Audi SQ5 vs BMW X3 M40i: Which Luxury Compact SUV Wins?

Luxury compact SUVs feel pretty common until you reach up to the sporty trim levels. The Audi SQ5 and BMW X3 M40i are high-performance versions of common models.

When you add the S to any of the Audi names, you know that you’re getting the sporty version of that vehicle, giving you the impressive features and qualities desired. The same goes for the M whenever you talk about the BMW brand. The sporty versions of the Q5 and X3 give you more power, more driving dynamics, and more equipment for your driving pleasure on any road.

What does the Audi SQ5 offer?

The Audi SQ5 is the sporty, fun, and exciting form of the Q5, with a performance twinkle in its eye that tells you it’s ready to have some fun and be an active SUV on any road. The SQ5 takes on a more aggressive style while still maintaining the conservative Audi build that we’re used to seeing in this SUV. Going inside, you’ll find the digital cockpit feature that you expect to enjoy during your time on the road.

What does the BMW X3 M40i offer?

Every version of the BMW X3 has the spottiness you admire with brand-exclusive driving dynamics and four doors of excellence to give you the high-quality drive you want to enjoy. The M40i adds more power to the mix, but still has the same refined nature, engaging handling, and practical body style and size to give you the build you want when its time for some driving fun.

How much power does each SUV give you?

Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 can be had in all three of Audi’s trim levels, which makes it a special SUV. What makes it even more special is the power offered. This impressive and sporty luxury SUV uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission to give you 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

If you want to tow a trailer with this SUV, you can because it’s rated at 4,400 pounds, and it will give you 19 city/24 hwy mpg during your time on the road. Of course, when you’re looking for a sporty and fun SUV to drive, the SQ5 can rocket to 60 MPH in 4.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 155 MPH.

BMW X3 M40i

The BMW X3 M40i is its own trim and not just a powertrain upgrade. That doesn’t keep it from being an impressive and useful SUV, especially when you’re looking for some fun during your drive. This SUV has a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with a mild hybrid assist that’s mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission to give you 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

This BMW SUV can also tow up to 4,400 pounds, and it returns 21 city/26 hwy mpg, giving you slightly better figures than what you find in the Audi. This SUV also has a sporty bend with a 0-60 MPH time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 MPH.

In terms of power, quickness, and fuel efficiency, the BMW X3 M40i has a lead over the Audi SQ5.

Which SUV has a better cabin?

Audi SQ5

As you would expect in the cabin of any Audi, this sporty SQ5 is impressive and packed with great features. You’ll have heated, power front seats, diamond-stitched quilted-leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel. Every model has tri-zone automatic climate controls, and the technology is excellent. Behind the rear seats, you’ll find 27 cubic feet of cargo space to make it easy to carry the cargo you need to take along for the ride.

BMW X3 M40i

The cabin area of the X3 M40i is well equipped, giving you power front seats, reclining rear seatbacks, and cushioning on all seats. This handsome SUV has upscale materials to make it enjoyable whenever you step inside for a great ride. The glossy woodgrain trim looks and feels real, making it easy to admire the cabin area. You can fit up to 28.7 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats, making it easy to fit a bit more stuff than in the Audi.

In terms of interior comfort and quality, the Audi SQ5 towers over the BMW X3 M40i.

Which SUV should you drive?

The Audi SQ5 and BMW X3 M40i are two impressive compact luxury crossover SUVs that can be fantastic for you to drive. The BMW is quicker and has more driving dynamics than the Audi, but the Audi has three trim choices and a more luxurious cabin area. Which of these luxury crossovers will you drive?