Choosing between luxury plug-in hybrid SUVs can be challenging, especially when models like the 2020 Audi Q5 PHEV and the 2022 BMW X5 45e offer compelling features. As someone who has firsthand experience owning both vehicles, I want to share a detailed comparison, drawing insights that you might also find discussed in forums like the Q5 Audi Forum. This review focuses on key aspects that differentiate these two popular SUVs.
Size and Practicality: Space Matters
The most immediate difference is size. The BMW X5 is undeniably the larger vehicle. For families, this translates to significantly more cargo space and a more spacious cabin overall. While some discussions in the Q5 Audi Forum suggest rear seat room is comparable, real-world testing, especially with rear-facing car seats, reveals a different story. In the X5, installing a rear-facing car seat behind the driver’s seat doesn’t compromise driving position, a comfort simply not achievable in the Q5 due to its smaller dimensions. If you prioritize cargo capacity and overall passenger space, the X5 holds a clear advantage.
Luxury and Interior Experience: A Step Up in Class?
Luxury is subjective, but in my experience, the X5 offers a more premium feel. The ride quality in the X5 is smoother, leaning towards a more luxurious experience, potentially due to its air suspension and greater weight. The Audi Q5, in contrast, feels sportier, though this might be attributed to the absence of air suspension in my specific Q5 model and its lighter build. Interior finish is another area where the X5 edges out the Q5. The Audi’s interior incorporates more hard plastic elements, whereas the BMW boasts a more refined and plush cabin. Technology integration is generally well-executed in both, however, the X5’s system feels slightly more polished overall.
However, the Audi Virtual Cockpit is a standout feature. As many users on the Q5 Audi Forum have noted, its configurability and seamless Google Maps integration, including 3D satellite views, are genuinely impressive and arguably surpass BMW’s system in these aspects. One consistent complaint I have with the X5, and something I’ve seen echoed in BMW forums, is the BMW app and LTE connection’s unreliability. Frequent disconnections disrupt remote pre-conditioning, an issue I never encountered with the Audi’s similar technology over two years of ownership. Regarding audio, the Harman Kardon sound system in the X5 delivers a richer and more impactful sound experience compared to the Bang & Olufsen system in the Audi. While the B&O in the Q5 is clear and can get loud, it lacks the depth and punch that many audiophiles, as discussed in Q5 Audi Forum threads, find wanting.
Hybrid Powertrain and Charging: Performance and Efficiency
Under the hood, the differences continue. The BMW X5 45e features a 3.0-liter B58 inline-six engine, which is noticeably smoother and more refined than the Audi Q5’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The X5’s eight-speed ZF automatic transmission is also smoother than the Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which can exhibit some jerkiness at lower speeds, typical of dual-clutch systems.
However, the Audi Q5 gains a significant advantage in charging speed. Its 7 kW onboard charger allows for a full recharge in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, significantly faster than the X5’s slower 3 kW charger. This faster charging capability compensates for the Q5’s shorter electric range, as multiple recharges throughout the day between shorter trips become highly practical, effectively extending the daily electric driving range. This is a point of frustration for many X5 owners, and improvements in charging speed are anticipated in future models, perhaps in the X5 LCI. Furthermore, the Audi Q5 boasts a more powerful electric motor (around 150 hp), which, combined with the vehicle’s lighter weight, results in quicker acceleration in electric mode compared to the X5.
Reliability: Real-World Ownership Experiences
In terms of reliability, my experience with the X5 is still relatively short, with no issues encountered in the first six months. However, my two years with the Audi Q5 revealed one significant reliability concern. A power brake booster failure required a month for diagnosis and parts sourcing, highlighting potential delays due to parts shortages, a concern relevant to both complex vehicles. The Audi dealership did provide a loaner Q5 during the repair period, which was appreciated. Aside from this incident, the Q5 has been reliable, only requiring routine maintenance. Both the X5 and Q5 are technologically advanced vehicles, and as such, complex repairs and parts sourcing might be a time-consuming factor for both brands. Discussions on the Q5 Audi Forum often touch upon various ownership experiences and reliability questions, providing a broader perspective.
Cost and Value: Price Point Considerations
Finally, cost is a crucial factor. The BMW X5 comes with a significantly higher price tag. In the Canadian market, my X5 was approximately $25,000 CDN more expensive than my loaded Audi Q5. This price difference reflects the X5’s larger size, more luxurious appointments, and more powerful engine.
Conclusion: Apples and Oranges, Yet Both Compelling
Ultimately, comparing the BMW X5 45e and Audi Q5 PHEV is somewhat like comparing apples and oranges. They exist in different vehicle classes, with the X5 being a larger, more luxurious, and more expensive SUV. The Q5 offers a sportier feel, quicker charging, and a more accessible price point. Your choice depends heavily on your priorities: space and ultimate luxury versus agility and value. For further insights and owner perspectives, especially regarding the Audi Q5, resources like the Q5 Audi Forum offer valuable community-driven information to aid your decision-making process.
