The 2022 Audi Q7 Has 3 Advantages Over the New BMW X5
Though the 2022 BMW X5 is a fantastic luxury SUV, the 2022 Audi Q7 has three advantages that make it a very competitive choice in the mid-size luxury SUV segment.
The Q7 is $3,100 less expensive
In a world where the average price of a new car is dangerously close to $50k, standard equipment is more of a factor now than ever. The base 2022 Audi Q7 is $3,100 less than the base 2022 BMW X5. Despite the price advantage, the Q7 even has a few standard features that are either optional or unavailable on the X5 including the following: AWD, leather seats, a third row, and a reclining second row.
According to U.S. News, the 2022 BMW X5 starts at $60,600 while the Audi Q7 starts at $57,500. Typically, at this price point, a $3,000 price gap isn’t going to be a game changer, but if the lower price offers more goodies, it may be the more cost effective route.
Full disclosure, the base Q7 does come fitted with a 2.0L turbocharged 4 cylinder making 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque while the BMW comes standard with a 3.0L turbocharged inline 6 making 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. The Q7 has an optional V6 powertrain for the 55 TFSI trims that makes the same 335 hp as the BMW, but quite a bit more torque with 369 lb-ft. This engine upgrade does add $5k over the base Q7’s price tag, but still beats the X5 xDrive40i by $400. Ultimately, whether you opt for the base Q7 or the V6, you end up getting a bit more for your money over the equivalent X5.
The Q7 comes standard with quattro awd
The Q7 comes standard with Audi’s famous Quattro system whereas the X5’s standard model, the sDrive40i, is RWD. To step up to the AWD variant, the xDrive40i, you would need to shell out an additional $2,300. This widens the price gap of equivalent awd models to $5,400.
AWD has become an expectation of the typical SUV buyer, so the ability to get AWD on the base model is very appealing. According to a study in 2020 reported by Motor1, 63.4% of SUVs purchased that year were equipped with AWD. The data in the study suggests this number will only continue to rise, giving the Audi another advantage.
The Q7 has a third row as standard
Though the X5 does have the option for a third row of seats, there is a bit of a problem. It is nearly impossible to find one fitted with that option. It seems most BMW buyers who desire third row seating opt for the larger X7. In reviews of the X5, the reviewer often states that the larger third row in the X7 is worth the upgrade.
Nearly every 2022 X5 for sale on CarGurus is void of a third row and that option is not currently available on the 2023 X5 configurator.
The 2022 Audi Q7 comes standard with a third row of seats, allowing up to 7 passengers to sit with relative comfort on a long journey. Now, like most three row SUVs, the Q7’s third row is not ideal for adults, but should have no issue comfortably fitting two children with its 29.2” of legroom. The X5 does not have any third row measurements available for comparison.
Should you buy an Audi Q7 over the BMW X5?
The 2022 BMW X5 is an excellent vehicle. Its power and handling are superb for an SUV, but ultimately the Q7 comes out on top. Not only does the Q7 offer more for the money and better standard equipment, but the Audi Q7 isn’t trying to convince you it’s an A7. The Q7 understands its role as a family SUV and seems to be built with that as its primary focus.
