2025 Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 2025 - luxury compact SUV comparison

2025 Q5 vs X3
The 2025 Audi Q5 and the 2025 BMW X3 are both impressive contenders in the luxury compact SUV segment, offering a blend of performance, technology, and design that cater to different preferences.
These cars represent two distinct approaches to exterior design in the luxury compact SUV segment. Both vehicles showcase the latest in their respective brands' design philosophies, emphasizing a blend of modern aesthetics and functional features.
Choosing between the 2025 Audi Q5 and the 2025 BMW X3 largely depends on your priorities. The Q5 offers a balanced approach with a focus on comfort, efficiency, and a refined interior. The X3, however, leans towards a more dynamic driving experience and cutting-edge technology, though its design might be polarizing for some.
Both SUVs are strong candidates in their class, with the Q5 appealing more to those who value subtlety and sophistication, while the X3 is likely to attract drivers looking for performance and innovation.

[VincentGota-lb]

I don’t know what’s wrong at BMW. You have a previous gen better than the new one . Who ever oversees design at bmw needs to be fired

[stephenmarks]

Definitely the Q5 is the better head turner. Especially that interior cabin being drop dead beautiful. That's the one for me

[andilemanyamalala]

The back of the X3 looks pretty, but the Audis front, sides and front looks very nice as well as the interior is outstanding

[arekzegarek]

X3 back looks like old german WWI tank.

[jsundberg]

which one has more standard features??

[minti]

X3 interior looks like a fricken Nissan, wtf

[mula-vic]

ich bin glücklich mit meinem x3 2022 LCi ❤

[jsundberg]

what's more reliable? audi or bmw? they both have same warranty!

[mart_en]

The Q5 got longer without changing it's wheelbase again.
In fact, it's almost 10 cm longer than the first version without changing the wheelbase.
Meaning, the frontal overhang has grown again which leads again to a longer nose and therefore worse proportions in the side view.
Why do overhangs constantly have to get longer ?

A side fact of this is that despite growing in length the interior space remains the same. The knee room in the rear is as " acceptable " as before but even less than in the much shorter Q3.
And the interior looks like in all new Audi's now.
If you sit inside and can't look outside you wouldn't know in which model you are actually in.
Everything is packed with big screens, even on the passenger side, who look badly integrated however.
No matter if you choose the screen or a decor element instead, it doesn't look like it belongs there.

In many ways the new Q5 is a better car than its predecessor ( not in terms of space though ) but it has just lost its good proportions and clean look.
The nose is too long and there are plastic applications all over the place inside out.

The BMW has a cleaner look inside out and much better proportions from the side.
The interior is simplified and minimalistic but disturbed by the rose colored decor elements and bright ambient lighting, which is not the taste of everyone.

I really liked the design and interior of the old Q5 and X3 as well.
With the new models the Audi has worsened in looks in my opinion on the outside as well as in the inside whereas the BMW looks better in its design than the predecessor but also much worse in the interior.

How to do the job well is shown by the new Volvo XC90.
The exterior design is beautifully sculpted, with perfect proportions and understated lines, no cheap plastic attachments in front or rear and the interior is only improved where it needed to be.
If I had to decide in between a Q5 and a X3 I'd take the Volvo.

[DW]

The X3 is totally soulless with no aesthetic appeal other than the badge and powertrain.

[tgchris]

I like the Q5 more both outside and inside, but I’m on my third B58 engine BMW and dealing with massive turbo lag is probably something that’ll drive me crazy. But I’ll do more due diligence with both cars. I’m just not a Mazda or Genesis person. That leaves the overpriced Petrol Macan.

[josefk.]

If I had to choose between Audi Q5 and BMW X3, I would take the Jaguar F-Pace. Audi and BMW are overloaded with cheap plastic and with unneeded and fragile electronics.

[justrelax]

Sucks that both lose the physical knobs

[Muadib]

Always AUDI for me. Better than BMW or Mercedes

[Ambdark-smke]

BMW interior design is a failure. I own 2022model and I expected lot more for new model. Audi interior is now much better...closer to Porshe stile.

[rodlin]

The touchscreen of the BMW looks awful. Like an afterthought. Audi takes the prize

[andrejsc]

Hah, with full options included, the price of those in Europe about 80- 90.000 euros. No, thanks…

[orucreyisguven]

New X3 so ugly like other new BMW models

[thehuonpine]

The BMW split in.fthe middle at the bottom of the grille is not very pleasing.

[mikeinnyc]

Have owned two X3s to date and was hoping that this would be my third but now I am not sure.

Odd and glitzy to me. Light up outlines around the grille of the M50 are silly and the sun roof no longer opens. Time for a change.