Verdict
The BMW X3 costs RM27,100 less at RM325,800, yet brings all-wheel drive, a 570-litre boot and a longer 2,865-mm wheelbase. It is the more practical family choice, with auto parking and a head-up display too. The Audi Q5 answers with 196 hp and 340 Nm against the BMW’s 188 hp and 310 Nm, plus seven airbags, Digital Matrix LED headlamps and a 10-speaker system. For a Malaysian buyer, the Audi’s RM352,900 price needs those cabin and lighting gains to matter more than the BMW’s extra space and driven wheels.
Pick the Audi Q5 if you want the stronger 196-hp, 340-Nm petrol SUV with seven airbags, Digital Matrix LEDs and a 10-speaker audio system.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want to save RM27,100 for all-wheel drive, a 570-litre boot, auto parking and a head-up display.
Key differences
- Price: Audi Q5 RM352,900; BMW X3 RM325,800.
- Output: Audi Q5 196 hp and 340 Nm; BMW X3 188 hp and 310 Nm.
- Driveline: Audi Q5 front-wheel drive; BMW X3 all-wheel drive.
- Boot space: Audi Q5 520 litres; BMW X3 570 litres.
- Wheelbase: Audi Q5 2,817 mm; BMW X3 2,865 mm.
- Airbags: Audi Q5 seven; BMW X3 six.
Q5
- 196 hp and 340 Nm, ahead of the X3’s 188 hp and 310 Nm.
- Seven airbags, including a front-centre airbag.
- Digital Matrix LED headlamps and a 10-speaker Audi sound system.
- RM27,100 dearer than the BMW X3.
- Front-wheel drive versus the X3’s all-wheel drive.
- 520-litre boot trails the X3’s 570 litres; no auto parking or head-up display.
X3
- RM27,100 lower purchase price.
- All-wheel drive and a 570-litre boot.
- Auto parking, head-up display and a 2,865-mm wheelbase.
- 188 hp and 310 Nm fall short of the Q5’s 196 hp and 340 Nm.
- Six airbags versus the Q5’s seven.
- Six-speaker audio versus the Q5’s 10-speaker system, and LED Projector headlamps rather than Digital Matrix LEDs.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM352,900 | RM325,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM434✓ | RM439 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | 1,984 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 196 hp at 4,300 rpm✓ | 188 hp at 4,400 rpm |
| Torque | 340 Nm at 2,000 rpm✓ | 310 Nm at 1,500 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7-speed S-tronic | 8-speed Steptronic |
| Gears | 7 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | ZF |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 8.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 215 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,717 mm | 4,755 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,669 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,817 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 68 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres | 570 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R19 | 245/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R19 | 245/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Mexico (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" 10 Spoke Aero Design Alloys | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" 10 Spoke Aero Design Alloys | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Comfort suspension | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Centre Airbag) | 6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Digital Matrix LED Headlights | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full OLED Tail lights | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Powered Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 14.5" Touchscreen with Android Automotive OS, 10-speaker Audi Sound System | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Digital Key | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | — | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | — | 3 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Q5 & X3 for sale
Q5 vs X3 FAQ
Is the Audi Q5 or BMW X3 better?
The BMW X3 is the stronger buy on space, all-wheel drive and price, costing RM27,100 less with a 570-litre boot. Choose the Audi Q5 for its higher 196-hp, 340-Nm output, seven airbags and richer lighting and audio specification.
What is the price difference?
The Audi Q5 costs RM352,900 and the BMW X3 costs RM325,800, so the Q5 carries a RM27,100 premium.
Which has the bigger boot, Audi Q5 or BMW X3?
The BMW X3 has the bigger boot at 570 litres, 50 litres more than the Audi Q5’s 520 litres. Its wheelbase is also 48 mm longer, at 2,865 mm versus 2,817 mm.
