Verdict
At RM352,900, the Audi Q5 costs RM27,100 more than the RM325,800 BMW X3. Its 196 hp and 340 Nm beat the BMW’s 188 hp and 310 Nm, while Digital Matrix LED headlamps, OLED tail lights, a 10-speaker audio system and driver’s-seat memory give it the richer cabin and lighting specification. The X3 answers with all-wheel drive, a 570-litre boot versus 520 litres, plus a head-up display and auto parking. For Malaysian buyers, the BMW’s CKD status, larger load bay and RM5-higher annual road tax make it the more practical-value choice; the Audi is for those who will pay for stronger outputs and equipment.
Pick the Audi Q5 if you want 196 hp, 340 Nm, Digital Matrix LED lighting and a 10-speaker system, and can accept front-wheel drive for RM27,100 more.
Pick the BMW X3 if all-wheel drive, a 570-litre boot, head-up display and auto parking matter more than the Audi’s extra 8 hp and 30 Nm.
Key differences
- Price: Audi Q5 RM352,900; BMW X3 RM325,800.
- Output: Audi Q5 196 hp and 340 Nm; BMW X3 188 hp and 310 Nm.
- Driveline: Audi Q5 front-wheel drive; BMW X3 all-wheel drive.
- Boot space: Audi Q5 520 litres; BMW X3 570 litres.
- Wheelbase: Audi Q5 2,817 mm; BMW X3 2,865 mm.
- Audio: Audi Q5 10 speakers; BMW X3 six speakers.
Q5
- 196 hp and 340 Nm, versus 188 hp and 310 Nm.
- Digital Matrix LED headlamps and full OLED tail lights.
- 10-speaker Audi sound system and driver’s memory function.
- Costs RM27,100 more.
- Front-wheel drive versus the X3’s all-wheel drive.
- 520-litre boot is 50 litres smaller than the X3’s.
X3
- All-wheel drive and an eight-speed Steptronic automatic.
- 570-litre boot and 2,865 mm wheelbase.
- Head-up display and auto parking are fitted.
- 188 hp and 310 Nm trail the Q5 by 8 hp and 30 Nm.
- Six-speaker audio system versus the Q5’s 10 speakers.
- LED projector headlamps and full LED tail lights are less advanced than the Q5’s Digital Matrix LED and OLED units.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM352,900 | RM325,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM434✓ | RM439 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | 1,984 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 196 hp✓ | 188 hp |
| Torque | 340 Nm✓ | 310 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7-speed S-tronic | 8-speed Steptronic |
| Gears | 7 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | ZF |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 8.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 215 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,717 mm | 4,755 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,669 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,817 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 68 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres | 570 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R19 | 245/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R19 | 245/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Mexico (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" 10 Spoke Aero Design Alloys | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" 10 Spoke Aero Design Alloys | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Comfort suspension | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Centre Airbag | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Digital Matrix LED Headlights | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full OLED Tail lights | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Powered Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 14.5" Touchscreen with Android Automotive OS, 10-speaker Audi Sound System | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Digital Key | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | — | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 3 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Q5 & X3 for sale
Q5 vs X3 FAQ
Is the Audi Q5 or BMW X3 better?
The BMW X3 is the better buy for most buyers: it costs RM27,100 less, has all-wheel drive, a 570-litre boot, head-up display and auto parking. Choose the Audi Q5 for its stronger 196 hp/340 Nm output and richer lighting and audio specification.
What is the price difference?
The Audi Q5 costs RM352,900 and the BMW X3 costs RM325,800, so the Q5 is RM27,100 dearer. Annual road tax is close at RM434 for the Audi and RM439 for the BMW.
Which has more luggage space, the Audi Q5 or BMW X3?
The BMW X3 has the larger boot at 570 litres, 50 litres more than the Audi Q5’s 520 litres. Both are five-seat SUVs with 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.