Compare the2023 BMW X5 xDrive45eVS 2023 Audi e-tron

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The X5 xDrive45e offers optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The e-tron doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The X5 xDrive45e’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The e-tron doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the X5 xDrive45e and the e-tron have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee 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.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the BMW X5 xDrive45e is safer than the Audi e-tron:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the BMW X5 xDrive45e is safer than the Audi e-tron:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X5 xDrive45e 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 e-tron.

There are over 15 percent more BMW dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X5 xDrive45e’s warranty.

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 X5 xDrive45e’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 431 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The e-tron’s range is only 181 to 226 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 30 minutes for only an 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge at a professionally installed 220-volt charging station can take up to 10 hours and 30 minutes.

For better traction, the X5 xDrive45e has larger standard tires than the e-tron (265/50R19 vs. 255/50R20). The X5 xDrive45e’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the e-tron (F:275/40R21 & R:315/35R21 vs. 265/45R21).

The X5 xDrive45e’s optional 275/40R21 front and 315/35R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the e-tron’s optional 45 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X5 xDrive45e can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The e-tron doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The X5 xDrive45e offers an optional 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 e-tron; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X5 xDrive45e’s wheelbase is 2 inches longer than on the e-tron (117.1 inches vs. 115.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the X5 xDrive45e is .8 inches wider in the front and 1.4 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the e-tron.

The X5 xDrive45e offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the e-tron can only carry 5.

The X5 xDrive45e has 2.7 inches more front headroom, 1.4 inches more front shoulder room, .1 inches more rear headroom and .8 inches more rear shoulder room than the e-tron.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the X5 xDrive45e’s middle row seats recline. The e-tron’s rear seats don’t recline.

The X5 xDrive45e has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the e-tron with its rear seat up (33.1 vs. 28.5 cubic feet). The X5 xDrive45e has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the e-tron with its rear seat folded (71.2 vs. 56.4 cubic feet).

The X5 xDrive45e’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the tailgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The e-tron’s rear cargo window doesn’t open.

The X5 xDrive45e’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the e-tron’s (5952 vs. 0 pounds).

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.

The X5 xDrive45e’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The e-tron’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the X5 xDrive45e to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The e-tron doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the X5 xDrive45e has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The e-tron doesn’t offer cornering lights. The X5 xDrive45e also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The X5 xDrive45e’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The e-tron doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Insurance will cost less for the X5 xDrive45e owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the X5 xDrive45e will cost $880 to $3935 less than the e-tron over a five-year period.

The X5 xDrive45e will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the X5 xDrive45e will retain 46.39% of its original price after five years, while the e-tron only retains 45.77% to 45.79%.

The BMW X5 outsold the Audi e-tron by over six to one during the 2021 model year.