The 2024 BMW X3 is one of the most well-known compact luxury SUVs you can find. Made by renowned Bavarian luxury automaker BMW, the X3 has existed for over two decades. It offers plenty of luxury and safety features paired with BMW’s signature driving characteristics. However, it faces stiff competition from many German contenders, including the 2024 Audi Q5. The Q5 is another famous nameplate, and it comes with an impressive feature set.
To help you choose the best compact luxury SUV, we’ve put together a BMW vs Audi comparison. We’ll see how the 2024 X3 and the 2024 Q5 stack up in terms of interior amenities and luxury features. Then, we’ll check out their powertrains and performance capabilities. Finally, we’ll evaluate each model’s standard and optional safety features.
Keep reading if you want to find out which compact luxury SUV wins. You can also visit BMW of Gainesville to learn more about the BMW X3.
Since space is a critical measure of luxury, these two compact luxury SUVs offer plenty of it. They can also be specified with wood trim, metal-effect interior accents, and leather seat upholstery. Furthermore, the 2024 X3 also includes reclining rear seats for more comfort. Meanwhile, its front seats are sport-focused units that offer extra bolstering. This is useful to keep occupants comfortable during trips. Conversely, the 2024 Q5 doesn’t come with this or reclining rear seats as standard.
Then, the 2024 X3 includes tri-zone climate control for all trims. This is available for the 2024 Q5. Both vehicles also get powered and heated front seats as standard. Buyers can opt for heated outboard rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
BMW beats Audi in terms of trunk space, with the 2024 X3 having 29 cubic feet versus 26 cubic feet for the 2024 Q5. This means you can carry more luggage in the X3, making it a great choice for family use. You can also fold down the rear seats of either model to gain more space.
Some trims of the 2024 X3 get BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional system. This includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Meanwhile, 2024 Q5 buyers need to select the available Audi Virtual Cockpit option to get a digital gauge cluster. Both models come with standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®. They also offer premium sound systems and wireless phone charging pads as options. The 2024 X3 also includes remote software upgrades. This lets BMW seamlessly push over-the-air updates to your 2024 X3’s infotainment system, endowing it with new features at a later date.
Two powertrains are available for 2024 BMW X3 buyers to pick. The base model, called the sDrive30i, packs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. This 248-hp engine can provide up to 258 lb-ft of torque. It uses a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels. Buyers who want this engine with all-wheel drive must choose the xDrive30i variant. Here, BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system is added. The xDrive30i can also be equipped with Dynamic Damper Control. This adaptive suspension system provides various damping modes, including Sport, Comfort, and Eco Pro.
BMW offers the M40i variant for buyers who want more performance. This uses a 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder turbocharged engine. This also uses a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox. It comes with the xDrive all-wheel drive system, which is standard. Furthermore, buyers can add a special M adaptive damping suspension system. Here, the vehicle sits 0.4-inches lower for better handling characteristics.
Audi also offers two powertrains for 2024 Q5 buyers. The entry-level Q5 40 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 201 hp. The Q5 45 gets the same engine with 261 hp. Either variant has an S-Tronic 7-speed automatic gearbox and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. Buyers can specify optional adaptive suspension.
Every 2024 BMW X3 gets adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning are included, too. Then, there’s basic lane-keeping assistance, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a rear-view camera.
Furthermore, BMW offers the Driving Assistance Professional option package. This adds a radar-based cruise control system with active lane-keeping assistance. The package also includes evasion aid features and front cross-traffic alerting. Meanwhile, the 2024 Q5 has some of these features, too, but many are options.
The 2024 X3 pulls ahead of the 2024 Audi Q5 across all three of our criteria. Why not visit BMW of Gainesville today and ask for a test drive? Then, you can check out its spacious and well-equipped cabin while enjoying its smooth driving experience. You can also rest assured that the 2024 X3 comes with excellent safety features. When you’re ready to purchase or lease, our team will help you with financing.
