Verdict
At RM352,900 for the Audi Q5 and RM325,800 for the BMW X3, Audi asks RM27,100 more. On paper the Q5 counters with the stronger 1,984 cc turbo petrol: 196 hp and 340 Nm versus BMW’s 1,998 cc mild-hybrid petrol at 188 hp and 310 Nm. The X3 hits back where Malaysian families feel it: AWD, 50 litres more boot space, a 48 mm longer wheelbase, plus head-up display, auto parking and a five-year extended warranty listed. The Audi’s cabin tech and lighting are richer, but this is not a clear walkover.
Pick the Audi Q5 if you prioritise stronger outputs, Digital Matrix LED/OLED lighting, driver memory and electric steering adjustment over AWD and boot volume.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want the lower price, all-wheel drive and a larger 570-litre boot more than Audi’s higher power and richer lighting.
Key differences
- Price: Audi Q5 RM352,900; BMW X3 RM325,800
- Output: Audi Q5 196 hp/340 Nm; BMW X3 188 hp/310 Nm
- Driveline: Audi Q5 front-wheel drive; BMW X3 all-wheel drive
- Size: Audi Q5 4,717/1,900/1,669 mm; BMW X3 4,755/1,920/1,660 mm
- Wheelbase/boot: Audi Q5 2,817 mm/520 litres; BMW X3 2,865 mm/570 litres
- Warranty: Audi Q5 2 years unlimited mileage; BMW X3 2 years plus 5-year extended unlimited-mileage cover
Q5
- Higher 196 hp and 340 Nm outputs
- Digital Matrix LED headlights and full OLED tail lights
- Driver memory seat and electric steering adjustment
- RM27,100 dearer
- Front-wheel drive against the X3’s all-wheel drive
- Smaller 520-litre boot and shorter 2,817 mm wheelbase
X3
- RM27,100 cheaper
- All-wheel drive
- Head-up display, auto parking and 570-litre boot
- Lower 188 hp and 310 Nm outputs
- LED projector headlamps and full LED tail lamps versus Audi’s Digital Matrix LED/OLED set-up
- No electric steering adjustment listed
| 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 | — | 5 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 all-rounder on paper for Malaysia: it costs RM27,100 less, adds AWD, a 570-litre boot, head-up display, auto parking and longer warranty. The Audi Q5 counters with stronger outputs and higher-end lighting.
What is the price difference?
The Audi Q5 costs RM352,900, while the BMW X3 costs RM325,800. That makes the Audi RM27,100 more expensive.
Which SUV has more space?
The BMW X3 has the advantage. It is 38 mm longer and 20 mm wider, with a 2,865 mm wheelbase versus 2,817 mm, and boot space is 570 litres versus 520 litres. The Audi Q5 is 9 mm taller.