Why Q5 over BMW X3
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 176
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I agree with everything in the thread. We've been BMW loyalists a long time, and my next car might still be a BMW, but my wife's will almost certainly be a 2.0 Q5.
I believe that the BMW might handle a little better, and the BMW turbo engine is obviously the strongest, but you've got significant downsides in the interior (no nicer than it was on cars 20 years ago), the exterior (doesn't look nearly as good), and the pricing.
In the Q5, I can get excellent performance (but not x35i performance) with a way nicer interior, better looking exterior, and for a better price. I'll save my money for the M3 or M5.
I believe that the BMW might handle a little better, and the BMW turbo engine is obviously the strongest, but you've got significant downsides in the interior (no nicer than it was on cars 20 years ago), the exterior (doesn't look nearly as good), and the pricing.
In the Q5, I can get excellent performance (but not x35i performance) with a way nicer interior, better looking exterior, and for a better price. I'll save my money for the M3 or M5.
Super Moderator
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,173
Likes: 9
From: SoCal
I agree with everything in the thread. We've been BMW loyalists a long time, and my next car might still be a BMW, but my wife's will almost certainly be a 2.0 Q5.
I believe that the BMW might handle a little better, and the BMW turbo engine is obviously the strongest, but you've got significant downsides in the interior (no nicer than it was on cars 20 years ago), the exterior (doesn't look nearly as good), and the pricing.
In the Q5, I can get excellent performance (but not x35i performance) with a way nicer interior, better looking exterior, and for a better price. I'll save my money for the M3 or M5.
I believe that the BMW might handle a little better, and the BMW turbo engine is obviously the strongest, but you've got significant downsides in the interior (no nicer than it was on cars 20 years ago), the exterior (doesn't look nearly as good), and the pricing.
In the Q5, I can get excellent performance (but not x35i performance) with a way nicer interior, better looking exterior, and for a better price. I'll save my money for the M3 or M5.
before pay $$$ for M5 try 550
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
X3 just misses the mark. Sure it drives okay, but as others have said - t he interior is just bland and the extra cost leather seats look like plastic. Worse yet, the passenger seat is very uncomfortable. The salesman took me for a one mile ride to see a color in another light and that was enough to convince me just how uncomfortable it is.
Then, there is the convenience package you have to buy just to get HomeLink garage door openers and power tailgate Ridiculous on a $40,000 + car.
Then, there is the convenience package you have to buy just to get HomeLink garage door openers and power tailgate Ridiculous on a $40,000 + car.
Super Moderator
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,173
Likes: 9
From: SoCal
X3 just misses the mark. Sure it drives okay, but as others have said - t he interior is just bland and the extra cost leather seats look like plastic. Worse yet, the passenger seat is very uncomfortable. The salesman took me for a one mile ride to see a color in another light and that was enough to convince me just how uncomfortable it is.
Then, there is the convenience package you have to buy just to get HomeLink garage door openers and power tailgate Ridiculous on a $40,000 + car.
Then, there is the convenience package you have to buy just to get HomeLink garage door openers and power tailgate Ridiculous on a $40,000 + car.
in 16K Accord and 22K Maxima and $42K BMW or Audi
- split foll down rear seat was standard options for Accord and Maxima - $500 on BMW,
-car alarm - came with Maxima-$400 on BMW
-floor mats - free on both cars - $100 ( for a $42K car - WTF?) etc.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 3
Some options on European car is shocking for new-timers:
in 16K Accord and 22K Maxima and $42K BMW or Audi
- split foll down rear seat was standard options for Accord and Maxima - $500 on BMW,
-car alarm - came with Maxima-$400 on BMW
-floor mats - free on both cars - $100 ( for a $42K car - WTF?) etc.
in 16K Accord and 22K Maxima and $42K BMW or Audi
- split foll down rear seat was standard options for Accord and Maxima - $500 on BMW,
-car alarm - came with Maxima-$400 on BMW
-floor mats - free on both cars - $100 ( for a $42K car - WTF?) etc.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
From: Parkersburg, WV / Stuttgart, Germany
At least you have packages in the states, everything is an option in Germany. I was very surprised when I went to look for a New Q5 here, when I had priced out everything in the states before I decided to stay in Europe longer.
When I was looking for a new car in the states the Q5 wasn't my first choice. But when I decided to stay in Europe for a few more years, I went straight to Audi.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 203
Likes: 1
I drove both yesterday: the 2.0T vs. the xDrive35i. It is not even close! The new X3 is an improvement over the previous X3, to be sure, but it is not in the same league with the Q5. The X3 is surprisingly noisy and the handling was lackluster by comparison. I love my 328ci, but I would not buy the X3. Sorry, BMW.
In addition, I find the Q5 a much more handsome vehicle inside and out. It is hard to believe the Q5 and the X3 are even in the same class.
In addition, I find the Q5 a much more handsome vehicle inside and out. It is hard to believe the Q5 and the X3 are even in the same class.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 144
Likes: 9
Like others the BMW interior just doesn't measure up. To be honest, I've owned 3 VWs and I think their interiors are nicer than BMW. No style (sea of black buttons) and just average materials. I drove an X3 (granted it was last generation), I was not impressed at all. The Q5 felt perfect as soon as I got in it. I know the new X3 is supposed to be a lot better than the last generation, but until they start putting some money and design into their interiors, they don't make my short list of vehicles to consider.
Plus they are really expensive and felt smaller inside as well.
Plus they are really expensive and felt smaller inside as well.
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AudiWorld Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 197
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From: Spring, TX
I was all set to order a new X3 when the dealer I was working with upset me to the point I thought we should take another look at the Q5. I am so glad we did because I am strongly leaning towards the Q5 now. I have never owned a BMW or an Audi and would love to hear thoughts on either and what made you choose this car over others.
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