2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a refined and modern aesthetic, with its updated front and rear styling aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The test vehicle, a Q7 55 TFSI Technik, featured standard 21-inch wheels and a sophisticated interior adorned with Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash natural wood inlays. The cabin was high-tech, incorporating the dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, with three digital displays replacing most physical controls. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit provided a customizable digital instrument panel, while two touchscreens on the centre console managed infotainment functions. The ambient lighting in the Technik trim added a soothing atmosphere, enhancing the upscale feel of the interior.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 maintained the brand's signature design elements, from the kidney grille to the body shape, ensuring it was unmistakably a BMW. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of wheel sizes, depending on the trim level. The interior, while sharing many components with other BMW models, offered a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though an abundance of black plastic was noted. M Sport models included unique styling elements, such as an M sports steering wheel and model-exclusive trim strips. The cabin was designed for comfort, with heated seats and armrests, though the front seats were noted to become uncomfortable on longer journeys.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was equipped with a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Q7 featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing fuel efficiency by reducing the load on the engine. Audi Drive Select offered various driving modes, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Individual, and Allroad, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The Q7 accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of nearly 3,500 kilograms. Fuel consumption was rated at 12.0 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with the test vehicle averaging 11.2 L/100 km on a road trip. The Technik trim included an adaptive air suspension, providing a smooth ride and agile handling.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M reached 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. The X5’s driving dynamics were less engaging than expected, with steering issues noted at both low and high speeds. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the xDrive45e rated at 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres when using both electricity and gas.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers. The third-row seat was cramped and suitable only for young children, with limited cargo space when in use. Folding the third row expanded cargo capacity from 402 litres to 1,010 litres, with a maximum of 1,970 litres when both rear rows were folded. The Q7 provided a comfortable ride for a family of four, with heated and ventilated front seats and ample legroom in the second row. However, interior storage was limited, with the centre console and dashboard screen occupying most available space.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders positioned conveniently and a wireless phone charging pad out of the driver’s line of sight. The seating was spacious, though the front seats became uncomfortable on long trips. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, with an optional third row available. The X5’s split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button facilitated easy loading of cargo. Without the third row, the cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. Moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was somewhat challenging due to the narrow door openings.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced the MMI Touch Response system, featuring a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen and an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. The system included natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, and Audi Connect services. While generally intuitive, the touchscreens occasionally required multiple attempts to register inputs due to dry fingertips. The Technik trim offered a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though the latter was replaced by a Bang & Olufsen system in 2021 models.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar. Standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. However, wireless Apple CarPlay occasionally took over music operations unexpectedly, requiring the vehicle and phone to be disconnected.

The 2020 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign-recognition technology were problematic, occasionally applying brakes unnecessarily. The Q7 received high safety ratings from the IIHS, except for a "poor" rating for its HD Matrix LED headlights due to excessive glare.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured standard safety equipment such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS but had a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.