New BMW X5 vs Audi Q7
Buying and owning
Costs, equipment, reliability, safety and security
Although our two cars’ list prices are similar, private cash buyers should be able to score a discount of around £5000 on the Q7, because it’s longer in the tooth than the X5. The Q7 is a far cheaper option if you opt to buy on a PCP finance deal, too.
Officially, the X5 is more economical (47.1mpg versus 41.5mpg on average), but we found that there was barely any difference between the two in our tests. However, the Q7 will be significantly cheaper overall to run over three years, mainly because it’s predicted to depreciate at a slower rate and its servicing costs are almost half those of the X5.
Company car users in the 40% tax bracket will find that the difference in benefit-in-kind salary sacrifices is minimal, with the X5 setting you back about £20 per month more. The Q7 is slightly cheaper to lease, too, but only by about £240 per year.
Both cars are lavishly equipped and come with the essential automatic emergency braking. However, you have to pay extra for other active safety aids such as lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control. We’d recommend opting for the Tour Pack Advanced (£2655) package on the Q7 and Driving Assistant Professional (£2295) on the X5 so that you have all the main safety systems covered.
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