Audi Q5 vs BMW X3
Verdict
The Audi Q5 asks RM352,900, so it is RM32,100 dearer than the RM320,800 BMW X3. For that, the Audi gets the stronger 1,984 cc petrol engine on paper, with 196 hp and 340 Nm against 188 hp and 310 Nm, plus seven airbags versus six. The BMW hits back where Malaysian family buyers will feel it daily: all-wheel drive, a 2,865 mm wheelbase and 570 litres of boot space, against the Q5’s front-wheel drive, 2,817 mm and 520 litres. Warranty is a draw at two years, and road tax is almost identical.
Pick the Audi Q5 if you want the higher output, seven airbags and a CBU compact executive SUV, and you can accept front-wheel drive at the higher price.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want the lower price, all-wheel drive, longer wheelbase and bigger boot.
Key differences
- Price: Audi Q5 RM352,900; BMW X3 RM320,800
- Output: Audi Q5 196 hp/340 Nm; BMW X3 188 hp/310 Nm
- Driven wheels: Audi Q5 front-wheel drive; BMW X3 all-wheel drive
- Size: Audi Q5 4,717 mm long/1,900 mm wide; BMW X3 4,755 mm long/1,920 mm wide
- Wheelbase and boot: Audi Q5 2,817 mm/520 L; BMW X3 2,865 mm/570 L
- Airbags: Audi Q5 7; BMW X3 6
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 352,900 | RM 320,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Engine | 1,984 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Power | 196 hp✓ | 188 hp |
| Torque | 340 Nm✓ | 310 Nm |
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | — | 8.5 s |
| 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 |
| Boot space | 520 L | 570 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 68 L | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7✓ | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 2 |
| Road tax / year | RM 434✓ | RM 439 |
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.
Q5
- Stronger 196 hp and 340 Nm outputs
- Seven airbags versus six in the BMW
- CBU assembly
- RM32,100 more expensive
- Front-wheel drive only
- Smaller 520-litre boot
X3
- RM32,100 cheaper
- All-wheel drive
- Larger 570-litre boot and longer 2,865 mm wheelbase
- Lower 188 hp and 310 Nm outputs
- Six airbags versus seven in the Audi
- Fuel tank capacity not stated
Q5 vs X3 FAQ
Is the Audi Q5 or BMW X3 better?
For most buyers, the BMW X3 is the easier pick because it costs RM32,100 less, has all-wheel drive and offers more boot space. The Audi Q5 suits buyers who prioritise higher output and seven airbags.
What is the price difference?
The Audi Q5 costs RM352,900, while the BMW X3 costs RM320,800. That makes the Audi RM32,100 more expensive.
Which SUV is more practical?
The BMW X3 is more practical on measurements, with a 570-litre boot and 2,865 mm wheelbase. The Audi Q5 has a 520-litre boot and 2,817 mm wheelbase.