BMW X7 vs Audi Q7: Spec-to-spec comparison

When it comes to luxury seven-seater SUVs, one does not need to choose between quality or quantity. Because these SUVs offer posh accommodation for all, plenty of space for cargo, high-quality material, and the latest in-car and safety technologies. Not only that, but they also have punchy engines that go well with their heavy kerb weights. 

Two such German SUVs available in the Malaysian market are the BMW X7 and Audi Q7. Here we have a comparison between the two for the ones who are out there looking for a big SUV with three comfortable rows. 

BMW X7 vs Audi Q7: Price

BMW Malaysia offers the luxury X7 in a single locally assembled xDrive40i Pure Excellence variant, priced at RM 648,934 (inclusive of the ongoing sales and service tax exemption). Just like that, the Audi Q7 also comes in a sole TFSI Quattro version, however, it’s slightly cheaper than the X7 at RM 599,900.

BMW X7 vs Audi Q7: Dimensions

Specs	BMW X7	Audi Q7
Length	5151 mm	5052 mm
Width	2000 mm	1968 mm
Height	1805 mm	1740 mm
Wheelbase	3105 mm	2996 mm

In the above table, we can see the BMW X7 is longer, taller, and wider than the Q7, which means it offers better knee room, headroom as well as shoulder room to the passengers. Also, the wheelbase of the X7 is better than the Q7.

BMW X7 vs Audi Q7: Engine and performance

Specs	BMW X7	Audi Q7
Engine	3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol	3.0-litre V6 petrol with direct fuel injection and a mechanical supercharger
Maximum power	340 PS at 5,500-6,500 rpm	333 PS at 5,500-6,500 rpm
Peak torque	450 Nm at 1,500-5,200 rpm	440 Nm at 2,900-5,300 rpm
Transmission	8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission	8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission
0-100 kmph acceleration	6.1 seconds	6.3 seconds
Top speed	245 kmph	250 kmph
Fuel economy	9.5 litres per 100 km (10.5 kmpl)	7.9 litres per 100 km (12.65 kmpl)

On comparing the engine specifications of the two luxury SUVs, we can say the Bimmer is slightly better while fitted with the same capacity engine. It completes the century sprint 2 seconds earlier than the Q7. However, in the case of fuel consumption, Audi deserves a thumbs up.

BMW X7 vs Audi Q7: Exterior

Outfitted with the Pure Excellence design pack, the BMW X7 looks bold and attractive. It has a massive kidney front grille and chrome highlights here and there. The Audi Q7, on the other hand, features a single-frame radiator grille on the front and horizontal bodywork creases for a sporty appearance. Well, design is something whose liking is totally subjective. So, here we have a comparison of their standard exterior kit, have a look.

Specs	BMW X7	Audi Q7
Headlights	BMW Laserlight with Adaptive headlights up to 600m light emitted	LED headlamps with daytime running lights with automatic headlight control and coming home feature
Tail lights	LED	LED rear combination lamps with dynamic turn signal
Side mirrors	Automatic anti-dazzle function, and fold-in function	Electrically adjustable with heated function and automatic dimming with memory feature
Wheels	21" light alloy wheels Y-spoke style with 285/45 R21 tyres	20-inch 10-Yspoke Audi Sport cast alloy wheels with 285/45 R 20 tyres
Trunk release	Sensor controlled	Sensor controlled
Sunroof	Panoramic glass roof	Not available
Roof rails	Aluminium satinated	Not available

The comparison shows the BMW X7 is one step ahead of the Q7 in the case of exterior equipment.

BMW X7 vs Audi Q7: Interior

Both SUVs come with a posh cabin loaded with several creature comforts.  Let’s check out their comparison.

Specs	BMW X7	Audi Q7
Instrument cluster	12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Operating System 7.0	12.3- inch Audi’s Virtual Cockpit
Head-up display	Yes	No
Infotainment system	12.3-inch central touchscreen with Voice-controlled BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW Gesture Control and BMW Navigation system Professional	8.3-inch Audi connect with voice control, MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch response
Rear entertainment screen	Two 10.2-inch displays	No
Sound system	Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 16 loudspeakers	BOSE premium sound system with 3D sound
Steering wheel	Sport leather steering wheel with multi-function buttons, Electric adjustable steering column	3-spoke leather steering wheel with multifunction plus
Paddle Shifters	Yes	Yes
Air conditioning	Five-zone	Four zone
Seat material	Perforated Vernasca leather	Leather/leatherette
Seat adjustability	Electrically adjustable front seats with active seat ventilation Seat heating for driver and front passenger	Electrically adjustable front seats including memory feature for the driver seat, 4-way lumbar support for the front seats
Ambient lighting	with 6 predefined lighting designs	Yes
Rearview mirror	with automatic anti-dazzle function	Frameless auto-dimming
Sunshades for rear and side windows	Electric	Manual

A closer look at the above comparison clearly indicates that the X7 is better equipped in terms of hi-tech goodies.

BMW X7 vs Audi Q7: Safety

BMW offers the X7 with six airbags and a slew of advanced driver assistance systems, including Parking Assistant Plus with Reversing Assist, Surround view camera, Active cruise control with Stop&Go function, Integral Active Steering, and driving assistant. The latter includes lane departure warning, lane change warning and front collision warning with brake intervention, rear crossing traffic warning, and rear collision prevention. Other features are Dynamic braking lights, Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control, and Antilock Braking System with Brake Assist and run-flat tyres.

At the same time, the Audi Q7 is packed with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic vehicle immobilization device, Tyre pressure monitoring system, Tyre pressure monitoring system, Anti Lock Braking System with Brake Assist, Hold assist, Cruise control with speed limiter, and Parking aid plus with surround-view cameras.

Verdict 

While the engine performance of the two SUVs is almost identical, the BMW X7 outperforms the Audi Q7 in terms of dimensions and features. But not to forget, the X7 comes at a higher price. So, choosing one out of the two finally boils down to the customer's needs and fondness.

Also read: BMW iX configurator with 7 add-on packages now live in Malaysia