Compare the2023 BMW X2VS 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback

The BMW X2 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Both the X2 and the Q5 Sportback have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, and available all wheel drive.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X2 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the Q5 Sportback.

There are over 15 percent more BMW dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X2’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the X2 has a 150-amp alternator. The Q5 Sportback’s standard 110-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X2 third among small premium suvs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Q5 Sportback isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 74 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 2 places higher in reliability than Audi.

The X2 M35i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 40 more horsepower (301 vs. 261) and 58 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 273) than the Q5 Sportback’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

On the EPA test cycle the X2 gets better mileage than the Q5 Sportback:

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the BMW X2, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the Q5 Sportback.

For better stopping power the X2 M35i’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Q5 Sportback:

The X2’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Q5 Sportback’s standard 55 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X2 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The X2 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Q5 Sportback’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better maneuverability, the X2’s turning circle is 1.5 feet tighter than the Q5 Sportback’s (37.2 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

The BMW X2 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 550 pounds less than the Audi Q5 Sportback.

The X2 is 11.7 inches shorter than the Q5 Sportback, making the X2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front step up height for the X2 is 1.7 inches lower than the Q5 Sportback (16.6” vs. 18.3”). The X2’s rear step up height is 1 inches lower than the Q5 Sportback’s (17” vs. 18”).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 1% lower rating, Audi is ranked 8th.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the X2 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The X2 is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Q5 Sportback doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW X2 will be $9883 to $10994 less than for the Audi Q5 Sportback.