehicles are not cheap. We also know that SUVs are packed with a lot of equipment, so specs are probably decisive. Slight advantage in power and torque of the 2019 Audi Q5 is annulled with the better fuel economy of the 2019 BMW X3. So, we must seek for other factors.
That could be the price. Here, BMW takes the advantage. Its X3 costs just shy of $41,000, while the Audi will offer its Q5 with $43,000 price sticker. For this difference, buyers can pick the AWD model of X3. Also, $2,000 is the cost of Luxury design package that brings chrome details and other accents around the SUV. With a panoramic sunroof, the BMW X3 will be $1,000 more expensive.
Well, since we can do a lot with $2,000, the price of the Audi Q5 is definitely not a pro for this SUV. But, let’s see if it is offering more interior features to prove the expenses.
2019 Audi Q5 vs 2019 BMW X3 Features
Yes, drivers are definitely on Audi’s side when we talk about equipment. Its MMI system is better than the iDrive infotainment. Nevertheless, we don’t want to say that BMW’s one is bad, but just, not too good to keep up with Audi. So, the Q5 won’t offer you big touchscreen display, but simple controls and transparency is something that you will fall in love at the first sight. Also, multiple connection slots, Wi-Fi center, and clean design of dashboard are definitely returning the 2019 Audi Q5 in the game. On the other side, 2019 BMW X3 offers big 8.8-inch screen, but as an additional option. One of the great features on this luxury SUV is Assist eCall. In case of crush, it immediately calls the emergency number.
Interior and Comfort
There are no big differences here, so again, details are decisive. Both premium crossovers are offering enough room front and back. Also, there is room for five occupants in each SUV. Well, the 2019 Audi Q5 will wrap its seats with leather, while BMW does it with leatherette in standard trim. All seats and steering wheel have a heating function, while Audi steps up with ventilation for front buckets.
If you are looking for the vehicle which is more capable to tow, then it is BMW X3. With rear seats folded, it offers 63 cubic-feet. The 2019 Audi Q5 comes 6 cubic-ft short, and the difference is so big so you can place a big bag or a bicycle with you. For some this is not so important, but when details matter, we add one more advantage on the side of 2019 BMW X3.
Safety
Not too many luxury crossovers can match safety measures of the 2019 BMW X3. Its rating in the different test is the same – nearly maximum protection in all segments. The 2019 Audi Q5 is not only good but excellent in this class. But it is not enough for the 5/5 stars rating from NHTSA and 4/5 good marks from IIHS for crashes that were earned by X3.
Which One is Better 2019 Audi Q5 vs 2019 BMW X3?
The conclusion is always tough. We must pick one of these two very similar models. When we take the most important details, these two vehicles are pretty similar. However, each segment draws another one as decisive, so we can’t just say that BMW X3 is better because of the price, since Audi is offering more standard options for its Q5.
But well, the detail would say that 2019 BMW X3 is definitely a better solution. It is cheaper and offers better mileage. Yes, the Q5 comes packed with more items, but you can upgrade your X3 for the difference. More power, higher consumption and better mileage, less energy is the magic circle. So, every driver must choose which of these is more important.
But, better safety marks definitely put 2019 BMW X3 in advantage. More cargo space and better reliability will cement the place above Audi Q5. Also, according to early tests, the X3 will keep the better steering and handling. In the situation where dimensions are the same, this is a clear sign that Audi must make improvements in the compact SUV class if they want to keep up with the competition.
You can read full reviews of these crossovers. More about 2019 Audi Q5 find HERE. Our story about the 2019 BMW X3 is HERE.
