VS
At a Glance
Power
250 kW
408kW@6000
Torque
500 Nm
680Nm@1500
Fuel
9.9 l/100km
13.9
Towing
3500 Kg
3000
0-100 km/h
5.6 s
4.7
Engine
2995 cc
4395
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 408kW@6000. On fuel, the Q7 returns 9.9 l/100km while the X5 uses 13.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 958 000 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.
Performance
Power Output
250 kW
408kW@6000
Torque
500 Nm
680Nm@1500
0-100 kph
5.6 s
4.7
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2995 cc
4395
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.9 l/100km
13.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
20.1
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
11
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
85
CO2 Emissions
210 g/km
325
Dimensions
Length
5072 mm
4851
Width
1970-2212 mm
1933-2197
Height
1734 mm
1764
Wheelbase
2995 mm
2933
Ground Clearance
—
212
Kerb Weight
2190 Kg
2380
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
780-1908 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3000
Load Capacity
—
1750
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
DSC
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 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
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 15000) /
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi Q7
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Q7
Fuel Economy
Q7
Value
X5
Practicality
Q7
Pros & Cons
Audi Q7
Better fuel economy (9.9 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher starting price
BMW X5
Lower starting price (R1 398 033)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7s)
Higher fuel consumption (13.9)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Q7 or X5?
The Q7 uses 9.9 l/100km and the X5 uses 13.9 on the combined cycle. The Q7 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 408kW@6000 and 680Nm@1500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Q7 and X5?
The Q7 starts from R1 958 000 and the X5 from R1 398 033. The X5 is cheaper by R559 967 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 3000. 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.