The BMW X5 Overview

In 1999, BMW forever altered the automotive landscape with the launch of the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle® – the now legendary X5. Never before had anyone thought it possible to effectively infuse a vehicle of such size and versatility with the soul and athleticism of an authentic sports sedan.

Now, more than a decade later, no fewer than nine other premium nameplates have their sites set on competing with the X5. Unfortunately for them, the 2011 BMW X5 is the beneficiary of more than 4,000 new parts, all created by BMW designers and engineers to create a vehicle that is unmatched in its ability to blend driving dynamics, responsiveness, and agility with utility, versatility and luxuriousness.

Need proof? As of June 2010, no other competitor listed on this page offers more horsepower, more torque, or a faster 0 – 60 mph time than its direct X5 counterpart. Yet despite the clear power advantage, only one can match the X5's fuel efficiency.

The Audi Q7 Overview

The 1st generation Q7 launched in 2007, making Audi one of the last premium automakers to enter the competitive SUV segment. The Q7 is a distant cousin to the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, though it is more than a foot longer then either family member, along with being the only one to house a 3rd row seat. In fact, the Q7 is the longest, largest and heaviest of all the vehicles listed on this page, including the 2011 X5.

The Q7 3.6 not only casts a long shadow, it clearly has the hardest time outrunning it, as evidenced by its 8.2-second jog to 60 mph. The V-6 engine produces a respectable 280 horsepower and 266 lb-ft. of torque, but it simply isn't enough to propel a vehicle that weighs nearly 5200 pounds. A 4.2-liter V8 is available, but it sprints to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds, which is noticeably slower than the X5 xDrive35i's 6.4-second burst.

The 2010 Q7 benefits from a mid-lifecycle facelift that includes an updated front fascia, new headlights with LED daytime running lights, and the most up-to-date version of MMI, an iDrive-type device that Audi adopted after BMW brought the innovation to market.

As expected, power is delivered to the wheels 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.

What BMW offers…

• First engine in the world to combine turbocharging, Valvetronic and High Precision direct fuel injection
• Inline 6-cylinder aluminum engine delivers smooth, refined power while helping achieve better weight balance
• TwinPower Turbo engine produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque
• Broad torque curve supplying maximum power from an incredibly low 1200 rpm
• 0 – 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, equaling the performance of the 2010 X5 xDrive48i's V-8 engine
• 8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission improves acceleration while reducing fuel consumption
• 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
• Brake Energy Regeneration only charges the battery when coasting or braking, saving 1-2% on fuel consumption
• Standard Brake Stand-by, Brake Fade Compensation and Start-off Assistant provide superior Active Safety
• Standard 19-inch alloy wheels
• xDrive is able to send 100% of power to the rear wheels, or 100% of the available power to the front wheels. xDrive can also proactively dial-out unwanted understeer and oversteer before they occur
• The X5 features a long wheelbase combined with short front and rear overhangs for improved balance and agility
• The X5 weighs 4960-pounds
• The standard iDrive system includes six Programmable Memory Keys for quick access to key functions
• Heat-at-Rest, Vehicle & Key Memory, power tilt/telescopic steering and HD radio are all standard
• Panoramic moonroof is standard
• Xenon Adaptive headlights and Cornering Lights are standard
• Run-flat tires and Adaptive Brake Lights are standard
• Every BMW is supported by the BMW Maintenance Program for 4 years / 50,000 miles
• Head-Up Display, Automatic High Beams, and Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go are optional
• Optional Side View and Top View Cameras aid drivers when attempting to park or maneuver in tight spaces or pull out into traffic when visibility is limited by other cars or objects
• The 3rd row seat option includes a self-leveling rear suspension and 3rd row climate controls
• The X5's already stellar handling and agility can be further enhanced by options such as Active Steering, Active Roll Stabilization and Electronic Damping Control
• Optional BMW Assist includes a host of safety and convenience services, including TeleService, for four years free of charge
• The optional Active Ventilated Seat Package includes 20-way power multi-contour front seats with Active Support massage and cooling fans
• Optional Navigation system includes an 8.8-inch display monitor and free Real-Time Traffic Information
• A 12GB Music Collection is included with optional Navigation
• A rear seat DVD entertainment system is optional
• The optional premium sound system includes 600-watts channeled through 16 speakers

What Audi doesn’t…

• Despite direct fuel injection, the Q7 relies on a larger 3.6-liter displacement to produce its power
• Cast-iron V-6 engine creates more noise and vibration while contributing to a nose-heavy weight bias
• Naturally aspirated engine produces only 280 horsepower, and 266 lb-ft of torque
• Narrower torque curve that begins to peak at 2750 rpm, resulting in delayed acceleration
• 0 – 60 mph in 8.2 seconds, with the available 4.2-liter V-8 only capable of a 7.0-second sprint
• The Q7 features a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission
• 14 mpg city / 19 highway
• The Q7's alternator constantly charges the battery, thereby wasting fuel
• Brake Stand-by, Brake Fade Compensation and Start-off Assistant are not available
• 19-inch wheels are optional
• Quattro can only send 85% of power to the rear wheels or 65% to the front wheels. Quattro is also a reactive system that can only begin to help after understeer or oversteer situations occur
• The Q7 has significantly longer front and rear overhangs, impacting both weight balance and agility when cornering
• The Q7 weighs 210-pounds more than the X5
• Programmable Memory Keys are not included with the Q7's standard MMI interface
• None of these comfort and convenience features are available on the Q7 3.6
• Panoramic moonroof is optional
• Xenon headlights are optional and do not feature adaptive technology. Cornering lights are not available
• Run-flat tires and Adaptive Brake Lights are not available
• Edmunds.com estimates it costs nearly $46/month to maintain the Q7 3.6 during the first 3 years of ownership
• Head-Up Display, Automatic High Beams, and Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go are not available
• Side View and Top View Cameras are not available despite the thick rear pillars and large headrests that combine to limit rear visibility
• Despite having a standard 3rd row seat, a self-leveling rear suspension and 3rd row climate controls are not available
• The Q7 3.6 lacks the athleticism of the X5 and yet fails to offer innovations such as Active Steering, Active Roll Stabilization or Electronic Damping Control
• The Q7 does not feature a BMW Assist type feature, leaving drivers to fend for themselves in situations that might require outside assistance
• The Q7 only features standard 12-way power front seats with 4-way power lumbar support. Ventilated front seats are not available, nor is a massage function
• Optional Navigation features a small 7.0-inch display and traffic information requires a monthly Sirius subscription
• A music jukebox is not available on the Q7 3.6
• A rear seat DVD entertainment system is not available
• The optional premium audio system includes only 270-watts of power channeled through 14 speakers

 

"The 2011 BMW X5 is one of the best-handling midsize luxury crossovers you can buy. Whether driving on back

roads or on an endless expanse of interstate, the X5 is a champ." Edmunds.com

 

Shelly BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Anaheim, Atwood, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, La Palma, La Habra, Lakewood, Midway, Placentia, Pomona, Rowland Heights, Stanton, Whittier, Westminster and Yorba Linda.