2017 BMW X5 vs Audi Q7 – Which SUV Is Better?

2017 BMW X5 vs 2017 Audi Q7

Serving Tallahassee, Valdosta, Thomasville, Quincy, Bainbridge

BMW launched the X5 in 2000 as a luxurious alternative to the existing SUVs. Advertised as a "Sports Activity Vehicle," it provided typical SUV convenience with the capabilities of a sports car. Other premium manufacturers followed suit, notable among them Audi. The Audi Q7 was introduced for the 2007 model year in a bid to oust the X5 seven-year dominance. But although the Audi Q7 is as outstanding as any midsize luxury sedan should be, it fails to level up with the X5 in several aspects including performance, driving impressions, and interior features and comfort.

Better Performance Options

Both featured SUVs deliver extraordinary performance and fuel economy. It is noteworthy, though, that the X5 is agiler than its Audi counterpart. 2017 BMW X5 is available in five trim levels: the sDrive35i, the xDrive35i, the xDrive35d, the xDrive40e, and the xDrive50i. The base 35i models are driven by an inline 6-cylinder 3.0-liter turbo engine that delivers 300 lb-ft of torque and 300 hp. An eight-speed automatic transmission power the sDrive 35i rear wheels and the xDrive models' four wheels. EPA fuel estimates place the sDrive35i and xDrive35i at 18 city / 25 highway and 18 city / 24 highway respectively. Performance and output vary across the trims with the top notch 445-hp xDrive50i model coming out best. The plug-in xDrive50i combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a modified eight-speed automatic to produce 308 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The 9-kWh battery charges to a hundred percent in less than three hours and delivers 14 miles of electric-only propulsion.

2017 Audi Q7 features only two variations of a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, the base of which produces 333 hp and 325 pound-feet of torque. On top of limiting your engine choices, the Audi offers less payload capacity compared to a fully loaded X5.

Better Handling SUV

The Audi Q7 has considerably lower torque than the BMW X5, which means that it will not feel as fast or powerful. 2017 BMW X5 delivers top-in-class handling that inspires confidence in the driver and offers excellent ride quality to all occupants. Both vehicles are a bit limited in off-road capabilities but perform exceptionally on sealed roads. However, the Q7's maneuverability feels stiff at times and somewhat busy on broken pavements.

The base engine provides enough power to spare, but the most power-hungry drivers usually opt for either the xDrive50i or the high-performance X5 M. Budget drivers will be impressed by the xDrive35d's diesel engine that delivers a healthy wallop of torque while still returning splendid fuel efficiency.

More Features and Room

With 35.8 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats and 76.7 cubic feet with those seats folded, the X5 offers above-average cargo capacity for its class. It also garners points for its two-section power tailgate which features a fold-down lower section for loading bulky cargo and, well, tailgating. High-quality materials abound in the X5, and even the standard seats are designed for long-distance comfort. Thoughtfully placed primary driver controls and gauges are so easy to read and operate that they become second nature in no time. BMW iDrive control interface integrates a touchpad that accepts handwritten output with a Surround View system that presents you with a clear line of sight at all times.

The Q7 cargo capacity is limited to 14.8 cubic feet, 37.5 cubic feet, and 71.6 cubic feet with all seats occupied, the third row stowed, and the second row flattened respectively. These figures are between 10 and 20 cubic feet below what the X5 offers.

Please contact your local BMW dealership in Tallahassee for more information. Check our inventory for 2017 BMW X5 availability and book a free test drive today to have a first-hand experience of this excellent vehicle.

* EPA estimated MPG may vary by transmission, trim and individual driving behavior.