2025 BMW X5 M vs 2026 Audi SQ7

$127,200 · Crossover

$93,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

When deciding between the 2025 BMW X5 M and the 2026 Audi SQ7, the main conflict boils down to outright performance versus significant cost savings. The BMW X5 M boasts a staggering 617 hp compared to the Audi SQ7’s 500 hp, making it the clear performance king, though its combined MPG sits at a thirsty 15 MPG. Conversely, the SQ7 undercuts the X5 M by a hefty $33,400, starting at $93,800 versus the BMW's $127,200. Interestingly, while the X5 M is shorter by almost half an inch in length (194.8 inches vs. 199.6 inches), it offers more than double the usable space with 33.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the SQ7’s 13.6 cu ft. Both require premium fuel and utilize AWD, but buyers must weigh the extra 117 horsepower against the massive financial difference and better real-world utility offered by the slightly less powerful Audi.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi SQ7

The Audi SQ7 wins for commuting due to its slightly better combined fuel economy of 16 MPG versus the X5 M's 15 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW X5 M

The BMW X5 M is better for families because it provides substantially more storage with 33.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW X5 M

Enthusiasts will prefer the BMW X5 M for its superior power output of 617 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi SQ7

The Audi SQ7 delivers significantly better value, costing $33,400 less while still offering substantial performance.

Choose the BMW X5 M if...

You prioritize maximum straight-line speed, leveraging the 617 hp engine.
You need substantial luggage space, as 33.9 cu ft significantly outperforms the competition.
You don't mind the higher running costs associated with 13/18 MPG fuel consumption.

Choose the Audi SQ7 if...

Sticking to a budget is critical, given the $33,400 MSRP advantage over the X5 M.
You value slightly better efficiency, achieving 16 combined MPG.
You prefer a slightly longer vehicle profile at 199.6 inches compared to the X5 M's 194.8 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW X5 M	Audi SQ7
Length	194.8"	199.6"
Width	79.3"	77.5"
Height	69.4"	68.5"
Wheelbase	117.0"	118.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	4.4 L	4.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V8
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	617 hp @ 6000 rpm	500 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	553 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	568 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	32	32
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Audi
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	13/18 MPG	14/20 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	15 MPG	16 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	284.7/394.2 mi.	315.0/450.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.9 gal.	22.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	✓
Side View Camera	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Audi
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Harman/Kardon	—
Stereo Power	464W	755W
Speaker System	16	19
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	Discrete
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months
Premium Brand Speakers	—	Bang & Olufsen
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	40.8 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	39.8 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	59.5 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	14-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	14-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Audi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	21 x 11.5 in.	21 in
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	315/35R	✓
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Audi
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Audi
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW X5 M and 2026 Audi SQ7.

Is the 2025 BMW X5 M truly much faster than the 2026 Audi SQ7?

Yes, the difference in power is substantial; the X5 M delivers 617 hp, whereas the SQ7 provides 500 hp. This 117 horsepower advantage means the X5 M will feel significantly quicker in pure acceleration tests.

Which SUV is better for moving luggage or large items?

The 2025 BMW X5 M is the superior choice for hauling cargo, offering 33.9 cubic feet of space. The 2026 Audi SQ7 only provides 13.6 cubic feet, making the BMW a much more practical choice for families or trips.

How big of a price gap separates these two performance SUVs?

There is a $33,400 difference in starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Audi SQ7 starts at $93,800, while the BMW X5 M commands a much higher entry point at $127,200.

Do the performance specs affect their fuel economy significantly?

They do; the more powerful X5 M achieves only 15 MPG combined, compared to the SQ7's 16 MPG combined rating. Both require premium unleaded fuel, but the X5 M demands more of it.

Which vehicle has more torque for towing or low-end pull?

Surprisingly, the less powerful Audi SQ7 wins in torque delivery, producing 568 lb-ft against the X5 M's 553 lb-ft. This might give the Audi an edge in immediate pulling power, despite having less horsepower.

Are there any differences in size that affect maneuverability?

The BMW X5 M is slightly shorter in length at 194.8 inches compared to the SQ7's 199.6 inches, but the X5 M is wider at 79.3 inches versus the Audi's 77.5 inches.