VS
At a Glance
Power
245kW@5500
408kW@6000
Torque
440Nm@2900
680Nm@1500
Fuel
10.7L/100km
13.9L/100km
Towing
3500kg
3000kg
0-100 km/h
6.9s
4.7s
Engine
2995cc
4395cc
Choosing between the Audi Q7 and the BMW X5 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi Q7 delivers 245kW@5500 while the BMW X5 produces 408kW@6000. On fuel, the Q7 returns 10.7L/100km while the X5 uses 13.9L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R765 000 for the Q7 and R1 398 033 for the X5. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Audi Q73.0 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic 2013 - From R765 000
BMW X5M Steptronic 2009 - From R1 398 033
Performance
Power Output
245kW@5500
408kW@6000
Torque
440Nm@2900
680Nm@1500
0-100 kph
6.9s
4.7s
Top Speed
245km/h
250km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2995cc
4395cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 6
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.7L/100km
13.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
14.7L/100km
20.1L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.3L/100km
11L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
100L
85L
CO2 Emissions
249g/km
325g/km
Dimensions
Length
5086mm
4851mm
Width
1983-2086mm
1933-2197mm
Height
1772mm
1764mm
Wheelbase
3002mm
2933mm
Ground Clearance
205mm
212mm
Kerb Weight
2240kg
2380kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500kg
3000kg
Load Capacity
2035kg
1750kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESP
DSC
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
8
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
WITH BRAKE FUNCTION
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
24
Warranty Distance
-
-
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
15000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi Q7
3 / 4 categories
Performance
X5
Fuel Economy
Q7
Value
Q7
Practicality
Q7
Pros & Cons
Audi Q7
Better fuel economy (10.7L/100km)
Lower starting price (R765 000)
Higher towing capacity (3500kg)
Few notable weaknesses
BMW X5
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.9L/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q7 or X5?
The Q7 uses 10.7L/100km and the X5 uses 13.9L/100km on the combined cycle. The Q7 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q7 or X5?
The Q7 produces 245kW@5500 and 440Nm@2900 of torque while the X5 delivers 408kW@6000 and 680Nm@1500 of torque. The X5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q7 and X5?
The Q7 starts from R765 000 and the X5 from R1 398 033. The Q7 is cheaper by R633 033 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Q7 or X5?
The Q7 has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and the X5 can tow 3000kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Q7 or the X5?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.