Compare the2023 Audi Q5VS 2023 BMW iX

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Audi Q5 are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW iX doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the Q5 and the iX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Q5 its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 96 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The iX has not been tested, yet.

The Q5 55 TFSI e’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 408 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The iX’s range is only 274 to 324 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 35 minutes for only an 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge using a conventional 110-volt outlet can take up to 33 hours.

The Q5 stops shorter than the iX:

The Q5 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the iX; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better maneuverability, the Q5 40/45 TFSI’s turning circle is 1.7 feet tighter than the iX M60’s (38.7 feet vs. 40.4 feet). The Q5 55 TFSI e’s turning circle is 3.4 feet tighter than the iX xDrive50’s (39.4 feet vs. 42.8 feet).

The Audi Q5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1150 to 1600 pounds less than the BMW iX.

The Q5 is 10.7 inches shorter than the iX, making the Q5 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Q5’s rear seats recline. The iX’s rear seats don’t recline.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Q5 easier. The Q5’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 29 inches, while the iX’s liftover is 30.3 inches.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Q5. The iX doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Q5 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The iX doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Q5 Prestige has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The iX doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Q5 has standard extendable sun visors. The iX doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Q5 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The iX doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Audi Q5, based on reliability, safety and performance.