Audi Q7 vs BMW X5

Audi Q7 vs BMW X5: Passenger & Cargo Capacity

One of the many perks of driving an SUV is the extra room these vehicles provide. From transporting your growing family to sports carpools, you need as much room as possible. Thankfully, both the 2023 Audi Q7 and the BMW X5 are extremely spacious vehicles. However, the major difference lies in their standard seating capacity.

The Audi Q7 comes standard with three rows of seats for a passenger capacity of up to seven people. The BMW X5, on the other hand, comes standard with just two rows, fitting only five people. A third row is available for two more seats, but it is not standard.

You'll find more room inside the Audi among the first two rows. Let's take a closer look!

Even with the additional seating, the Q7 offers more legroom, which makes it easier to stretch out, especially on long commutes.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Q7 and the X5 offer similar capacities at 69.6 and 72.3 cubic feet, respectively. That being said, the Q7 makes it easier to load up the cargo area of your SUV when your hands are full, thanks to the standard power tailgate with a hands-free release.

With this convenient feature, your trunk automatically opens when your keys are on your person. Gone are the days of putting down bags before you can open your trunk.

Unfortunately, BMW X5 drivers don't have the same luxury since this feature isn't standard.

Interior Amenities in the Q7 vs X5

It's no surprise that luxury SUVs are equipped with an endless array of premium interior amenities sure to boost your travels. No matter if you choose the BMW X5 or the Audi Q7, you'll have access to lots of amenities to help keep everyone comfortable.

Some of these include:

• Heated front seats
• Optional ventilated front seats
• Panoramic sunroof
• Available heated rear seats

Comfort is a priority in both SUVs, but you can always bring along the whole family in the Audi Q7, while you may have to leave some behind in the BMW X5.

Q7 vs X5: High-Tech Features

Not only will you feel relaxed inside either SUV, but you'll also be able to stay connected and entertained. In both the Q7 and the X5, you'll find a long list of standard and available technologies.

For instance, both vehicles come standard with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. These features make synching your smartphone to your luxury SUV easy, allowing you to bring along your favorite songs, podcasts, audiobooks, and other compatible features you have saved to your phone.

What's great about these standard features is that, while the information is saved on your phone, you'll never have to pick up your phone to access your music library. Simply navigate the touchscreen display to find the song you want to hear.

Another standard feature with both models is SiriusXM®. This digital feature gives you access to more than 200 different music, news, and sports channels, so there's always something to listen to.

While there are many similarities between the multimedia features of the Audi Q7 and the BMW X5, the Q7 outperforms its counterpart, thanks to features like:

• Dual-center touchscreen displays
• Audi MMI® touch response system
• Available Audi connect®
• Available Bang & Olufsen® 3D Premium Sound System

Audi connect® adds more technology features to your commutes, like basic Wi-Fi, traffic information, and parking information. Similar features are offered with the BMW X5, but Google Earth™ capabilities are only provided with the Q7.

Additionally, the Audi MMI® touch response system helps you easily find POIs (points of interest) thanks to exclusive handwriting recognition. Simply write what you're looking for, and your Q7 will interpret your handwriting before providing directions.

The BMW X5 offers navigation features, but handwriting recognition is only found with the Q7.

Audi Q7 vs BMW X5: Advanced Safety Options

Entertainment features aren't all the Q7 and the X5 have to offer. They also enable you and your passengers to arrive as safely as possible with the help of their advanced features. Thanks to the many driver-assisting technologies found with these SUVs, it's clear the Audi Q7 and the BMW X5 consider safety a priority.

Since safety is easily one of the most important things, these SUVs come equipped with cameras and sensors that constantly monitor your surroundings. When a potential hazard is detected, you'll receive an alert. That way, you can make any necessary adjustments to remain out of harm's way.

If there's no reaction to this alert, some features may step in and provide automatic intervention in an attempt to prevent a collision. For complete protection, the Q7 and the X5 also come standard with a safety suite that works to keep everyone as safe as possible when the unexpected happens.

Audi pre sense basic, and the BMW Active Protection System, perform these automatic actions when a collision is unavoidable:

• Close all windows
• Pretension all seat belts
• Enable hazard lights (Audi Q7 only)

Thanks to these features, you and your passengers can remain as safe as possible.

While several safety features are found with both models, the Q7 offers additional features, like intersection assist. This feature uses sensors to detect cross-traffic when pulling into an intersection. It can then intervene through braking to warn drivers of a potential accident.

Unfortunately, the X5 doesn't offer a feature like this.

Q7 vs X5: Performance Specs

The Audi Q7 is known for being one of the best-performing midsize luxury SUVs on the market. It's nimbler and more energetic than most while still remaining smooth and composed on the road.

It comes standard with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that packs the extra punch you want with your commute.

The BMW X5, on the other hand, is also a nimble SUV that offers race-like performance to its drivers courtesy of its standard 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine.

Each SUV offers performance features sure to make the hair on the back of your neck and arms stand tall. While this is important, having the capability to take this power on any commute is equally as important. Only with the Audi Q7 can you get this without having to upgrade your ride.

The Audi Q7 comes standard with quattro® all-wheel drive technology. With this standard feature, not only will you experience enhanced traction on slippery surfaces, but you'll also get optimized acceleration and handling when needed. That way, nothing will stand between you and your destination.

Looking at the BMW X5, we see it also offers all-wheel drive, but only with an upgrade to obtain these optional traction capabilities.