[JGoodell]

Just curious what people think about the Q7 vs. the X5 from a performance perspective. The X5 obviously has Audi beat on looks, nobody can argue that.

[AndroidRobot]

The Q7 is very dated right now and due for a partial refresh this year. There's really no comparing the two because Audi has nothing on the X5

[ven7782]

As a owner of both the X5 and the Q7, here is my take.

1.) Q7 is bigger and more spacious. The 3rd row is a plus and if you don't need it just fold it up as if it never existed.
2.) The tech on the Q7 is a bit dated and a refresh is coming for the 2020 model year. You can easily get 12-15% discount on 2018 and 2019 Q7.
3.) X5 drives a bit smoother thanks to the inline 6 cy vs Q7's turbo V6.
4.) Audi has always had nicer interiors but the X5 has stepped up the game with the G05.

Both the X5 and Q7 are excellent vehicles and you cannot go wrong with either. My wife prefers the Q7 while I like the X5.

[MystroX5]

Q7 is outdated and under powered. Audi doesn’t build performance SUV’s. Their SUV’s are always built 2nd to their cars in build materials used. I have no idea why Audi does this because no one wants a luxury car anymore. I am coming from decades of Audi ownership. My wife has a new A4 and my last Audi was a A8 3 years ago. Audi’s SUV’s are soft and boring. Audi’s latest direction is electronic gimmicks moving away from substance and performance. These new owners are impressed by the chasing led taillights of the Q8 but don’t mind the fake tailpipes beneath the lights. Audi uses a “T” on the back even though the engine is supercharged and not turbo. Kinda says it all to who their demographic is.
Audi has also gone to extreme measures of advertising and product placement the last few years to mold their image into a more chic aspirational brand. The automobile press has also been on their list so be aware of the sources of info you get. If you buying Audi, stick with a RS3 or similar cars as it’s closer to their BMW counterparts.
BMW IS the class leader.

[Mark609]

No console storage space in the Audi. Stupid.

Not much legroom front and back in the new X5 which for the longer base really surprised us. Both drive really well.

in San Antonio they're giving away the 2018 Audi's. Something like a $11,000 discount plus with free window tinting etc.

[AndroidRobot]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

Q7 is outdated and under powered. Audi doesn't build performance SUV's. Their SUV's are always built 2nd to their cars in build materials used. I have no idea why Audi does this because no one wants a luxury car anymore. I am coming from decades of Audi ownership. My wife has a new A4 and my last Audi was a A8 3 years ago. Audi's SUV's are soft and boring. Audi's latest direction is electronic gimmicks moving away from substance and performance. These new owners are impressed by the chasing led taillights of the Q8 but don't mind the fake tailpipes beneath the lights. Audi uses a "T" on the back even though the engine is supercharged and not turbo. Kinda says it all to who their demographic is.
Audi has also gone to extreme measures of advertising and product placement the last few years to mold their image into a more chic aspirational brand. The automobile press has also been on their list so be aware of the sources of info you get. If you buying Audi, stick with a RS3 or similar cars as it's closer to their BMW counterparts.
BMW IS the class leader.

The 2018/2019 Q7 was supercharged but I believe they're now turbo charged for the refresh like the Q8. I owned a MY18 SQ5 and while it was fun at times I agree their SUVs have gone soft. My X3 M40i blows the Audi SQ5 away in all regards so I'm not sure what their direction is anymore.

[msi200]

Q7 is much more spacious inside. For some reason G05 has less space than the previus model.

[ven7782]

I considered the Q8 before deciding on the X5. The Q8 is a complete joke. Smaller, under powered and over priced and no discounts. Apparently they are selling briskly. Just wait for couple of months and the sale sign will go up with 10%+ discounts.

[mynewx5]

Oh what a difference a year makes. A couple years ago Audi's digital cockpit, interior and other tech was cutting edge. Now the updated G05 has the newer technology and Audi will be playing catch up with the 2020 Q7. Nature of the beast.

Speaking of...Audi's new dual touch screen setup has been getting mixed reviews in their other models. I think BMW gets it right with the choice of the iDrive/touch screen control options.

[3to5toX5toX7]

I have the new X5, and my wife has a 2018 Q7 fully loaded with air suspension...etc. My take:

1. The Q7 is a little quiter and much smoother.
2. The Q7 has a lot more room in the rear seat.
3. The X5 rides higher.
4. The X5 handles significantly sharper.

Overall, the Q7 is perfect for my wife and the X5 is perfect for me.

[The Libertine]

Audi makes great cars/suvs. I suggest this having previously owned two Audi’s (A4 Avant and an A6) as well as spending time behind the wheel of the Q3, Q5, and Q7. But they’re just not that fun/engaging to drive. Q7 felt like I was behind the wheel of a school bus; it’s a big SUV that handles comparably to its size.

[JGoodell]

Originally Posted by msi200

Q7 is much more spacious inside. For some reason G05 has less space than the previus model.

I don't understand where all the space went on the G05, it is only .5 inches shorter than the XC90 and seemingly has 25% less inside space.

[JGoodell]

Originally Posted by baca8302

I have the new X5, and my wife has a 2018 Q7 fully loaded with air suspension...etc. My take:

1. The Q7 is a little quiter and much smoother.
2. The Q7 has a lot more room in the rear seat.
3. The X5 rides higher.
4. The X5 handles significantly sharper.

Overall, the Q7 is perfect for my wife and the X5 is perfect for me.

I hear you almost have to have the air suspension for a decent ride in the Q7

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by JGoodell

I don't understand where all the space went on the G05, it is only .5 inches shorter than the XC90 and seemingly has 25% less inside space.

That’s because the XC90 uses two gerbils on a wheel as a power plant so it allows for more footwell room.

[Influence]

My take coming from a '16 X5 35 with DHP.

Q7 Pros:
Noticeably bigger 2nd row than the new G05 (or F15)

With the air suspension/4-way steering it really does feel very car-like in driving. Contrary to others here, I don't think it feels "big" to drive. Handling is equivalent to the G05 Msports I've driven thus far. Sadly, both of these are still inferior to my '16 X5 w/DHP. Frankly was not that impressed with the handling of the G05 MSport 40i. Too much body roll (more than the Q7 with air suspension and Titanium Optic w/21's) but it is a big jump over the F15 without DHP. Q7 actually lowers in Dynamic mode so the lower center of gravity may have something to do with it.

Larger cargo area than G05 with third row folded down. No under deck storage space like on the F15 and G05 though.

Front seats with luxury package are really comfy. At least the equal of the Comfort seats on the G05 and the seat ventilation works better. Valcona leather is nicer than even the upgraded leather on the G05. Plus you get tons of Alcantara. No leather wrapped dash or upper door panels though

Cons:

Q7 still looks like a jacked-up station wagon to me. Not ugly, but not great looking either. Looks a lot better with the optional 22s they have for 2019.

Tiny center console cubbie. Now that I have two young kids, this stuff matters to me.

No heated/cooled cupholders like the G05, new GLE 450. Cupholders also seem really small on the Q7. Not exactly a big deal to me, just something I noticed.

Can't access third row if you have car seats in the second row. Another big one to me now that I have a baby seat and high-back booster occupying two my rear seats

Third row is pretty much useless unless you slide the 2nd row seats forward a bit (or all the way).

Steering wheel not as nice feeling as the MSport wheel on G05. Kind of has a sharp edge to it and not as thick. Personal preference though.

Crappy headlights - only got a "marginal" on the IIHS headlight test, even the better LEDS on the Prestige trim. No adaptive function either. I live in deer country, so headlights are a big deal to me. this keeps the Q7 from getting an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.

X5 Pros:
Definitely more masculine/better looking, particularly in an Msport with the 21s or 22s.

Base suspension handling is better than the Q7. MSport Adaptive vs. Q7 /air suspension - I give a slight edge to the Q7

interior definitely feels more modern now. Q7 does look a bit dated now compared to the G05 and new GLE as well as the XC90 Volvo.

Leather wrapped dash and upper door panels are nice options. Can't get that on Q7

Base sport seats in G05 are much better than the base seats in Q7. Comfort seats on G05 vs Luxury seats on Q7 are a matter of personal preference.

Much bigger center console storage and cupholder area. Overall more storage space in G05

Under deck storage space is great for hiding things you don't use all the time

MSport steering wheel is nice and beefy

Better headlights - adaptive and the optional laser highbeams will most likely be pretty awesome.

Cons:
NO DHP on the 40i. Why BMW, why!!!!!!

2nd row is smaller than the Q7, even though the car grew in overall length from F15

2nd row seats don't slide or recline (ala the Comfort 2nd row option on F15 that I have). Again, this makes no sense as even the X3's rear seats recline. I think if you get the third row they do slide/recline but the third row is most likely useless in the G05 so why get it?

Cargo area is smaller than F15. Again, considering the car is bigger overall, not sure where the space went

Center console is now wider by the dashboard. My right knee hits the center console when driving a G05. This doesn't happen with the F15. I'm 6'2" and the G05 actually feels smaller to me than my F15 does. Weird.

I actually put a deposit in on a custom order Q7 last week. Still not sure if I'm going to keep the order or not, but our lease is up soon (and have already extended) so I need to get into a new vehicle shortly. Got a good deal on the Q7, which helps. I really like the look of the new GLE, but most likely the 450 will be too soft for my taste (even with the cool EABC suspension) and the GLE53 is still at least 6 months off.

I'll probably just buy out my F15 and hold onto it while waiting to see the X7 (probably too big - and too expensive), new Lincoln Aviator, GLE53. First world problems, I know

[puraj83]

Originally Posted by ven7782

As a owner of both the X5 and the Q7, here is my take.

1.) Q7 is bigger and more spacious. The 3rd row is a plus and if you don't need it just fold it up as if it never existed.
2.) The tech on the Q7 is a bit dated and a refresh is coming for the 2020 model year. You can easily get 12-15% discount on 2018 and 2019 Q7.
3.) X5 drives a bit smoother thanks to the inline 6 cy vs Q7's turbo V6.
4.) Audi has always had nicer interiors but the X5 has stepped up the game with the G05.

Both the X5 and Q7 are excellent vehicles and you cannot go wrong with either. My wife prefers the Q7 while I like the X5.

Same. My wife drives a Q7. It's def a family car. X5 is my"fun" family car

[magna6882]

Originally Posted by baca8302

I have the new X5, and my wife has a 2018 Q7 fully loaded with air suspension...etc. My take:

1. The Q7 is a little quiter and much smoother.
2. The Q7 has a lot more room in the rear seat.
3. The X5 rides higher.
4. The X5 handles significantly sharper.

Overall, the Q7 is perfect for my wife and the X5 is perfect for

me.

I am in the same boat. the wife love her q7 and says its the best car she has ever had. lighter steering,smoother ride and better seats. definitely a better car for a road trip. its a loaded prestige with air suspension.
the x5 50i had the dynamic handling package so it rides a little harsher and the steering has a heavier feel.
so q7 for road trip on freeways
x5 for driving mountain passes
keep in mind it has got to do a lot with how the cars are optioned.
i only can compare what i have.

[mnewnam]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

That’s because the XC90 uses two gerbals on a wheel as a power plant so it allows for more footwell room.

That's an insult to gerbils.

[JayPichardo]

Originally Posted by JGoodell

I don't understand where all the space went on the G05, it is only .5 inches shorter than the XC90 and seemingly has 25% less inside space.

Powerplant placement

[RMAS99]

Indeed when you compare Q7 or Q8 place in back seat it seams you can live there and in my X5 I would want just to spend few hours. Probably trunck is bigger in x5

[JGoodell]

Originally Posted by magna6882

I am in the same boat. the wife love her q7 and says its the best car she has ever had. lighter steering,smoother ride and better seats. definitely a better car for a road trip. its a loaded prestige with air suspension.
the x5 50i had the dynamic handling package so it rides a little harsher and the steering has a heavier feel.
so q7 for road trip on freeways
x5 for driving mountain passes
keep in mind it has got to do a lot with how the cars are optioned.
i only can compare what i have.

Looking at the Prestige w Air Suspension
vs.
40i w/ air suspension

The driving factor may be the 2 dogs and 2 kids that we have.

[Mark609]

Too things I don't like about the 2019 X5 - they greatly reduced the cargo c.f. compared to the X5 2018 and there's less legroom than my much shorter 2013 Lexus RX 350 both front and back.

No question about it, the Q7 specs out about the same regarding cargo space, 71.6 c.f. compared to 72.3 on the X5. You're also giving up very desirable storage space with the lame Q7 console - there is none. Audi really screwed up on that one. There's very little cargo space in the Audi, a deal killer for us.