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The Audi Q5 and the BMW X3 are two of the most popular compact luxury SUVs to date. Buyers are generally attracted to the Q5 and X3 because of their attractive blend of refinement, utility, safety and performance. In fact, sales of both models in the United States easily outperform Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series sedans at comparable prices.
However, choosing the one that we buy can be difficult. Both models start at around $ 41,000 and offer a full set of features. Edmunds takes a look to find out which one has an advantage.
TWO OF ONE TYPE
The Q5 and the X3 are both completely redesigned for the 2018 model year. Based on an occasional look at the technical sheet, you might think that Audi and BMW engineers have received the same plans.
Each SUV comes with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces about 250 horsepower. They are also available in performance-oriented models that have larger and more powerful six-cylinder engines that generate more than 350 horsepower.
Inside, the Q5 and X3 can accommodate up to five pbadengers and enough space for rear pbadengers the typical requirements of a small family. The Q5 offers 26.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, while the X3 offers 28.7 cubic feet. When you fold down the rear seats, the BMW retains its minimal advantage.
Each SUV has basic warranties and four-year or 50,000-mile powertrain. Audi pays for the Q5's first scheduled maintenance, but BMW goes further and covers the regular services of the X3 for three years or 36,000 miles.
DIFFERENCES IN DETAILS
The Audi Q5 and the BMW X3 provide a comfortable ride and a safe ride on a variety of road surfaces. You can also equip them with an adjustable and adjustable driver suspension that can soften the ride or firm it for more sporty handling. This feature is optional on all X3s, but Audi only offers it on the highest level of Q5 finish. While driving with more enthusiasm, we found that the X3 is a little more agile and engaging to drive than the Q5.
In safety, each model gets top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety collision avoidance technologies. But some of these collision avoidance features are easier to obtain on the BMW. For example, you can get adaptive cruise control badistance and adaptive cruise control on any version of the X3, but on the Q5, they are only available on the highest level of finish.
BMW also offers you a wider choice of powertrains. The X3 is available with rear-wheel drive, while the Q5 comes standard with all-wheel drive. This rear-wheel drive X3 configuration costs a bit less and improves the combined fuel economy by 1 mpg. When it comes to towing, the Q5 and the X3 both offer capacities of 4,400 pounds. All X3s are equipped with a clbad 3 hitch receiver, factory installed and supplied with built-in connection hardware. The Q5 offers a similar configuration, but only as a dealer-installed accessory on medium and high level trim levels.
INSIDE LOOK
Interior differences are mainly about the style. Both interiors offer large entertainment screens and high resolution digital gauge clusters that allow for a variety of adjustments. The X3's digital dashboard incorporates physical gauge boxes in its display, giving it a traditional look. The Q5's large panel is modern and offers more spectacular configurations, including the ability to display the navigation map on the entire screen. Overall, we believe that Audi's controls are easier to use, and the quality of its interior materials is higher.
Another difference is the integration of smartphones with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These systems can display certain applications of your phone directly on the infotainment screens of the car. The X3 only supports Apple CarPlay, so Android users are not lucky. The Q5 comes with both. But iPhone owners will appreciate the ease of integrating their phone into the infotainment system of the X3. The Q5's lack of touch screen functionality makes these systems more cumbersome to use at times
EDMUNDS DIT: Choosing between the Q5 and the X3 is difficult. They are comparable, offer a pleasant driving experience and offer a full set of features. If you are looking for more flexibility to get the features you want without paying for things you do not have, the BMW X3 can be for you. If you are looking for a more pleasant interior and a more attractive infotainment system, the Audi Q5 could be your SUV of choice.
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This story was provided to the Associated Press by the Edmunds Automobile website. Carlos Lago is a senior writer in Edmunds.
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