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Audi Q6 e-tron vs BMW X5

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron vs 2025 BMW X5 — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Audi Q6 e-tron

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS6 – 1Audi Q6 e-tron wins 6 of 7 categories
BMW X5

2025 BMW X5

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $2,550 a year less in fuel for the Audi Q6 e-tron (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The BMW X5 is the bigger car, about 4 inches longer.

In NHTSA crash tests the Audi Q6 e-tron scores higher overall (5 vs 4 stars).

Across all model years since 2005, the Audi Q6 e-tron has had fewer recall campaigns (3 vs 85).

The two cars

The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron is a standard SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 188 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,291 lb.

The 2025 BMW X5 is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.4L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 194 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,335 lb (M50i 4dr SUV).

Basics

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
EV
Fuel
Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid
EV
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

–
Best combined MPG
25 MPG
–
City / highway MPG (best)
23 city
321 mi
EV range
–
$750
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$3,300

Performance & space

456 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
617 hp
187.8 in
Length
192.1 in
76.4 in
Width
78 in
65 in
Height
68.9 in
5,291 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,978 lb

Safety & reliability

★★★★★
NHTSA overall rating
★★★★
15
Driver-assist features standard
9
3
Recalls (2025)
5
3
Recalls, all years since 2005
85
35
Owner complaints (latest year)
63

Interest

2,787
Wikipedia views, 30 days
25,895

Buying used

–
Best used year
2023
–
Year to avoid
2019

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Audi Q6 e-tron if…

  • You want an EV with more range (321 miles)
  • You want something easier to park (4 in shorter)
  • Crash-test stars matter most (5 vs 4)
  • You want more standard driver-assist tech
  • You put reliability history first (3 vs 85 recalls since 2005)

Choose the BMW X5 if…

  • You want more power (up to 617 vs 456 hp)
  • You want more room (4 in longer)

Pros & cons of each

2025 Audi Q6 e-tron

  • Long EV rangeUp to 321 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • Strong performanceUp to 456 hp, versus about 335 hp for similar 2025 models.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

2025 BMW X5

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 19% better than the average 2025 standard SUV (21 MPG).
  • Strong performanceUp to 617 hp, versus about 456 hp for similar 2025 models.
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Full 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron specs →Full 2025 BMW X5 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →