Behind the Wheel: Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3, a luxury SUV comparison

Behind the Wheel: Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3, a luxury SUV comparison

The Audi Q5 and BMW X3 are among the most popular options for shoppers interested in a small luxury SUV. Each one offers a practical size, a classy cabin, and a relatively affordable way to get an SUV with a luxury badge.

2026 Audi SQ5 vs 2026 BMW X3 M50i luxury SUV comparison test

The numbers are in: Audi is the best selling luxury brand in Canada for 2025, its Q5 compact SUV leading the way with almost 15,000 units sold last year. It's incredibly dominant in the segment overall, outselling all but four other luxury brands' entire lineups. Now updated for a new generation, we brought out its stiffest competition for a head-to-head comparison to see just how it stacks up against the also-updated 2026 BMW X3.