VS
At a Glance
Power
250 kW
230 kW
Torque
500 Nm
450 Nm
Fuel
9.9 l/100km
1.9 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2700 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.6 s
4.8 s
Engine
2995 cc
2998 cc
Choosing between the Audi Q7 and the BMW X5 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi Q7 delivers 250 kW while the BMW X5 produces 230 kW. On fuel, the Q7 returns 9.9 l/100km while the X5 uses 1.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 987 900 for the Q7 and R1 977 000 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.
Performance
Power Output
250 kW
230 kW
Torque
500 Nm
450 Nm
0-100 kph
5.6 s
4.8 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2995 cc
2998 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.9 l/100km
1.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
69 l
CO2 Emissions
210 g/km
41 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5072 mm
4935 mm
Width
1970-2212 mm
2004-2218 mm
Height
1734 mm
1755 mm
Wheelbase
2995 mm
2975 mm
Ground Clearance
—
214 mm
Kerb Weight
2190 Kg
2420 DIN / 2495 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
780-1908 l
500-1720 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2700 Kg
Load Capacity
—
780 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
6
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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 15000) /
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Q7
Fuel Economy
X5
Value
X5
Practicality
Q7
Pros & Cons
Audi Q7
More powerful engine (250 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (9.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
BMW X5
Better fuel economy (1.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 977 000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.8 ss)
Less power than rival (230 kW vs 250 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q7 or X5?
The Q7 uses 9.9 l/100km and the X5 uses 1.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X5 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Q7 or X5?
The Q7 produces 250 kW and 500 Nm of torque while the X5 delivers 230 kW and 450 Nm of torque. The Q7 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Q7 and X5?
The Q7 starts from R1 987 900 and the X5 from R1 977 000. The X5 is cheaper by R10 900 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 3500 Kg and the X5 can tow 2700 Kg. 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.