Two models routinely top luxury SUV lists. They’re the 2022 Audi Q7 and the 2022 BMW X5. Though the Audi SUV possesses many desirable traits, the BMW X5 carries the advantage in several crucial categories. So, what makes the 2022 BMW X5 a better luxury SUV than the 2022 Audi Q7?

The 2022 BMW X5 has more cargo space than the 2022 Audi Q7

Cargo space is an essential attribute of an SUV. In a U.S. News comparison of the 2022 Audi Q7 and the 2022 BMW X5, the X5 edged out the Q7 by providing more space for your belonging. 

With the optional third-row seat installed in the X5, this model provides 23 cubic feet of space in the cargo area, whereas the Q7 has only 14.2 cubic feet behind its standard third-row seat. In addition, folding down all the rear seats allows maximum cargo-carrying capacity and results in 69.9 cubic feet for the Audi Q7 and 72.3 cubic feet for the BMW X5. 

According to Measuring Know How, that increased capacity means the X5 can carry roughly a dozen more bowling balls or almost 60 more red clay bricks than the Q7 with the seats folded flat. 

The 2022 BMW X5 packs a more potent powertrain

A luxury SUV should also have enough power to merge onto a busy highway. Whether you’re comparing base engines or range toppers, the 2022 BMW X5 beats the Audi Q7 at every level except for each model’s hybrid trim, which results in a horsepower tie.

The base 2022 Audi Q7 packs a 248-hp turbo-four engine, compared with the standard BMW X5’s 335-hp turbocharged six-cylinder. The Q7 Hybrid has a 335-hp V6 paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and the X5 matches that power by adding a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) to its standard powertrain. 

Featuring a 500-hp turbocharged V8, the range-topping Audi SQ7 model goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Compare that to the BMW X5 M’s 600 hp and 3.8-second acceleration time. 

The BMW X5 also has slightly better fuel economy 

The turbo-four-equipped 2022 Audi Q7 gets 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. With more horsepower, the mild-hybrid V6 gets a lower 18 and 23 mpg, and the performance-oriented SQ7 falls to 15 and 21 mpg. Comparatively, the base BMW X5 gets an estimated 21 mpg on city streets and 26 on the highway. The optional all-wheel drive reduces highway mileage to 25 mpg. And the high-performance X5 M drops to 13 mpg in the city and 18 on the highway. 

While the numbers between the two are close, the hybrid comparison puts the BMW X5 on top of the fuel economy battle. The BMW X5 PHEV received an “EPA-estimated 50 MPGe in EV mode and 20 mpg in hybrid mode.” In addition, it can travel up to 30 miles on a full charge in electric-only mode.

Ride quality and handling are the X5’s forte

Both luxury SUVs feature air-ride suspension, but the BMW X5’s adaptive air suspension improves ride quality without sacrificing agility. Ultimately, BMW’s agility wins the ride and handling category.

The BMW SUV has an edge in reliability 

Audi and BMW provide similar four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranties, but BMW goes a step further by covering the X5 PHEV battery for eight years or 80,000 miles. The BMW X5 also scores higher on the J.D. Power reliability scale than the Audi Q7.

The 2022 BMW X5 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick 

According to the U.S. News comparison, both luxury SUVs “come standard with a welcome array of the latest advanced driver-assistance systems.” Standard safety features include auto-leveling headlights, blind-spot monitors, and cross-traffic alerts. 

Though crash-test data for both vehicles is incomplete, the 2022 BMW X5 earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), giving the Bimmer an edge in the safety category. 

Is the 2022 BMW X5 better than the 2022 Audi Q7?

Is the X5 better than the Q7? In this case, “better” is a strong word because both luxury SUVs are outstanding. However, while the X5 excels in the categories listed above, the Q7 is less expensive, has standard all-wheel drive, standard leather upholstery, and includes the third-row seat. But ultimately, the BMW X5 is a better luxury SUV than the Audi Q7 despite its higher price.