BMW X3 Takes On Audi Q5 Comparison Review by AMS

Auto Motor Und Sport, a German publication, decided to put two very popular diesel vehicles to the test and see which one is better: the BMW X3 or the Audi Q5. Though the cars are similar in a lot of ways, the BMW X3 still has the clear advantage in acceleration, flexibility, and sound. Here is an excerpt of the verdict:

The X3 x-Drive 30d has 258hp and offers 560 Nm of torque while the Audi Q5 3.0 TDI Quattro is good for 240hp and 500 Nm of torque. Both allow plenty of acceleration and flexibility. The BMW inline-6 powers the X3 effortlessly and the heavier Audi (143 lbs more) has a hard time keeping up. Accelerating from 0 to 180kph, the X3 is more than 3 seconds faster while also showing an unmatched engine smoothness. Remarkably, it’s the other way round at idle where the X3 sounds clearly like a Diesel — while the Audi doesn’t.

Both test cars are equipped with optional adaptive dampers, and the X3 also has the variable sports steering. Maybe this option makes the difference, but the Audi Q5 understeers suprisingly early and shows a quite intense amount of torque steering on curvy uphill mountain roads.

The X3 is more neutral, offers a smooth and precise steering, and is way more agile. Either way, both cars can be driven harder than most would ever want to.

Source: Auto Motor Und Sport