COMPARING THE COMPACT URBAN LUXURY TITANS

Nestled in the heart of California, Elk Grove is a city that thrives on the balance of suburban charm and proximity to bustling urban life. It’s a place where the choice of vehicle is as much about comfort and style as it is about performance and reliability. In this spirit, we compare two titans of the luxury compact SUV market: the 2024 Audi Q5 and the 2024 BMW X3. Trying to decipher “which what comes with huh?” can be a little much, especially when cross-shopping models – we’re here to make that a little easier though.

Both vehicles offer a blend of sophistication and agility, but how do they stack up against each other?

PRICING & TRIM RANGE

When it comes to price, both the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 offer a range that caters to a broad spectrum of buyers. Trying to decipher “which what comes with huh?” can be a little much, especially when cross-shopping models – we’re here to make that a little easier though.

The 2024 Audi Q5 comes in many forms, with many options. That means there is a level for every driver to find their match. One of the key features that the entire lineup shares is the legendary Quattro All-Wheel Drive system. From the base model to the peak, the performance and stability of AWD is ever-present.

The Audi Q5 can be had in two different body styles, with four different variants. There is the traditional shape you’d expect from a Compact Luxury SUV, and the aptly named Sportback, with its defining feature being the gradually sloping roofline and rear hatch. Think of it as a Fastback SUV.

The base Audi Q5 offers the most diverse selection, with 9 configurations. These are made up of three trim levels, plus three powertrain/drivetrain options for each. This includes the plugin-hybrid variant – with the moniker TFSI e.

The 2024 Audi Q5 Sportback is available in three different trims and finally, the tippity-top, performance luxury-minded SQ5 also has three trim levels to choose from.

All this means, that there is a $23,900 difference between the entry model Q5 and the most expensive model. The Premium 40 TFSI quattro starts at $45,300 MSRP* and the lineup maxes out at $69,200 MSRP* for the 2024 SQ5 Sportback equipped with the TFSI Prestige quattro Tiptronic.

After filling your mental capacity for today with breaking down the Audi Q5 trim configurations – exploring the BMW X3 trims will either be disappointing or refreshing. It really comes down to if the model in your price point has the features and options that you consider a must.

The BMW X3 has a more modest selection of trim options to choose from. And, the entry point into this model starts slightly higher than the Q5 and lacks standard all-wheel drive on the base model – costing $2,000 more to have the front wheels join in on the action.

There are a grand total of four configurations to choose from with the X3, and they all share the same overall body shape. There are two options for the core model. A single option for the middle, more performance minded X3 M40i. Leaving us with a single option at the top – the all-out performance Compact Luxury SUV known as the X3 M.

All this means, that there is a $28,600 difference between the entry model X3 and the most expensive model. The rear-wheel drive X3 sDrive30i starts at $46,900 MSRP and the lineup maxes out at $75,500 MSRP for the 2024 BMW X3 M.

For residents of Elk Grove and nearby areas like Sacramento and Roseville, these prices represent a significant investment, but one that is justified by the vehicles’ premium features and capabilities. You deserve it, right?

PERFORMANCE

Under the hood, both SUVs boast impressive performance, that deliver exhilarating drives down the Golden State’s highways. However, they each have their own distinct personalities.

The 2024 Audi Q5 is a well-rounded luxury SUV that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and technology. It comes with standard Quattro AWD and three powertrain options: a standard 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 261-hp four-cylinder engine, and a 362-hp plug-in hybrid. The engines provide more than sufficient performance, with power always on tap and eagerly awaiting your demand. The Plug-In Hybrid model offers the same fuel efficiency, but with considerably more power. The absolute best of both worlds. For those wanting to harness the full potential of these models, they can be driven in full electric mode, up to 23 miles of range. Suddenly, those rushed fuel station stops on the way to work in the morning are a thing of the past.

Just as the Q5 – the 2024 BMW X3 is a luxury compact SUV that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. The BMW X3, in its standard form, comes Rear-Wheel-Drive, all-wheel drive is a $2,000 option for the core X3.

It comes with two engine options: a 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder in the core models and a more powerful 382-hp turbo inline-six in the M40i. Both engines provide adequate power, with the inline-six proving to be to be superior to the BMW 4-cylinder, thanks to its smooth-running nature and added muscle. There is an entire option that offers nearly 100 more horsepower than the M40i– this engine is found in the 2024 BMW X3 M. It’s higher power output comes with an equally higher price tag. The full-on M is typically reserved for the most cavalier of drivers.

STANDARD FEATURES | INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

The base models of both the Q5 and X3 come packed with standard features that set a high bar for the luxury SUV segment.

The 2024 Audi Q5 Premium 40 TFSI quattro is equipped with a range of standard interior and exterior features. Inside, the vehicle offers leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel and front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, wood inlays, tri-zone climate control, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a ten-speaker audio system that works harmoniously with the MMI infotainment system. A sophisticated system that integrates vehicle controls, entertainment, navigation, and connectivity features into a single interface, ensuring connectivity on the go.On the exterior, the Q5 Premium 40 TFSI quattro comes with 18-inch alloys and all-LED exterior lighting, even in its base format. Additional standard features include a power liftgate and roof rails. For those seeking a more dynamic look, there are options to add larger wheels.

The 2024 BMW X3 sDrive30i AWD comes with a host of standard interior and exterior features. On the inside, it offers a 10.25-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker audio system, and synthetic leather upholstery. It also features 10-way power-adjustable front seats with adjustable side bolsters for comfort. The BMW app allows for remote access to the vehicle.On the exterior, the X3 sDrive30i AWD has a sporty appearance with standard LED headlights that provide crystal-clear illumination, complemented by Automatic High Beam technology. The vehicle also comes with all-season run-flat tires. For those seeking a more dynamic look, there are exterior packages that can be added for an additional cost.

CARGO SPACE

When it comes to cargo space, both the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3 offer ample room, but with a slight difference. The Q5 provides a versatile space that can easily accommodate the weekend shopping sprees at Elk Grove’s bustling farmers’ markets or the occasional trip to the Sierra Nevada.

The 2024 Audi Q5 offers 54.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down and 25.8 cubic feet in the trunk behind the rear seats.
The X3, on the other hand, boasts a slightly larger cargo area, for those family trips to Folsom Lake or for carrying gear for a day out in the picturesque vineyards of Napa Valley.

The BMW X3 offers 62.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down and 28.7 cubic feet in the trunk behind the rear seats.

SAFETY

The 2024 Audi Q5 40 TFSI quattro and the 2024 BMW X3 sDrive30i AWD are both equipped with advanced features that prioritize safety and offer a range of features to protect their occupants.

The Audi Q5 comes with standard safety features like automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning, standard blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also includes Audi Pre Sense City, which can recognize moving or parked cars, as well as pedestrians. This system specialized in urban areas, at typical speeds through neighborhoods, downtown, and parking lots. The camera system can scan the area, nearly 330 feet ahead, and alert the driver if there is a possibility of danger – if needed, it can also activate the braking system. This can be an incredible assistant in the urban sprawl, allowing you to focus more intently on all the traffic in your immediate area. This technology is part of Audi’s commitment to enhancing vehicle safety and is designed to help drivers navigate crowded city streets. It’s one of the many advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) available in Audi vehicles.

The 2024 BMW X3 sDrive30i AWD is equipped with a range of advanced safety features designed to enhance driver confidence and protect occupants. These standard safety systems include Automated Emergency Braking (AEB) with Forward-Collision Warning, Lane-Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, and Frontal Collision Warning. Just like the Audi, both of these are active participants on every drive – working with you to keep all the occupants safe,

CONCLUSION

In Elk Grove and the surrounding areas, where the sun shines bright and the roads beckon, either the Audi Q5 or the BMW X3 would be a worthy companion. A lot of it will come down to personal preference, however, the Audi Q5 has many unique points that give it favor. First of all, entry model comes in at a lower price, comes standard with quattro all-wheel drive, and is handsomely equipped inside and out.

Further personalizing the Q5, the availability of two body styles. The same great face, but a more traditional and a sportier side and rear shape. In addition to body variations, the plethora of trim levels, packages, and powertrains allow for a vibrant selection of vehicle outfits. This touch allows owners to more easily get behind the exact Audi Q5 that they desire. Nothing left off the table.

Wrapping it up– the plugin-hybrid Q5 is easily the standout here. It’s a harmonious marriage of performance and efficiency. With enough horsepower and torque to satisfy the heaviest of feet, while being able to tone that down to a whisper while in full-electric mode. No range anxiety required.

Whether cruising down Elk Grove Boulevard or embarking on a road trip through California’s scenic routes, these vehicles offer the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance. The choice, as they say, is in the details—and in the hands of the beholder.

For those wishing to experience the 2024 Audi Q5, and other models, firsthand – the Knight Group automotive campus is home to Audi Elk Grove.
From this article to your new vehicle’s eventual 100,000-mile tune-up, and everything in-between, the Knight Group family of dealerships are here to make vehicle ownership the least stressful part of your life.

* Pricing Disclaimer : Price excludes destination charge, taxes, registration, title, other options and dealer fees. Final price will vary based on the final negotiated price and terms agreed upon by you and the Audi dealer.
* MPG Disclaimer : EPA estimates. Your mileage and emissions will vary and depend on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov for details.
* Towing Disclaimer : Manufacturer estimated peak combined system output of horsepower and torque. Not SAE net. Maximum tow rating when properly equipped with towing accessories. Vehicle load, other accessories and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle owner’s manual for details.
* Horsepower & Torque Disclaimer : Manufacturer estimated peak combined system output of horsepower and torque. Not SAE net.