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Thinking about buying an Audi Q5 2.0T? Compare it to a BMW X3 first!
The BMW X3 Overview
In 2004, BMW launched the X3, and with it an entirely new segment of vehicle was born – the compact premium SUV. The X3 quickly became a best seller – both in the United States and in Europe – as evidenced by sales of more than 600,000 global units. Not surprisingly, in the seven years since the X3 debuted, nearly every other premium nameplate has entered the now hotly contested segment.
In redesigning the all-new, second-generation X3, no stone was left unturned. Perhaps most noticeably, the presence of the X3 has been updated with modern design language that maintains its familial ties to the original X3, but in a package that is now similar in size to the original X5 (E53) SAV. In the end, both the X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i achieve a seemingly impossible task – delivering the most dynamic acceleration and handling in their categories, while also providing the most favorable fuel consumption and emission levels within their class.
The X3's advantages are not limited strictly to performance. The interior cabin has been upgraded in every way imaginable. Passenger and cargo space have grown considerably, and the use of premium materials is evident throughout. The cabin design language is equal parts modern, sporty and elegant, and the X3 is now available with a host of new creature comforts that place it at the head of the pack.
Does the new X3 have what it takes to reclaim its rightful place as segment leader? Automobile Magazine certainly thinks so, stating, "...we'd say that the new X3 finally has exactly what it needs to be a strong, perhaps dominant player in the expensive compact crossover class."
The Audi Q5 2.0T Overview
The Audi Q5 is a first-generation model that launched in 2009. It shares its architecture with the A4 sedan and A5 coupe. The 2.0T engine is an all-new addition to the Q5 line-up for MY 2011, joining the Q5 3.2 in the stable.
The Q5 2.0T is powered by a cast-iron 4-cylinder engine that produces only 211 horsepower at a relatively weak 4300 rpm, resulting in a 0 - 60 time of just 7.1 seconds. By comparison, the X3 is powered by the lightest 6-cylinder for its size class in the world – an engine that produces an impressive 240 horsepower at a more exhilarating 6600 rpm. The result is better acceleration with more linear, refined power flow. Both the X3 and Q5 2.0T feature a standard 8-speed automatic.
As expected, power is delivered to the wheels exclusively via quattro AWD. Though it shares xDrive's 40:60 rear torque bias under normal driving, its mechanically-based, self-locking differential is only capable of sending 85% of the power to the rear wheels, and 65% of power to the front wheels. Moreover, the system is reactive, meaning it cannot help prevent unwanted understeer and/or oversteer situations before they arise. In a head-to-head comparison, Auto Motor und Sport said xDrive is "one step ahead" and added that quattro "cannot match the xDrive in terms of driving dynamics."
The Q5 2.0T is available in two distinct trim levels – Premium and Premium Plus (+$4,200). Premium Plus models add auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, Xenon headlights, a panorama moonroof, heated front seats, a power tailgate, an iPod interface, Bluetooth and Homelink. None of these features are available on the base Premium model. Additionally, a Navigation system with HD radio, a music jukebox, parking sensors and a rearview camera is available as a $3,000 option, but only on Premium Plus models.
BMW vs. Audi
What's Hot About The BMW X3…
- 3.0-liter 24-valve inline 6-cylinder engine
- Lightweight magnesium-aluminum engine block
- 240 horsepower at 6,600 rpm
- 0 – 60 mph in 6.7 seconds
- xDrive – 40:60 torque split during normal driving. Can send up to 100% of the available power to either axle. xDrive can proactively dial-out unwanted understeer and oversteer
- Standard Brake Stand-by, Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant and Automatic Hold
- Standard Electric Power Steering helps save fuel
- Brake Energy Regeneration only charges the battery when coasting or braking, saving 1-2% on fuel consumption
- 49.9 / 50.1 weight bias provides superior handling and braking
- 12.9-inch front brake rotors and 13.0-inch ventilated rear disc brakes provide superior braking
- Standard Adaptive Brake Lights
- Standard run-flat tires
- Noticeably more front and rear head room
- 63.3 cu-ft. of maximum cargo space
- Standard iDrive minimizes driver distraction by reducing dash clutter and positioning the controller where the driver's hand would naturally rest . Six Programmable Memory Keys are also included
- Standard Integrated Owner's Manual
- A memory system for the driver seat and mirrors is standard on all X3 models
- Standard HD Radio
- Standard 12-speaker audio system
- Standard iPod/USB adapter
- Standard Bluetooth
- Every BMW is supported by the BMW Maintenance Program for 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Maintenance intervals at approximately 15,000 miles or 12 months (whichever occurs first)
- Optional Head-up Display
- Optional Automatic High Beams
- Optional 600-watt premium audio with 16-speakers
- Optional Electronic Damping Control
- Optional Performance Control
- Optional Driving Dynamics Control (3 modes)
- Optional sport steering wheel and sport seats
- Optional Comfort Access
- Optional Adaptive Headlights provide superior illumination around corners
- Optional rear side window sunshades
- Heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and retractable headlight washers are available in an option package
- Optional Top View Camera
- Optional Navigation features an 8.8-inch screen and 80GB hard drive
- Optional Navigation includes Real Time Traffic Information at no charge
- Optional 12GB Music Collection
- Optional BMW Assist
What's Not Hot About Audi Q5 2.0T…
- 2.0-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder turbo engine
- Heavy cast-iron engine block
- 211 horsepower at 4,300 rpm
- 0 – 60 mph in 7.1 seconds
- quattro – 40:60 torque split during normal driving. Can only send 65% to the front axle; 85% to the rear axle. Quattro can only react to understeer and oversteer
- Brake Stand-by, Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant and Automatic Hold are not available
- Electric Power Steering is not available
- The Q5's alternator constantly charges the battery, thereby wasting fuel
- 53.6 / 46.4 weight bias places an additional 294 pounds over the front wheels
- 12.6-inch front brake rotors and 11.8-inch solid rear disc brakes lead to increased stopping distances
- Adaptive Brake Lights are not available
- Run-flat tires are not available
- Reduced head room creates a cramped feeling
- 57.3 cu-ft. of maximum cargo space
- The Q5 features a standard Multi-Media Interface with dash-mounted controls. A central controller is included with optional Navigation. Programmable Memory Keys are not available
- Integrated Owner's Manual is not available
- Driver seat memory is only available on Premium Plus models
- HD radio is only available with optional Navigation
- Standard 10-speaker audio system
- iPod/USB adapter is optional
- Bluetooth is optional
- Edmunds.com estimates it costs $45/month to maintain the Q5 during the first 3 years of ownership
- Maintenance intervals at 10,000 miles or 12-months (whichever occurs first)
- Head-up Display is not available
- Automatic High Beams are not available
- Optional 505-watt premium audio with 14-speakers
- Electronic Damping Control is not available
- Performance Control is not available
- Driving Dynamics Control is not available
- Sport seats and a sport steering wheel are not available
- Comfort Access is not available
- Adaptive Headlights only available on Premium Plus models
- Side window sunshades are not available
- Heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and retractable headlight washers are unavailable on the Q5
- A Top View Camera is not available
- Optional Navigation features an 7.0-inch screen and 40 GB hard drive
- Optional Navigation includes traffic information, but a monthly SIRIUS Radio subscription is required
- Optional 10GB Music Collection
- A BMW Assist-type feature is not available
"It rode calmly, steered neatly, accelerated briskly, shifted gears with decisive subtlety,
and generally did all the things that inspire driver pleasure." - Motor Trend
Irvine BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, East Irvine, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, Lake Elsinore, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Silverado and Trabuco Canyon.
We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
