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Face Off Friday: Germany Luxury SUV Battle: 2007 BMW X5 vs 2007 Audi Q7
So why did we pick these two mid-size German luxury SUVs for today’s Face off Friday? Well for one, these two are the hottest new (we emphasize new because some of you might ask “What about the Range Rover?”) mid-size German luxury SUVs on the market right now.

Second, it’s been an ongoing debate which is the hotter mid-size SUV for 2007, the Audi Q7 or the BMW X5? We’ve just been getting too many emails on what our opinion is. So what are we going to look at? We’ll start off with power; take a look at design and then take a look at the pricing. So here it is.


Power: Before the launch of the new Audi Q7, BMW X5 owned most of the respect for Germany’s Ultimate mid-size luxury SUV. Now, Audi has raised the bar with the 2007 Audi Q7, giving the SUV a 3.6 FSI quattro V6 engine as the entry level model. That gives the Q7 the ability to produce 280 horsepower with 266 lb-ft of torque. The 2007 BMW X5 has a 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower with 225 lb-ft of torque. That means Audi beat BMW in horses by 20 horsepower. Does that mean it beats the X5 in 0-60mph? Well with the Q7’s 5,300 pound weight, the Q7 does 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds while the X5 passes by in 7.8.

Now if you want to move up one level to the Q7 4.2 FSI and the X5 4.8i, the power still favors the X5. Both the Q7 4.2 FSI and the X5 4.8i produce 350 horsepower, but the X5 does 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds while the heavy Q7 takes 7 seconds.

Design: This is probably the hardest category to compare both of the SUVs in. Both have outstanding and attractive design inside-out. The 2007 BMW X5 just received its first major design overhaul ever since its launch and the new 2007 Audi Q7 stands right up to par next to it. Our opinion with respect to design is that the front fascia of the 2007 Audi Q7 is much sleeker and attractive than the front of the 2007 BMW X5, while the rear fascia of the 2007 X5 is more attractive than the rear of the 2007 Q7.

Inside, both SUVs have 3rd-row passenger seating. However, the third row in both SUVs is completely pointless since they provide very little, if any, leg room. What we did like about the Q7 was the removable middle seat in the second row, giving passengers more room and freedom while traveling. The X5, while roomy, is more cramped than the Q7.

Price: If you’re going out and considering buying a mid-size luxury SUV, we highly suggest both the 2007 Audi Q7 and the 2007 BMW X5, but make sure you visit your local dealership to work out a deal that is affordable to you. So, which SUV is more affordable? For the 2007 Audi Q7, pricing starts at $39,900 for the 3.6 liter and $49,900 for the 4.2 FSI. The 2007 BMW X5 however, will run you quite a few more greens. The 2007 BMW X5 3.0si starts at $45,900 while the 4.8i starts at $54,500

Press the link for the conclusion and the photos. Read Article
Face Off Friday: Germany Luxury SUV Battle: 2007 BMW X5 vs 2007 Audi Q7



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MercBasherMercBasher - 2/18/2007 11:35:28 AM
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x5, no question - Q7 is a hearse.

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aussiecarnutaussiecarnut - 2/17/2007 8:42:15 PM
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Q7 all the way too, the quality of the car (especially that of the interior) is superior to that of the BMW X5.

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JRobUSCJRobUSC - 2/19/2007 8:27:23 AM
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you must be crazy. Either that or you haven't actually been in both vehicles and you're just regurgitating years of reading "Audi's have the nicest interiors". Under most circumstances you're right, Audi's have nicer interiors. This isn't one of those circumstances. The new X5 interior is nicer than the ML, GL, Q7, and everything else in the class. It's gorgeous in there.


r_driver04r_driver04 - 2/23/2007 3:57:19 PM
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No way. The Q7 is for the Chevy Suburban lovers who decided to step up. The X5 is real deal classy and a much more driver oriented machine. The Q7 is still feable being brand new and all.


SLR722BCESLR722BCE - 2/17/2007 8:49:37 PM
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How come no ML 500 or ML63 in this face off?


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JoneseeJonesee - 2/17/2007 9:41:47 PM
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The ML is much smaller than the Q. The GL is comparable. I test drove the GL prior to my purchase of the Q. In the end it came down to looks and the front end of the Q-7w/S-Line Pkg stands out.


chewychewy - 2/17/2007 9:59:23 PMView My AgentSpace
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I'd take the Q7.

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GTR35GTR35 - 2/17/2007 10:47:37 PMView My AgentSpace
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X5 for me, it's alot classier and sportier.

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ChipChip - 2/17/2007 10:47:53 PM
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BMW X5 is my choice. Ive always thought that the Q7 is ugly and drives like a school bus.

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chewychewy - 2/17/2007 11:22:43 PMView My AgentSpace
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The Q7 looks great. The X5 is one of few latest BMW not to look ugly. But the Q7 is far from a bus, while no one has compared the two the Q7 destroyed all other 7 passanger SUVs in the Car and Driver test in handling.


Sachsi2Sachsi2 - 2/18/2007 2:51:46 AM
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Have you driven the Q7? It's an exquisite ride with a bit less body roll than the X5.
Looks aside (opinions on those are highly subjective), the Q7 is every bit as capable as the X5 despite being heavier (it's bigger too).
Also, for those that care about that, the Q7 is a lot closer to a real 7-seater compared to the X5. The latter has a pair of seats thrown in the back so that they can claim they have them.


ChipChip - 2/18/2007 12:59:06 PM
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Ive driven a Q7 4.2 and I thought the handling was weak. The vehicle felt HUGE and underpowered. Walked away totally unimpressed.

The new BMW X5 drives like a 5-series. Enough said.




JRobUSCJRobUSC - 2/19/2007 8:30:01 AM
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jmr, the Q7 isn't nicer than the X5. It's nicer than the OLD X5, not the new one. As for the looks, they are indeed subjective. My subjective opinion of the Q7 was that it looked like a giant Chrysler Pacifica. Front end looks good, but the car gets ruined from the side.


EL34EL34 - 2/17/2007 11:00:28 PM
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I would have to test drive each vehicle a couple of times to make a choice.

Both are excellent.

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LexusLexus - 2/17/2007 11:17:19 PM
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The Q7 hand down, it look so much more sportier than the X5.

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drew630drew630 - 2/18/2007 1:02:04 AM
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Q7, the BMW looks outdated even though it just came out.

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Boss8canBoss8can - 2/18/2007 1:08:04 AM
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Autoegr525Autoegr525 - 2/18/2007 1:24:49 AM
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How on earth does the Q7 weigh 5,300 pounds? That is an absurd number, they call it a midsize SUV?

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chewychewy - 2/18/2007 2:44:17 AMView My AgentSpace
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200 inches is far from mid size. Look up the numbers for other full size luxury SUVs, the one with a frame are around 6,000 pounds. The Q7 while not light is lighter than plenty competitors.


Sachsi2Sachsi2 - 2/18/2007 2:53:37 AM
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I believe it's classified as a large SUV, not mid-size.


Autoegr525Autoegr525 - 2/18/2007 3:03:34 AM
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I was referring to the article.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/19/2007 4:50:55 PMView My AgentSpace
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The X5 weighs over 5,000 pounds, also. That's a bit ridiculous, considering it's eleven inches shorter than the Q7 and hasn't the off-road gear of the heavy RR Sport. I don't know where all the weight went, but BMW, you have to work on that. The RX, which is only three inches shorter than the new X5, weighs about 4,400 pounds.


Agent63Agent63 - 2/18/2007 1:27:31 AMView My AgentSpace
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X5 for me simply because the Q7 is a fresh SUV. So give it a few more years then perhaps i might jump onto the band wagon. As for the ML not being in this comparison, i do think that ML and X5 are competitors. ML is smaller than it's competitors but that ML63 can pack a deadly punch. Performance wise it is no smalltime player. Now the Q7 i'm sure is quality all over. But with the X5 it has a very loyal fan base as well as brand loyalty so for now the X5 is for me. It's not a drastic revamping of the X5 but it's one that will do the job for the next little while. It looks fresh to me and isn't that out dated. However on a positive note the Q7 looks like no other. It definately stands out but any SUV at this price range it's a winner with me. We can all agree that they all scream luxury and sportiness all combined in one package.

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M53RM53R - 2/18/2007 3:29:43 AMView My AgentSpace
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Id pick the BMW X5, I just love everything about it! Also it would probably handle better and is faster.

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JUGNUJUGNU - 2/18/2007 5:59:15 AMView My AgentSpace
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X5 for me too.Q7 is so fat,plain and dull looking.Thank God it comes with that M6-like rims,otherwise it will be totally round and boring.

Infact It looks like a taller A6 Avant (both inside and out).

JUGNU

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MPowerDKMPowerDK - 2/18/2007 6:22:58 AM
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X5 for me too, i like that masculine look. It is not looking like a mini bus like the Q7, i never liked the Q7, inside the X5 looks so nice, the best interior i have seen. just my 50 cent.

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JRobUSCJRobUSC - 2/19/2007 10:26:17 AM
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jmr, no it isn't. You obviously haven't been in the new X5 and are basing what you're saying on the old one, or you're just a blind pro-Audi or anti-BMW person. The Q7 is nice, it's not as nice inside as the X5, and it's not really even close. The burba carpet in the Q7 just screams "cheap" and while I'm sure the cabin materials are high quality the aesthetics of the interior are just much better in the X5. It looks more expensive and upscale than the Q7 inside.


LarryLarry - 2/18/2007 9:06:42 AM
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X5 for sure, Q7 too similar to VW toureg for that price.

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KILLAKAMKILLAKAM - 2/18/2007 10:49:13 AM
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Its a proven fact that Germines make horrible Suvs (and cars), so where is my H2?

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WillisWillis - 2/18/2007 11:36:51 AM
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It's a proven fact that people who can't spell are TROLLS.

Get lost.


RupertRupert - 2/18/2007 2:25:54 PMView My AgentSpace
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The H2 is the biggest load of garbage ever. Why would anyone buy such a crap vehicle?


RupertRupert - 2/18/2007 2:26:12 PMView My AgentSpace
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The H2 is the biggest load of garbage ever. Why would anyone buy such a crap vehicle?


antibmwnjantibmwnj - 2/18/2007 1:22:29 PM
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Having just seen the new X5 in person, it reminded me way too much of the horrible X3 to be considered nice looking. The Q7 is a far superior looking car, in and out. Take of the badges and ask yourself which one is better, Q7 by far.

Another BMW bites the dust.

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CarboyCarboy - 2/18/2007 4:07:23 PMView My AgentSpace
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I've seen an X5 in person, it looks ugly, but maybe because it was silver.


4wheelsnme4wheelsnme - 2/18/2007 5:31:25 PM
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How can someone not like the new X5? It´s a jaw dropping gorgeous, muscular looks like nothing else,not to mention It´s handling and overall quality. The Q7 looks incredibly ugly, the rear looks goofy and heavy. enough said.

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GermanNutGermanNut - 2/18/2007 7:55:37 PM
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Audi Q7 for me all the way. The Q7 looks more intimidating than the X5 and really has a bulky, "you know exacty what is coming" look to it that the X5 simply can not match.

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JoneseeJonesee - 2/18/2007 8:23:04 PM
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I will add this....After having the Q7 for several months I have received numerous glances from people. Individuals have stopped me in so many places to ask about the vehicle. The vehicle is just stunning with the accents that the S-Line Pkg adds. The X5 is nice too, but for a family of four and one pup the GL or Q7 was the best options for their size. My wife thought the GL looked like a bigger version of the Honda Pilot so it was Q7 all the way.

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MunichRobMunichRob - 2/18/2007 9:10:40 PMView My AgentSpace
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I prefer the X5 hands down for reasons such as...heads-up-display, it doesn't weigh more than 5000 lbs, it’s faster & handles better than more than a few cars on the road, plus IMO it looks better inside & out than any other S.U.V. on the road today.

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CARGUYCARGUY - 2/18/2007 9:53:05 PM
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OO! I might just make the Audi Q7 my next SUV of choice! I like the Q7 so much that I might just forgo buying a Lexus RX.

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1000rrRider1000rrRider - 2/19/2007 4:41:57 PM
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I love both SUV's. Audi wins with a better interior BMW wins with a better exterior both drive like a dream.


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S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/19/2007 4:55:59 PMView My AgentSpace
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Wow. What a heated debate! It's like a 60/40 split towards the Q7 right now, I think.

My opinion? I really like them both.

Q7-
Pros: its handling belies its size (I drove the 4.2), that A6 interior, an adequate third row, and IMO it has gorgeous style

Cons: the options add up fast- Q7 4.2 easily tops $60K, considerable thirst

X5-
Pros: also has excellent handling, interior is an improvement, classy lines (if a bit more subtle than Q7)

Cons: third row is useless, the soccer-mom stigma, hefty curb weight for its size

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antibmwnjantibmwnj - 2/19/2007 5:43:53 PM
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Con: To get an X5 like the Q7 V8 (nicely equiped) it tops 70k.


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 2/20/2007 3:45:48 PM
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if you get a $70k X5 you're getting a car that has a bunch of things the Q7 doesn't, like heads up display, air conditioned seats with driver massage, etc. Oh, and free maintenance and higher resale, those are included with the BMW too.


mstangpny07mstangpny07 - 2/20/2007 7:51:28 AMView My AgentSpace
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hmmm....Well I CHOSE the X5.



A 3.0si is now in my garage as of yesterday.

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r_driver04r_driver04 - 2/23/2007 3:58:21 PM
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Why the small motor?


r_driver04r_driver04 - 2/23/2007 4:00:48 PM
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Why not an X3 and invest the other $20K in the stock market?


daydaydayday - 2/20/2007 10:15:16 AM
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x5 has the nicer rear, q7 has the cooler front.
x5 has the better interior. and i just so hate q7's interior!!!!it just looks soo cheap in real car... ...i was pretty impressed when looking at the picture in the very beginning, but when i jump in to the real car, it was soo disappointed.

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jmrA480jmrA480 - 2/20/2007 8:34:00 PM
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your the first person that has ever wrote that audi's interior looks cheap, every car mag expert says they have the nicest interior in the buisness.


r_driver04r_driver04 - 2/23/2007 4:02:39 PM
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The interior on Audis isn't cheap looking. It's cheap functioning, dang electronic gremlins will be talkin to you everytime you turn the key.


adethieradethier - 2/22/2007 10:36:22 PM
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gotta say, the new x5 is pretty darn groovy -- the q7's interior seems odd to me.

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r_driver04r_driver04 - 2/23/2007 3:55:46 PM
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The X5 rules all day in this comparo. The Q7 is ugly and tryin to come off the bench in the 4th qtr of the SUV game w/ 30 seconds to spare. Buy a Toureg(sp) instead and save a buck or two.

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