The BMW X3 Overview

In 2004, BMW launched the X3, and with it an entirely new segment of vehicle was born – the compact premium SUV. The X3 quickly became a best seller – both in the United States and in Europe – as evidenced by sales of more than 600,000 global units. Not surprisingly, in the seven years since the X3 debuted, nearly every other premium nameplate has entered the now hotly contested segment.

In redesigning the all-new, second-generation X3, no stone was left unturned. Perhaps most noticeably, the presence of the X3 has been updated with modern design language that maintains its familial ties to the original X3, but in a package that is now similar in size to the original X5 (E53) SAV. In the end, both the X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i achieve a seemingly impossible task – delivering the most dynamic acceleration and handling in their categories, while also providing the most favorable fuel consumption and emission levels within their class.

The X3's advantages are not limited strictly to performance. The interior cabin has been upgraded in every way imaginable. Passenger and cargo space have grown considerably, and the use of premium materials is evident throughout. The cabin design language is equal parts modern, sporty and elegant, and the X3 is now available with a host of new creature comforts that place it at the head of the pack.

The Audi Q5 Overview

The Audi Q5 is a first-generation model that launched in 2009. It shares its architecture with the A4 sedan and A5 coupe. The Q5 3.2 has been available since launch, and is joined by the Q5 2.0T for MY 2011.

The Q5 3.2 is powered by a V-6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 243 lb-ft. or torque. Those numbers fall short of the 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft. of torque generated by the X3 . The Q5 features a 6-speed automatic. The X3 benefits from an innovative 8-speed automatic. Factor in a heavier chassis than the X3, and the Q5 hustles to 60 mph in a respectable 6.7 seconds – more than a second slower than the X3.

As expected, the Q5 puts its power to the ground exclusively via quattro AWD. Though it shares xDrive's 40:60 rear torque bias under normal driving, its mechanically-based, self-locking differential is only capable of sending 85% of the power to the rear wheels, and 65% of power to the front wheels. Moreover, the system is reactive, meaning it cannot help prevent unwanted understeer and/or oversteer situations before they arise. In a head-to-head comparison, Auto Motor und Sport Magazine said xDrive is "one step ahead" and added that quattro "cannot match the xDrive in terms of driving dynamics."

What BMW offers…

• Powered by a 2010 "International Engine of the Year" award recipient in the 2.5 to 3.0-liter category
• Inline 6-cylinder engine delivers smooth, refined power while helping achieve a superior 50.4 / 49.6 weight balance
• TwinPower Turbo engine produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque
• Peak torque at an incredibly low 1,300 rpm
• 0 – 60 mph in 5.5 seconds
• 19 / 26 mpg
• Standard 8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic or optional 8-speed Sport automatic transmission
• xDrive – 40:60 torque split during normal driving. Can send up to 100% of the available power to either axle. xDrive can proactively dial-out unwanted understeer and oversteer
• Standard Brake Stand-by, Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant and Automatic Hold
• Standard Electric Power Steering helps save fuel
• Brake Energy Regeneration only charges the battery when coasting or braking, saving 1-2% on fuel consumption
• 12.9-inch front brake rotors and 13.0-inch ventilated rear disc brakes provide superior braking
• Standard Adaptive headlights
• Standard Cornering lights
• Standard Adaptive Brake Lights
• Standard run-flat tires
• Noticeably more front and rear head room
• 63.3 cu-ft. of maximum cargo space
• Standard Start/Stop button
• Standard iDrive minimizes driver distraction by reducing dash clutter and positioning the controller where the driver's hand would naturally rest . Six Programmable Memory Keys are also included
• Standard Integrated Owner's Manual
• Standard sport steering wheel
• Standard HD Radio
• Standard 12-speaker audio system
• Every BMW is supported by the BMW Maintenance Program for 4 years / 50,000 miles
• Maintenance intervals at approximately 15,000 miles or 12 months (whichever occurs first)
• Optional Head-up Display
• Optional Automatic High Beams
• The X3 is available with an optional 600-watt premium audio system featuring16-speakers
• Variable sport steering is available as an option on all X3 xDrive35i models
• Electronic Damping Control is available as an option on all X3 xDrive35i models

 

What Audi doesn't...

• Powered by a V-6 engine that only beats the Q5's 2.0-liter turbo variant by 0.4 seconds in a 0 – 60 mph sprint
• V-6 engine creates more noise and vibration while contributing to a 53.6 / 46.4 nose-heavy weight bias
• Naturally aspirated engine produces only 270 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque
• Peak torque at 3,000 rpm
• 0 – 60 mph in 6.7 seconds
• 18 / 23 mpg
• Standard 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, with no optional transmission available
• quattro – 40:60 torque split during normal driving. Can only send 65% to the front axle; 85% to the rear axle. Quattro can only react to understeer and oversteer
• Brake Stand-by, Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant and Automatic Hold are not available
• Electric Power Steering is not available
• The Q5's alternator constantly charges the battery, thereby wasting fuel
• 12.6-inch front brake rotors and 11.8-inch solid rear disc brakes lead to increased stopping distances
• Adaptive headlights only included on Prestige models
• Cornering lights are not available
• Adaptive Brake Lights are not available
• Run-flat tires are not available
• Reduced head room creates a cramped feeling
• 57.3 cu-ft. of maximum cargo space
• Start/Stop button only included on Prestige models
• The Q5 features a standard Multi-Media Interface with dash-mounted controls. A central controller is included with Navigation. Programmable Memory Keys are not available
• Integrated Owner's Manual is not available
• Sport steering wheel requires optional S Line Pkg.
• HD radio is only available with Navigation
• Standard 10-speaker audio system
• Edmunds.com estimates it costs $45/month to maintain the Q5 during the first 3 years of ownership
• Maintenance intervals at 10,000 miles or 12-months (whichever occurs first)
• Head-up Display is not available
• Automatic High Beams are not available

 

With new-found suppleness to its suspension set-up, greater agility, stronger performance, reduced thirst and expanded

roominess, the new X3 feels much more like something conceived in Munich should. Motor Trend

 

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