Audi BMW

Our photo comparison saga is back and the moment we have all been waiting for has come. How will the new BMW X3, the second generation premium compact SAV, stack up against the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK, two of the leaders in this premium segment?

In its second iteration, the 2011 BMW X3 has been redesigned from the ground up. The F25 X3 went through an extensive exterior redesign, aligning the new X3 with the recent designs seen in some of the BMW models. While maintaining the “boxy” look, the 2011 X3 is a half-inch taller, 3.4 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider than the current model.

The design features flared wheel arches and more aggressive design cues. The dynamic side creases around the fenders turn the new X3 into a distinctive model. At the front-end, the corona-ring running lights flanking the twin-kidney grille, and underlined by a fairly sporty bumper, complete the unique look of this X3.

The interior syncs up with the recent design approach transposed in the new BMW models. The driver-oriented dashboard connects the driver to its car and the latest iDrive with the 8.8-inch LCD, create a cozy environment.

Since the performance of the new BMW X3 has yet to be officially determined, we will resume for now at a photo comparison between the previously mentioned contenders. As always, we have captured the vehicles from different angles, including interior snapshots of these luxury sports activity vehicles.

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While the German ADAC office (the German equivalent of AAA) didn’t take an official position, the colleagues from OEAMTC Austria concluded a comparison test in Pedestrian Safety by using as a reference mid-size and compact SUVs.

The new BMW X1 comes at the top of this test and OEAMTC expert Max Lang says: “The Bavarians demonstrated responsibility and have invested a lot in the passive pedestrian safety.”

The X1 scores high in all the safety categories, but it particularly shines in the passenger safety:  five stars in Euro NCAP crash test.

In the evaluation of pedestrian protection, the BMW X1 has been compared with other small SUVs, including the VW Tiguan, Mercedes GLK and Audi Q5. The BMW X1 scored 23 out of 36 possible points for pedestrian protection, and shows a clear improvement over the first generation BMW X3 (E83). This model achieved only 5 points back in 2008, but the second generation is getting close to the launch time.

Responsible for the good performance of the X1 are the optimized shape of the front end and the use of numerous ductile and energy absorbing elements for body, bonnet and front bumper. The BMW X1 shows that small SUVs can certainly do well for pedestrian protection, despite the assumption that a smaller and compact cars achieve higher pedestrian safety ratings.

Competitors VW Tiguan and Mercedes GLK scored 16 points, respectively 17, but a big improvement over their “older brothers”, VW Touareg Group (7 points) and Mercedes ML (6 points).

However, the new Audi Q5 disappointed by earning only 12 points, behind the Q7 with 15 points and even the non-premium automaker Kia with its Sorento model scoring 16 points.

[Source: BimmerToday ]

One of the most common comparisons in the past few months has been the one between the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLK and of course, the new Audi Q5. In one of our previous articles, we dissected the three cars based on their exterior appearance, interior design, performance and pricing.

Shortly after, we decided to take the Audi Q5 for a test drive and compare it against the current X3, a comparison that will be more accurate when BMW will launch their second generation X3 next year.

The fellows at CarConnection took the same approach of comparing the three vehicles based on similar criteria and it would be interesting to see what their conclusion was.

Which of these three is best for you? First, know that each of these three compact luxury SUVs has been introduced or revamped in the past two years. The BMW X3 was refreshed in 2008 with an improved ride and a smoother shape; the Audi Q5 emerged brand-new in 2009; and the Mercedes-Benz GLK arrived late last year as a 2010 model.They’re state of the art, in the small-luxury-ute segment. They’re similar in size, equipment, and mission, too. Each of these compact utes has a six-cylinder engine, an automatic transmission, and available four-wheel drive (it’s standard on the Q5 and X3, an option on the GLK). Maybe most important to you, each wears a luxury-brand badge that conveys a certain standing in the world far more effectively than the badges on other very pleasant vehicles like the Volvo XC60, Infiniti EX35, even the Acura RDX.

Among them, one tops the TCC ratings by a small margin. Of Germany’s most prestigious, pint-sized SUVs, which one is the most highly rated by TheCarConnection.com?

We’ll compare Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLK shortly. But first, the basics:

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Even though many of the auto journalists and car fans are already starting to compare the BMW X1 to Audi’s upcoming Q3, we are going to take a different approach and actually compare it against the Q5.

The reason for that is that X1 jumped into the BMW line-up as an entry level SAV, a replacement for the current X3 which will relaunch next year with a new design and larger size.

By taking the  proportions of the first generation X5, the X3 has left an empty spot that BMW has quickly filled it with the new compact SAV X1. As you will see in our short comparison, the exterior dimensions of the two cars are close to each other and since we don’t have the specifications of the future Q3 model, this will have to do for now.

Exterior Dimensions

The BMW X1 measures 175.35 inches (4,453 mm) in length, while the Audi Q3 measures 182 inches(4,622 mm). The width different is even less, 74 inches(1,879 mm) for the Q3 and 70.78 inches(1,798 mm) for the X1. In height, the Audi Q3 measures 65.1  inches(1,653 mm), while the X1 stops the measuring tape at 60.82 inches(1,545 mm).

The difference between the two cars shortens even more when we are looking at the wheelbase length. The X1 has a wheelbase of 108.6 inches and the Q1, 110 inches.

Even though we don’t have the ground clearance exact dimensions, judging by these photos, we can clearly see that this is an area that the Q5 differentiate itself more from the X1. The Q5 gives more an impression of an SUV, while the X1 stands out as a combination between a Touring and SAV model.

Pricing

Since only the X1 German pricing is available at this time, we will going to compare them against the German edition of the Q5. And here is where the two cars start to differentiate more. The 34,400 euros X1 xDrive20d could be compared to the Q5 2.0 TDI which has a base price of 38,800, a significant difference that tells us that we’re looking at two different classes..

The most expensive X1 model is the gasoline powered xDrive28i with a price of 41,500 euros. In contrast, the high-end 3.2 FSI Q5 stops the money count at 46,900 euros.

The conclusion that can be drawn from here is that the two cars are not meant to go head-to-head against each other and that they indeed target different customers. When the Q3 will be out, we should have better metrics and be able to make a more fair assessment.

And to spice up things even more, we decided to make some comparative photos of the BMW X1 and Audi Q5, hoping that we will get your input as well.

In this episode of RoadTrip, Mark Fulmer is joined by Lori Hindman of MotherProof.com to take an in-depth look at the new Audi Q5...



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Here's the newest commercial for the Audi Q5...

Yay or nay? What do you think about this commercial?

It's amazing how much technology has advanced just in the past five years and Audi is all over this new technology. The company is making sure that customers have the latest in infotainment!

With the release of the new Audi Q5, owners will get to experience a new generation of the MMI, the supreme solution for multimedia, communication and operation. Here are just some of the features to expect from this latest technology:

• New joystick control - the central knob can be moved in eight different directions. Now you can easily navigate to a location on the screen and just point and click for directions.
• New display - a large TFT display measuring seven inches from corner to corner. It has very high resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and LED backlighting.

• 3D map displays - you now have a choice between the conventional two-dimensional view and the new 3D images

• Vocal input - no need to spell out individual letters; the new system understands complete words in a multitude of languages
• Music and entertainment - The system plays music from CDs and SD cards, including those coded MP3, AAC and WMA; DVD soundtracks can be heard in Dolby Digital 5.1 multi-channel sound

The Audi Q5 will be offered in the USA in March 2009 with a 3.2 V6 FSI direct injection engine, quattro® all wheel drive, and a six speed Tiptronic transmission.