India in the past few years, has emerged as the biggest compact SUVs market in the entire world. The major reason behind this changed consumer behaviour here is the sense of owning something more practical and bigger! Recently, both Audi and BMW have updated the Q5 and X3 for India and today, we have both the updated SUVs with us to find out which one is better and why.
Are you someone planning to buy one of these extremely luxurious compact SUVs? Well, before that, just check out this quick comparison between the all-new BMW X3 and Audi Q5 right here.
BMW X3
Creating a product that appeals to almost every kind of customer is tough but, BMW has time and again proved itself in the global market. It’s time to do the same in India and therefore, the carmaker has launched the updated X3 with a price tag starting at Rs.59.90 Lakhs (Ex-showroom, Delhi).
Feature list is something every car buyer look upon. BMW has always loaded even the entry-level cars and SUVs and interestingly, even the X3 facelift is no different. Starting with the screens, the updated range is available with a massive 12.35-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch fully digital driver’s display.
Other features such as a panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, Harman Kardon surround sound system, 360-degree camera and cruise control are also a part of the feature’s list.
Looks like even BMW is getting inspired by the competition! To be precise, just like Volvo and Audi, the German carmaker has introduced the updated X3 with a sole 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The overall output from this power unit is currently rated at 252HP and 350Nm while being paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The only positive news from BMW is that the carmaker is still offering an all-wheel-drive system on the X3 facelift as standard.
Audi Q5
The Indian arm of Audi has witnessed massive growth in terms of sales in 2021. Well, these numbers will only be going to rise as the brand has finally launched the all-new Q5 with a price tag of Rs.59.22 Lakh onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi). In a few days, even the Q7 will join the tribe but till then let’s see what the new Q5 has really got to offer.
Q5 has always been a best-seller for the brand because of the practicality it offers. This time, Audi has loaded it with a 10.09-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a massive Virtual Cockpit to compete with the new X3.
Interestingly, several other features including 30 colour ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround sound system and Park Assist are also there to retain the overall practicality.
Audi has clearly stated that the brand has no intention to reintroduce diesel engines in India. As a result, the updated Q5 is only with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The claimed figures from this power unit are rated at 249HP and 370Nm while being paired to a 7-speed DCT gearbox.
Just like BMW, even Audi has decided to offer the brand’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system on the new Q5 as standard.
BMW X3 Vs Audi Q5: At A Glance
| BMW X3 | Audi Q5 | |
| Length (mm) | 4708 | 4682 |
| Width (mm) | 1891 | 2140 |
| Height (mm) | 1676 | 1652 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2864 | 2819 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 204 | 197 |
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbo petrol | 2.0-litre turbo petrol |
| Power | 252HP | 248HP |
| Torque | 350Nm | 370Nm |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 13.17 kmpl | 13.47 kmpl |
| Price (Ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs.59.90 Lakhs to Rs.65.90 Lakhs | Rs.59.22 Lakhs to Rs.64.09 Lakhs |
Conclusion
Both of them are at par with each other in terms of price, performance and features. This way, the only factor left out to choose one of them is the brand tag. If BMW is your first choice, go for the X3 facelift. Similarly, if Audi really fascinates you, the updated Q5 can be your go to compact SUV any day.