Compact luxury SUVs are great upgrade points for those coming from a compact crossover or midsize sedan. Some excellent vehicles are available, including the 2024 BMW X3 and the 2024 Audi Q5. These two models are made by well-known German luxury automakers. They’ve got plenty of tech and safety features, plus refined powertrains. Hence, they are close competitors.
Let us help you decide with a BMW vs Audi face-off. We’ll find out which compact luxury SUV has the nicer and better-equipped interior. Then, we’ll see how they stack up performance-wise. Finally, we’ll evaluate their respective safety systems.
This will help you make a purchase that you’ll be grateful for on every drive. You can also check out the 2024 X3 range at BMW of Ocala. Visit our Ocala, FL-based showroom, and our staff will answer all your questions.
The 2024 X3 and the 2024 Q5 are closely matched in interior volume. They are rated to accommodate up to five adults, and both vehicles offer refinements such as leather upholstery, wood trim, and metal-effect interior accents. Both models also offer power-adjustable front seats with heating. The 2024 X3 comes standard with sports front seats that include extra bolstering. Furthermore, BMW adds a reclining function for the rear seats. This enables rear-seat passengers to relax and get comfortable, which is beneficial over longer trips. The 2024 X3 also comes with tri-zone automatic climate control as standard.
The 2024 BMW X3 is available with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as part of its Live Cockpit Professional system. The 2024 Audi Q5 includes a digital gauge cluster with its optional Audi Virtual Cockpit. Both models feature Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity. They also offer optional wireless phone chargers and sound system upgrades. Plus, the 2024 X3 comes with remote software upgrading capabilities. This enables BMW to seamlessly push new features and improve vehicle functions over the air.
The 2024 BMW X3 has 29 cubic feet of trunk capacity. Meanwhile, the 2024 Audi Q5 offers 26 cubic feet. Therefore, the 2024 X3 is more suitable for transporting cargo. You can also split-fold its rear seats and gain more space. Furthermore, both models have roomy gloveboxes and center console storage bins. Front and rear passengers also receive cup holders. The 2024 X3 even includes a handy storage area ahead of the gear shifter.
BMW offers two powertrain choices for the 2024 X3. The sDrive30i variant has a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that develops 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Selecting the xDrive30i variant adds BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. BMW also offers an optional Dynamic Damper Control adaptive suspension system for this model, which can adjust between Comfort, Sport, and Eco Pro modes.
Meanwhile, the M40i trim gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine. This 382-hp engine delivers up to 369 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system are standard. An adaptive M suspension system is available for this model, and it offers a ride height reduction of 0.4 inches for better handling.
The 2024 Audi Q5 also has two powertrains. The Q5 40 variant gets a 201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Stepping up to the Q5 45 brings 261 horsepower from the same engine. A 7-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. Adaptive suspension is available.
The 2024 BMW X3 comes with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance as standard. Also included is a forward collision warning and a tire pressure monitoring system. All trims also come with adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Buyers can also opt for the Driving Assistance Professional package. This adds a radar-based active cruise control system plus active lane-keeping assist. Furthermore, the package brings a front cross-traffic alert and an evasion aid feature. The 2024 Audi Q5 has many of these features, but some are only optional.
It’s a close contest, but the 2024 BMW X3 beats the 2024 Audi Q5 across all our criteria. It’s got a thoughtfully designed interior with plenty of useful tech features. Then, you’ll enjoy its powerful engines and comprehensive safety feature set.
That’s why you should test-drive a 2024 X3. So come to BMW of Ocala in Ocala, FL, today, and get in the driving seat. Then, our team will help you with figuring out financing options for your new car.
