2021 Audi Q5 vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold taillights. The Q5's overall appearance was classy and modern, with exceptional fit and finish. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. The interior boasted high-quality materials, including real wood and metal, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen positioned for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather upholstery.

The 2021 BMW X5 was known for its high-quality craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into BMW's SUV lineup. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the kidney grille to the body shape, though it risked blending in with other BMW models. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and various trim options, including the sporty M Sport styling. Depending on the trim, it rode on 20-, 21-, or 22-inch wheels. Inside, the X5's interior design was consistent with other BMW models, featuring an abundance of black plastic alongside leather and soft-touch materials. The M Sport models offered unique styling elements, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive interior trim.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, and offered fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro AWD and multiple driving modes, including electric-only and hybrid. Its handling was characterized by a slightly stiff, sporty setting, minimal body roll, and powerful braking.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered various powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model delivered 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, while the M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The X5 M reached 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The xDrive45e plug-in hybrid achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with up to 50 km of all-electric range. The X5's steering and handling were less engaging than expected, with issues at higher speeds and during lane changes. The cabin remained quiet, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well. Charging the X5 was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging, with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 710 litres of space behind the second row, expanding to 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The second row offered reasonable legroom (960 mm) and ample headroom (958 mm) and shoulder room (1,435 mm). The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured well-organized storage options and a smart layout.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders positioned conveniently. The centre console housed various controls, though they were challenging to differentiate at night. The wireless phone charging pad was out of the driver's line of sight. Seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard over longer journeys. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, with an optional third row available. The split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button facilitated loading cargo. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The customizable instrument panel offered three views: classic, sport, and dynamic. The Q5 included a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and remote start. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, a wireless charger, ventilated and massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimatization but was user-friendly once mastered.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, ABS with brake assist, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control, and more. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Pre Sense front, Audi Side Assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and more. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received nearly all "Good" ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.