BMW X3 vs Audi SQ5

BMW offers the 2026 X3 in two flavors: 30 xDrive and M50. The latter is tuned for performance, but the base X3 30 xDrive is so good that you might be happy trading the M50’s outright speed and sheer capability for significant savings. BMW redesigned this compact luxury crossover in 2025, and the only tweaks for 2026 make the base model look and feel a little more upscale inside.

Verdict: For this review, we evaluated the BMW X3 M50. It was terrific, but with a sticker price more than $15,000 higher than the rewarding X3 30 xDrive, it’s hard to justify the extra money.

Based on the redesigned 2025 Audi Q5, the SQ5 is a compact luxury crossover SUV that features styling, equipment, and mechanical upgrades to deliver a sporty, luxurious, and fun-to-drive experience. It comes in standard or Sportback body styles, the latter equipped with a racy roofline that doesn’t compromise passenger and cargo space as much as you expect. Upgrades with this redesign include a new vehicle architecture, more power, added practicality, and next-generation technology.

Verdict: Choosing a sport-tuned SUV over a sport-tuned sedan typically means making a dynamic compromise. The added weight and higher center of gravity can make an SUV less enjoyable when the road turns twisty. With the 2025 Audi SQ5, that’s not the case. We like it more than the Audi S5 Sportback that shares its Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture.