Audi Q5 vs BMW X3

Battle of the baby SUVs These might be car like, and a far cry from a true blue SUV when it comes to off-roading prowess. But, these baby SUVs still hold a lot of appeal, especially in the Indian context. AUTO BILD INDIA gets you the lowdown

The concept of a car based SUV is perfect for Indian conditions. Take the BMW 3-series and the Audi A4 for instance – these are low cars with relatively long overhangs. And it is this styling attribute which can prove to be quite painful even on the tiniest adventures like heading toremote destinations where all one would find are bullock cart tracks.

Their SUV iterations and the protagonists of this comparison, the X3 and the new Q5 respectively, are better endowed. These have higher ground clearance and with four-wheel drive coupled to electronic trickery like hill descent among others, these will certainly hold you in better stead, especially when things get mucky

These are, of course, a lot more expensive to buy than their car counterparts, but then, if you go by the adage – ‘have money, will travel’ - these are certainly worth it.

The question however is, which of these German entry- level, luxury SUVs is a better bet? And to answer that we are the first to have petrol powered versions of the two on test here. Let the games begin…

Q5's cabin feels nice and upmarket - it has easy to read clocks, positive feeling steering controls, stereo SD card slots, auto hold function and an easy to operate MMI system.

Q5 has more road presence thanks to its more contemporary design as well as bigger proportions.

Touch of class If it's looks you're after, this one’s a no-brainer. The X3 looks quirky and its straight cut lines, especially towards the rear, will certainly not find it favours with the snotty lot. It is the less appealing and older looking of the two. The Q5 looks more in tune with the times; it is curvier, bulkier and classier and as a result has more road presence. Inside too, it’s the Audi that gets our vote for being more upmarket, contemporary and better designed than the BMW.

The overall comfort factor is better on the Audi too. It has better front seats, is easier to get in and out of (the X3’s running boards are a real hassle in this regard) and though both SUVs offer similar comfort for rear passengers, the Q5 offers more head, shoulder and knee room at the back. It also gets reclining backrests for the rear passengers.

There’s however little to choose between the two when it comes to the list of comfort features offered – both get power retractable ORVMs, climate control, one touch up/down power windows on all four doors, rake and reach adjustible steering and huge sun roofs (as an option) among others. The sunroof on the Audi isn't as well suited for the hot Indian sun as the BMW's, though.

A stiff swig The BMW might have its shortcomings in the design department, but it is an easier and more loveable car to drive. It has better visibility all round and clearer edges for the driver to spot which make it a lot more manoeuvrable within city confines. The Q5’s puffed up design language gets the better of it here, it feels more cumbersome in claustrophobic traffic and one needs some time to get used to it.

The X3 is fantastic around a hilly road. The steering has better feel and is also lightning quick. The SUV itself is more than eager to change directions in a hurry and with the healthy amounts of feedback coming in from all quarters, there’s an undercurrent of confidence it inspires that’s hard for the Q5 to match.

BMW insides are as well built and finished as the Audi's, but the design lacks flair. There's less stowage and lesser things to play with on the inside too

While on paper the two are evenly matched, it is the Audi which gets you places quicker

The X3 is fantastic around a hilly road. The steering has better feel and is also lightning quick. The SUV itself is more than eager to change directions in a hurry and with the healthy amounts of feedback coming in from all quarters, there’s an undercurrent of confidence it inspires that’s hard for the Q5 to match.

Now don’t get us wrong, the Audi isn’t a bad handler; far from it actually, and on its own, is great fun to drive. But, after the X3, it feels a little cumbersome and slower around the twisty stuff. The turn-in is lazier and it isn’t as composed handling quick direction changes. The Audi also feels loose around faster bends. On the straights and under hard braking, meanwhile, both are equally weave settling in no matter the road surface or wind direction. But, road surfaces that are anything but perfect get the better of the two SUVs. These are stiffly sprung and transmit every rut, ripple and pebble into the cabin at all speeds. Both can get pretty uncomfortable; the X3’s ride is harsh while the Q5 is noisy and is accompanied by vibrations.

Audi Q5 Engine is refined, peppy and it also loves to be revved

Performing arts The Q5’s engine is a gem. The Audi uses a smaller four-cylinder engine which gets up to the power threshold with turbocharging and direct injection. It makes 211bhp and 350Nm of torque. BMW on the other hand has taken the conventional approach and uses a larger capacity, naturally aspirated, inline six-cylinder engine that makes 218bhp. Not much separates the two on paper.

On the road though, the Q5 is comfortably ahead. It is over a second quicker to 100kmph and records better roll-on times as well. Its engine is also supremely refined and free revving. However, it only begins to come into its own past 3500rpm. It’s not exactly a dud below it, but the ferocity with which it pulls beyond 3500rpm all the way to its 6200rpm redline, simply makes the initial progress seem pedestrian. Audi engineers have also done a splendid job with the SUVs NVH. There’s not a hint of vibration seeping into the cabin even at the redline, be it via the seats, pedals or even the floor pan.

BMW X3 6-cylinder engine is smooth and works well with the 6-speed auto 'box

Our only grouse with the Audi’s drivetrain is the working of the seven-speed DSG 'box. It works well when left on its own in full auto mode, but when shifting manually, it takes its own sweet time for upshifts, diluting the fun factor. We also missed the paddle shifters, which we have grown to love on Audis, particularly as they use a reverse shift pattern – push forwwvard for up and pull back for downshifting. The BMW’s gearbox is more likable and has the right shift logic as well.