2025 BMW XM vs 2026 Audi SQ7

$160,500 · Crossover

$93,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW XM attacks the high-performance SUV segment with brute force, boasting a staggering 644 hp and commanding an MSRP of $160,500. Its distinction lies in sheer power and a unique plug-in hybrid setup offering 31 miles of electric range, though this comes at a steep cost and a thirsty 14 MPG combined city rating. Conversely, the 2026 Audi SQ7 charms with sophisticated, accessible performance, offering 500 hp and superior efficiency at 16 MPG combined, all for a significantly lower $93,800. The SQ7 is the pragmatic powerhouse, delivering a more sensible daily driving experience compared to the XM's extravagant presence. The $66,700 gulf in pricing highlights a massive divergence: the XM prioritizes ultimate output regardless of consumption, while the SQ7 balances thrilling dynamics with relative practicality, cemented by its larger cargo capacity of 18.6 cu ft in the XM versus the SQ7's 13.6 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi SQ7

The 2026 Audi SQ7 is the superior commuter due to its higher efficiency (16 MPG combined) and significantly lower initial investment.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW XM

The 2025 BMW XM offers a slightly larger physical footprint and marginally greater cargo space at 18.6 cu ft, making it better suited for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW XM

The 2025 BMW XM secures the win for sheer thrill seekers with its dominant 644 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi SQ7

The 2026 Audi SQ7 offers 500 hp for nearly $70,000 less than the BMW XM, presenting an undeniable value proposition.

Choose the BMW XM if...

You must have the maximum available power, evidenced by the BMW XM's 644 hp output.
You prioritize a plug-in hybrid setup capable of covering 31 miles on electric power alone.
You prefer the slightly larger dimensions and cargo volume of 18.6 cu ft.

Choose the Audi SQ7 if...

Budget is a major constraint, as the SQ7 saves you $66,700 compared to the XM's $160,500 MSRP.
Daily efficiency matters, given the SQ7's 16 MPG combined rating versus the XM's 14 MPG.
You seek spirited performance without the hassle of managing frequent plug-in charging on a daily basis.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW XM	Audi SQ7
Length	201.2"	199.6"
Width	78.9"	77.5"
Height	69.1"	68.5"
Wheelbase	122.2"	118.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	4.4 L	4.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V8
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	644 hp @ 5400 rpm	500 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	590 lb-ft @ 1600 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)	12/17 MPG	14/20 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	14 MPG	16 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	218.4/309.4 mi.	315.0/450.0 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	46/46 MPGe	—
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	46 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	31 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	73	—
Charging Time (240V)	5.0 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.2 gal.	22.5 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive 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	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Front Head Room	40.4 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	40.4 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	59.5 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Massage Function	✓	—
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Audi
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.3 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Power Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Audi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	23 x 11.0 in	21 in
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	315/30R23	✓

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.
EV Battery Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 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 XM and 2026 Audi SQ7.

How much faster is the 2025 BMW XM than the 2026 Audi SQ7 in a straight line?

The BMW XM holds a massive performance advantage with 644 hp compared to the Audi SQ7's 500 hp, representing a difference of 144 horsepower. This power differential means the XM is designed for outright acceleration dominance, while the SQ7 offers thrilling speed at a lower performance ceiling.

What are the fuel economy differences between the two luxury SUVs?

The Audi SQ7 is noticeably more efficient, achieving 16 MPG combined, whereas the BMW XM trails significantly at 14 MPG combined, even with its electric assist. The XM's dedicated electric range of 31 miles offers potential short-trip savings, but its overall reliance on premium unleaded gasoline is higher.

Is the $66,700 price gap between the XM and the SQ7 justified by their dimensions?

Not entirely, as the XM is only marginally larger, measuring 201.2 inches long versus the SQ7's 199.6 inches. The higher price of the XM primarily reflects its advanced hybrid powertrain and significantly higher output, not drastically superior physical size or utility.

How does cargo space compare for family duties?

The 2025 BMW XM edges out the SQ7 in utility, offering 18.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the 2026 Audi SQ7’s 13.6 cubic feet. While both are high-performance crossovers, the XM manages to squeeze in an extra 5 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel, and how does the transmission differ?

Yes, both the 2025 BMW XM and the 2026 Audi SQ7 mandate premium unleaded fuel to achieve their respective performance figures. Both models utilize a sophisticated 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, ensuring rapid and precise gear changes for their respective power setups.