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AMS Comparison: BMW X3 Takes On Audi Q5

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SUVs are popular in Germany, as well as diesel engines. Considering this, German publication AMS decided to pit two popular diesel SUVs against each other -- the BMW X3 xDrive 30d against Audi Q5 3.0 TDI Quattro or 258hp/413 lb-ft inline-6 vs 240hp/369lb-ft V6.

The outcome is that both cars are similar in many ways, but the BMW X3 manages to get the edge and wins this comparison:

1st Place: BMW X3 xDrive 30d - 519 points

"The BMW X3 xDrive 30d is slightly less spacious, but the remarkably powerful yet frugal diesel engine makes for the first place. A precise steering and a very comfortable suspension add up to this. Fit and finish and ease of use are top notch as well. Both cars are on a similar level in terms of price."


2nd Place: Audi Q5 3.0 TDI Quattro - 507 points

"Ignoring costs, the bigger and very safe Audi Q5 3.0 TDI Quattro trailed by only 5 points. Reasons for this are the thirsty engine, a twitchy steering, and some rattles on bumpy roads. Fuel consumption and resale value being worse also add to the gap from the X3."


Find below the technical information for both cars, select quotes, and some nice photos.

	BMW X3 xDrive 30d	Audi Q5 3.0 TDI Quattro
Engine	I6	V6
Displacement	2993 ccm	2967 ccm
Power	258hp (@ 4000 rpm)	240hp (@ 4000 rpm)
Torque	413 lb-ft (@ 2000 rpm)	369 lb-ft (@ 1500 rpm)
Transmission	8 Speed Auto	7 Speed Double Clutch
Dimensions
Length	183.0 in	182.2 in
Width	74.1 in	74.0 in
Height	65.4 in	65.1 in
Wheelbase	110.6 in	110.5 in
Weight	4134 lbs	4277 lbs
Performance
0-100 kph	6.2 s	6.5 s
Top Speed	230 kph	225 kph
Fuel Consumption	39.2 mpg (EU cycle)	30.9 mpg (EU cycle)

The X3 x-Drive 30d has 258hp and offers 560 Nm of torque while the Audi Q5 3.0 TDI Quattro is good for 240hp and 500 Nm of torque. Both allow plenty of acceleration and flexibility. The BMW inline-6 powers the X3 effortlessly and the heavier Audi (143 lbs more) has a hard time keeping up. Accelerating from 0 to 180kph, the X3 is more than 3 seconds faster while also showing an unmatched engine smoothness. Remarkably, it's the other way round at idle where the X3 sounds clearly like a Diesel -- while the Audi doesn't.

Both test cars are equipped with optional adaptive dampers, and the X3 also has the variable sports steering. Maybe this option makes the difference, but the Audi Q5 understeers suprisingly early and shows a quite intense amount of torque steering on curvy uphill mountain roads.

The X3 is more neutral, offers a smooth and precise steering, and is way more agile. Either way, both cars can be driven harder than most would ever want to.

Be sure to check Auto Motor und Sport for the full review in German and more photos.

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[Kiemyster]

I was never worried about the X3 in its segment. Its the best in its class Well done BMW.

[e92miami]

I love the X3 exept for those tiny tires. The Q5 tire/rim size looks a whole lot better.

[Harplayr]

Originally Posted by e92miami

I love the X3 exept for those tiny tires. The Q5 tire/rim size looks a whole lot better.

Then get the bigger rims.

[clivem2]

Originally Posted by Harplayr

Then get the bigger rims.

It doesn't look like it's rims, it's the tire profile being a better size on the Q5.

[Taipei-TT]

A few X3s are finally arriving in Taiwan now. I sat in one at the dealership...panoramic sunroof, upgraded seats and steering wheel...first time I can say that I found a BMW interior to be truly stunning. Absolutely love this car and depending on what the F32 3 or 4 series? looks like...this seems like a very natural evolution from an e92 for a guy like me with 2 small kids.
And the fact that BMW can build a slightly larger car than an Audi with dual clutch and still beat it on both efficiency and performance is truly remarkable. Very cool!

[Harplayr]

Originally Posted by clivem2

It doesn't look like it's rims, it's the tire profile being a better size on the Q5.

Ah, I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I couldn't care less about the profile difference.
I DO care how it drives.
I drove both in the X3 Expierence event and while the Audi was a fine car, it was a no-brainer for me to go with the X3.

[clivem2]

I've had enough cars now with super low profiles, spent too much effort avoiding damage, an SAV with highish profiles looks good to me and drives well too - at least the X3 does.

[Davin]

love the E90 taillights on the new X3's

[rpiopio]

39.2 mpg Is there some conversion you need to do from "EU cycle" to US standards? No matter what the conversion though, X3 is 23.4% more efficient than Q5. Is that accurate?

[bimmerJP]

Originally Posted by Taipei-TT

A few X3s are finally arriving in Taiwan now. I sat in one at the dealership...panoramic sunroof, upgraded seats and steering wheel...first time I can say that I found a BMW interior to be truly stunning. Absolutely love this car and depending on what the F32 3 or 4 series? looks like...this seems like a very natural evolution from an e92 for a guy like me with 2 small kids.
And the fact that BMW can build a slightly larger car than an Audi with dual clutch and still beat it on both efficiency and performance is truly remarkable. Very cool!

Yeah, my dad was actually considering X5, but since it is too big in Taipei, he is now "trying" to get a X1 or X3 diesel! Yep, we love BMW diesel. Unlike US, diesel is cheaper in Taiwan. Still, a BMW is soooo expensive over there, and since his E39 528i, which is my favorite 5, is still amazing ha, just bimmer ftw Most BMW are fun to drive, at the same time fuel efficient!

[davidy1688]

I like diesel.... will it be available in USA in the short future?

[southlight]

Originally Posted by rpiopio

39.2 mpg Is there some conversion you need to do from "EU cycle" to US standards? No matter what the conversion though, X3 is 23.4% more efficient than Q5. Is that accurate?

This is a conversion from l/100km to US mpg but doesn't include that the US cycle is different than the EU cycle, so results may be different. But yea, the X3 is that much more efficient in the EU standard cycle.


Best regards,
south

[glorio]

good job bmw! the all new x3 is excellent!

[宝马.e90]

Never did like the Q line up from Audi and not really a fan of the X-Series (except for the X5) but I guess if one had to be better, I suppose it's good that BMW got the win.

[NewYearsBoy]

Ya I was not a fan of the Q7. But I could care less about performance, comfort for $$$ the Q7 is the better buy.

I really liked the GLK but when I priced it out it was really pricey for the car. Then I tried the X3 and it was better price wise. But when I got to the Q7 the standard features are great for the price.

[509trooper]

Originally Posted by Stoutnj89

Ya I was not a fan of the Q7. But I could care less about performance, comfort for $$$ the Q7 is the better buy.

I really liked the GLK but when I priced it out it was really pricey for the car. Then I tried the X3 and it was better price wise. But when I got to the Q7 the standard features are great for the price.

Like they used to say in the paratroops, it's not the fall that kills you, it's the sudden stop!

[silentassasin]

X3 is not my cup of tea. Something always seemed to be missing. I'll stick with my X5

[kmarei]

Me and my wife tested all 3, the X3, Q5, and GLK.
first one that was eliminated was the GLK
Felt cheap, tight in the front, and it seemed like an older model regarding the technology on offer.
Q5s interior was nicer than the x3, engine and handling sucked
X3 was the most rounded
Nicest engine (35i), best handling, nicest technology.
Only thing I hate about it is the electric power steering
The way it changes the assistance in mid corner, totally ruins the driving feel
Now I don't take corners fast anymore
But the engine rocks, damn fast for it's size/weight
And we got ours after less than a month
Q5 we'd have to wait at least 3 months

But anyone that tells you electric power steering is the same as hydraulic is lying to you. It uses less energy from the engine, but that's it's only benefit.
Hydraulic runs rings around it

[135iUSN]

If they would bring the D to the states as well as the X1

[clivem2]

My last 6 cars have been BMWs so this time round I was set on going Audi Q5 3l diesel. Visually the exterior and interior appealed. When started to look at the details it became clear I was staying with BMW. The X3 combined mileage is 9.5 mpg (UK) better (47.1 vs 37.6) which suggests the X3 will use 25% less fuel - anywhere close to that will be incredible, the X3 is faster and the lease cost is around £100 per month less. Then there's how it drives.....I lost all my desire for the Audi. I just have to wait until October now.

[shiggy]

WOW...this is the 4th or 5th comparo in recent months that BMW has beaten Audi!!

the Audi fanboiz must be grinding their teeth with anger! With all their BMW bashing...lets give the the rest of the year to allow them to get their footie out of their mouths!