Compare the2023 BMW X2VS 2023 Audi Q5

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 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Both the X2 and the Q5 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.

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’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 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 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Audi is ranked 6th.

The X2 has more powerful engines than the Q5:

On the EPA test cycle the X2 gets better mileage than the Q5 running its gasoline engine:

The X2 has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the Q5 Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (16.1 vs. 14.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

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.

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

The X2 stops much shorter than the Q5:

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’s standard 60 series tires. The X2 M35i’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Q5’s optional 45 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 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The X2 xDrive28i handles at .91 G’s, while the Q5 45 TFSI Premium Plus pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X2 sDrive28i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.3 seconds quicker than the Q5 45 TFSI Prestige (25.9 seconds @ .68 average G’s vs. 27.2 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the X2’s turning circle is 1.5 feet tighter than the Q5 40/45 TFSI’s (37.2 feet vs. 38.7 feet). The X2’s turning circle is 2.2 feet tighter than the Q5 55 TFSI e’s (37.2 feet vs. 39.4 feet).

The BMW X2 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 550 to 900 pounds less than the Audi Q5.

The X2 is 1 foot shorter than the Q5, making the X2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the BMW X2 amounts to more than styling. The X2 offers aerodynamic coefficients of drag from .31 to .33 Cd (depending on bodystyle and options). That is lower than the Q5 (.33 to .34) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the X2 get better fuel mileage.

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

Consumer Reports rated the X2’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Q5’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

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

The X2 is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Q5 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 $7550 to $11069 less than for the Audi Q5.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW X2 and the Audi Q5, based on reliability, safety and performance.