The base X3 30 xDrive has a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 255 hp and a 6-second 0-60 mph sprint time. The Audi Q5’s base model’s 201 hp is respectable but falls far short of the X3. To beat the X3, you must move into the pricier Q5 45 TFSI with 261 hp. For those seeking the peak of compact luxury SUV performance, the X3 M50 model turns the power up to 393 hp and drops the 0-60 time to just 4.4 seconds. This again beats Audi’s offering, the SQ5, which has 349 hp and a 4.7-second 0-60 mph time.
BMW is known for perfectly balancing comfort and agility. The BMW X3 is no exception, with its optimized weight distribution and expertly calibrated suspension. It delivers sharp handling and composed highway cruising, delivering the expected BMW driving experience. The Audi Q5 offers excellent quality ride, but other than the SQ5 model, the Q5 doesn’t have the X3’s agility.
The BMW X3 features the latest iDrive 8 infotainment system, which is intuitive and quick to respond and supports seamless smartphone integration, voice controls, and over-the-air updates. This system has a 14.9-inch touchscreen and connects with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster to create a high-tech-looking dash. The Audi Q5 gives the X3 a run for its money with its own 14.5-inch touchscreen and 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster, but they are all slightly smaller than the X3’s offering. The Q5 does have a unique 10.9-inch passenger-side touchscreen, but some may find the three screens a little too busy.
From soft-touch surfaces to genuine leather seating on higher trims, the BMW X3 offers upscale finishes that deliver a more refined atmosphere. The Audi Q5 matched the X3 blow for blow in materials, with excellent leather seating options, including specially stitched Napa leather in higher trims. Both models offer ample rear legroom, but the X3 edges out the Q5 with its 31.5 to 67.1 cubic feet of cargo room — beating the Q5 by 5.6 to 13 cubic feet.
Historically, the X3 has scored top marks in crash tests, and the latest iteration is no exception. It received the top honors from the IIHS as a Top Safety Pick+ model. The Audi Q5, on the other hand, faltered in several tests, knowing it out of Top Safety Pick consideration.
Alongside strong IIHS safety ratings, the X3 features comprehensive safety assists like blind-spot monitors, active lane control, rain-sensing wipers, and parking assistance. You can also add adaptive cruise control and other safety and driver-assist features as options. While the Q5 falters in safety ratings, it gets one up on the X3 here with standard adaptive cruise control.
Despite their sporty performance, the X3 and Q5’s turbocharged four-cylinder engines offer solid fuel economy numbers. That said, the X3’s 29 mpg combined beats the Q5 by 3 mpg.
The Q5 gets a slight advantage over the X3 by offering a plug-in hybrid variant that gives you up to 23 miles of electric-only driving. However, after depleting the battery, its 26 mpg combined in hybrid mode is 3 mpg worse than the X3.
You have plenty of options for buying your next BMW X3, but you’ll always leave satisfied at BMW of Schererville. Here’s how BMW of Schererville stands out from other luxury car dealerships in the Valparaiso and Schererville, IN areas.
Ready to experience the 2025 BMW X3 for yourself? Visit BMW of Schererville today at 1400 US-41, Schererville, IN 46375 or browse our online inventory to find the perfect model. Our team is here to help you find the perfect BMW X3 for you and your family.
