Audi Q5 v BMW X3

[Catman]

We test drove these two in their 4 cylinder variants.  The Audi saleman asked my wife, "So, what's the one thing you like about your Maxima?".  "I like my heated steering wheel".  Salesman replies, "Ooooo, yeah, that's the only option we can't get in the Q5".  LOL

Anyway, the Q5 is a nicer package overall.  The interior had better materials overall and the power delivery was smoother and, at least to my wife, felt a little more powerful than the BMW.  The BMW felt like it lacked the quality heft of the Audi.  The Audi dealer seems to want to option out the Q5 until they are priced too high, I might look at a dealer with a bigger inventory when we're ready.

We're not buying yet but still looking around.  Small luxury SUV's is what she wants.  Might not bother with Lexus as there's no dealer close by and the Infiniti EX is tiny inside.

[68_427]

XC60

[Catman]

She doesn't like Volvos but maybe we can look

[cawimmer430]

The Audi saleman asked my wife, "So, what's the one thing you like about your Maxima?".  "I like my heated steering wheel".  Salesman replies, "Ooooo, yeah, that's the only option we can't get in the Q5".  LOL

It's probably a $ 15,000 option. You know, German cars... 

[Catman]

Yes, if it was up to me I wouldn't be paying 45 grand for a car.

[AltinD]

XC60

Still better then the XC90 ... but still ....

[AltinD]

My friend just got a S-Line Q5 (2.0T) .... niiiiiiiiiiiiice

[Catman]

My friend just got a S-Line Q5 (2.0T) .... niiiiiiiiiiiiice

No question its a nice vehicle

[cawimmer430]

Why not just get a 1974 Ford LTD? I'm sure it has a heated steering wheel as standard. 

[ifcar]

Are you also looking at the X1, or is that too small?

[CJ]

XC60

[veeman]

Q5 and X3 are both perfect combination of luxury, size, and nimbleness.  Also, unlike the lexus rx, i wouldn't be embarassed to drive one. 

[CJ]

I actually like the new RX.  The F-Sport looks pretty decent and the seats seem wonderful.

[TurboDan]

Tiguan SEL? All the bells the whistles and a few grand less. That's what my mom ended up with.

[MexicoCityM3]

Very recent C/D comparo of these two + Evoque: http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2013-bmw-x3-xdrive28i-vs-2013-audi-q5-20t-2013-land-rover-range-rover-evoque-comparison-test

[Catman]

RDX looks like a good value maybe we can try one though she does not like Honda.

[CJ]

I wouldn't even glance at an RDX. The interior's just not nice enough.  It's all standard Honda but marginally nicer.

[GoCougs]

Tiguan is great though it doesn't have the brand panache.

In this price/class I'd be looking at the new RDX or a used RX (still expensive though - ouch).

[Catman]

I wouldn't even glance at an RDX. The interior's just not nice enough.  It's all standard Honda but marginally nicer.

I noticed.  The BMW is a bit stark as well. No one beats Audi on the interior.

[Galaxy]

How is a Touareg priced in the US, compared to the Q5?

[Raza]

My one question for everyone looking at the Q5 is "why not consider the Tiguan?"  The interior might not be as nice as the Audi's but I bet the options packs are similar and I'd also wager that the interior is nicer than the BMW's.  And unless I'm mistaken, they're the same car mechanically.

[Catman]

My one question for everyone looking at the Q5 is "why not consider the Tiguan?"  The interior might not be as nice as the Audi's but I bet the options packs are similar and I'd also wager that the interior is nicer than the BMW's.  And unless I'm mistaken, they're the same car mechanically.

Not sure I like the styling but let me check it out.

[CALL_911]

My one question for everyone looking at the Q5 is "why not consider the Tiguan?"  The interior might not be as nice as the Audi's but I bet the options packs are similar and I'd also wager that the interior is nicer than the BMW's.  And unless I'm mistaken, they're the same car mechanically.

The Tiguan is on the A platform. Q5 is on the B.

I second Galaxy with his Touareg suggestion.

[CALL_911]

Hell, I don't get the hate for the RX. Its bland and not terribly good looking, but for a luxo-ute for my wife, I'd totally go for one. Well made, comfortable, powerful, luxurious. Its not like the Q5 and X3 are that exciting either.

[Raza]

The Tiguan is on the A platform. Q5 is on the B.

I second Galaxy with his Touareg suggestion.

Oh, did not realize it was built off the A4 platform.  Still, the Tig is worth checking out. 

[veeman]

the cars you've initially test driven are the best there is to offer in that size range.  the tiguan and rdx are going to feel noticeably inferior.  the touareg is noticeably larger and not as agile.  the lexus rx is the quintessential woman's car.  cabin is nice, the ride is probably softer and quieter, but again its not as agile.  another option is the cadillac srx, which is similar to the lexus rx.  the srx is more the size of the touareg however.

if the x3 and q5 suit your backseat and cargo needs (not a ton of room due to relatively smaller dimensions), i'd suggest testing the lexus rx for a different take on driving.  less road feel but better ride.  if she likes the rx, then i'd suggest also testing the cadillac. 

i like the look of the mercedes glk but i don't think it compares well with the x3 and q5.   

[r0tor]

The tig  seemed way small when I drove it... Wasn't a fan

[Catman]

Tiguan is smaller in every dimension and its kind of ugly. She wants the q5 and has wanted an Audi for as long as I can remember. So I just need to pay off the CX9 which won't take long and we will get one.

[AltinD]

How is a Touareg priced in the US, compared to the Q5?

I am not sure if they are still selling it in USA ... last I read they were just moving a couple of thousands a year, which is a total shame for such a nice vehicle

[AltinD]

Tiguan SEL? All the bells the whistles and a few grand less. That's what my mom ended up with.

I will take a Passat (not the US model) over a A4, the GTI over the A3, but I would not recommend the Tiguan to anyone, certainly not to those looking at the Q5