Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Both BMW and Audi have well established product life cycles for their models. This usually means that when an Audi gets a facelift, the corresponding BMW model will be undergoing a complete redesign and vice versa. But with the pace of technology and new vehicle launches stepping up significantly in recent years, both of these German luxury automakers are releasing completely new versions of their mid-size SUVs within a few months of each other.That means, that for a little while, you can buy both the current and latest generation Q7 and X5 SUVs as new models. An established and well proven platform tends to be more reliable than a completely new model, and as dealers try to reduce their stock level of the older models, there should be some decent incentives on offer, too.AdvertisementAdvertisementWe decided to compare the outgoing 2026 Audi Q7 and 2026 BMW X5 to see whether they still made sense as a new purchase, and if so, which on e should you be buying.Audi Q7 (2017–2026)AudiView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleThe second-generation Audi Q7 has been around since 2017. That's an age in automotive terms, but unless you park the latest Q7 next to the outgoing model, it would be hard to tell that one is almost a decade older. The old stager has remained relevant thanks to regular updates and facelifts and it still offers tons of space, decent performance and is now available at almost $9,000 less than the newest model.A 261-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and a 335-hp 3.0-liter turbo V6 are on offer, both come standard with an eight speed automatic, and all-wheel drive and can be had in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. A 500-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is also offered on the SQ7, but we won't be covering that model here. The Q7 offers standard seven-passenger seating with a 50/50 split-folding third row. Behind that third row is 14.2 cubic feet of cargo room, expanding to 35.7 cubic feet behind the second row. AdvertisementAdvertisementA 12.3-inch digital dash, and tons of standard and available features make the Q7 a very convincing alternative to the pricier new model. However, aside from the base four-cylinder model, the older V6-powered Q7 is not miles off the price of the 2027 model.BMW X5 (2019–2026)BMWView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleBMW launched its X5 two years after the current Q7, but the introduction of the new Neue Klasse generation of models has expedited the replacement of the existing model. The upshot is that the current, facelifted X5 is still a modern and impressive luxury SUV, but is now being offered with lucrative lease deals and financing solutions to make way for its imminent replacement.The current range is offered with a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six that can be had with or without plug-in hybrid power. There is also a 523-hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 in the M60i and a brutal 617-hp X5 M Competition. While they are still on sale, they are not covered in this comparison as we are focusing on the more practical family-friendly models.AdvertisementAdvertisementCargo accommodation behind the X5's second row measures a generous 33.9 cubic feet, expanding to a maximum of 72.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, but this is strictly a five seater, with the larger X7 offering a standard third row instead. The upcoming 2027 BMW X5 features a development of the same 3.0-liter turbo inline-six that does duty in the current xDrive40i, and it is just $1,500 pricier.Price, Performance, and PowerView the 2 images of this gallery on the original article2026 ModelsAudi Q7 45 TFSIAudi Q7 55 TFSIBMW X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40iBMW X5 xDrive50eEngine2.0L Turbo Inline-43.0L Turbo V6 MHEV3.0L Turbo Inline-6 MHEV3.0L Turbo I-6 + PHEVPower261 hp335 hp375 hp483 hpTorque273 lb-ft369 lb-ft398 lb-ft516 lb-ft0–60 mph6.7 sec5.5 sec5.3 sec (sDrive) 5.2 sec (xDrive)4.6 secEPA Fuel Economy20 / 26 / 22 mpg18 / 23 / 20 mpg23 / 27 / 25 mpg58 MPGe / 39-mi EVMax Towing4,400 lbs7,700 lbs7,200 lbs7,200 lbsStarting MSRP$62,000$68,100$68,300 (sDrive) $70,600 (xDrive)$76,000If you want the best price/spec ratio, then the base Audi Q7 45 TFSI is the winner here. It offers standard AWD and a decent level of standard spec, and still undercuts the closest RWD BMW by $6,300. However, it is significantly slower, less fuel efficient and tows far less than the base 2026 BMW X5. The more potent V6 Q7 largely remedies the performance deficit and still comes in slightly lower than the base X5.The plug-in hybrid X5 commands a $5,400 premium over the gas-powered xDrive40, but it delivers better performance and fuel economy, which can make it cheaper to run if you remember to keep the batteries charged.X5 vs Q7: Interior DimensionsAudiView the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleDimensionAudi Q7BMW X5First Row Headroom39.9 in40.8 inFirst Row Legroom41.7 in39.8 inSecond Row Headroom38.8 in38.7 inSecond Row Legroom38.8 in37.4 inThird Row (Head / Leg)35.9 in / 29.2 inN/A (5-seater standard)Cargo Space (Behind 3rd Row)14.2 cu ftN/ACargo Space (Behind 2nd Row)35.7 cu ft33.9 cu ftMax Cargo Space (Seats Folded)69.6 cu ft72.3 cu ftWhile the X5 offers slightly more front headroom, the Audi Q7 provides better second-row legroom and the benefit of a third row, even if it is best suited for for children. Overall cargo space is pretty even behind the second row between the two SUVs, and the X5 has slightly more space for luggage when the second row is folded flat. Both vehicles here are similarly spacious inside, but the Audi's third row of seats does give it the edge in overall practicality.BMW X5 vs Audi Q7: Reliability and Ownership ExperienceJD Power Overall Consumer RatingsAudi Q7BMW X5202270 / 10079 / 100202377 / 10081 / 100202471 / 10078 / 100202571 / 10080 / 100202671 / 10080 / 100Average72/10079.6/100JD Power's 100-point scoring system is based on independent and verified car owners, and takes into account quality and reliability, the driving experience, resale values and dealership experience. The overall results over the past five years clearly favor the X5, and the individual scores show that owners found their X5s to offer a better driving experience and have better reliability over this period.Consumer Reports Reliability RatingsAudi Q7BMW X5202227 / 10081 / 100202354 / 10041 / 100202440 / 10061 / 100202549 / 10078 / 100202645 / 10065 / 100Average43/10065.2/100Consumer Report's reliability index also shows a similar trend in favor of the X5, and the same applies to its Owner Satisfaction metric. The current X5 generation scores consistently above average for reliability, with owners praising the durability of its B58 engine and 8-speed transmission. Audi Q7 owners had issues with infotainment glitches, air suspension sensor faults on high-mileage models, and other minor electrical gremlins.BMW X5 or Audi Q7?BMWView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThe comparison between these two mid-size luxury SUVs rivals comes down to a few key points. The Q7 is cheaper in its base trim, and still offers a modern and luxurious driving experience, although you will want to step up to the V6 model if you want to challenger the X5 models in terms of performance. But that does push pricing up to just under $70,000 and brings it within $2,800 of the 2027 Q7's base MSRP.The 2026 BMW X5 may also start at around the $70,000 price point, but it is the better choice in most other circumstances, delivering better fuel economy, reliability, handling, and performance compared to the 2026 Q7. The plug-in hybrid is a bit pricier but can deliver great economy if you make the most of its all-electric range on your daily commute. The lack of a third row is the X5's only real drawback, but interior space between the two SUVs is largely similar.If you only need seating for five, the X5 is the better option here. Then again, the 2027 X5 40 xDrive starts at $72,100, and the much-improved 2027 Audi Q7 is $70,900. With prices this close, the older models are only going to be worth it if you can find them at significantly discounted prices.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.