Audi Q8 vs. BMW X5: Complete comparison 2026

The Audi Q8, a premium SUV with an elegant coupe silhouette, represents the design pinnacle of the Ingolstadt-based brand and attracts with an uncompromising combination of sporty looks and maximum luxury. In contrast, the BMW X5, which the automaker itself refers to as a pioneer of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) category, bets on a more robust classic body and offers traditionally excellent driving dynamics combined with practicality. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of these two exceptional German rivals and find out which one better meets your daily needs and driving emotions on the nearly-new used car market.

When comparing the exterior dimensions of these two premium models, the different approach of both carmakers to the concept of a luxury vehicle is evident at first glance. Focusing on models widely represented on the used car market around four years old, namely the Audi Q8 (4M generation) and the BMW X5 (G05 generation), we find that the car with the four rings in its emblem is, at 4,986 mm, 64 mm longer than the Munich representative, which measures 4,922 mm. Audi also boasts a slightly longer wheelbase of 2,995 mm compared to 2,975 mm for the BMW. For future owners, this difference in practice means slightly more generous longitudinal legroom for rear-seat passengers in the Audi; however, the overall longer body may, on the other hand, require more caution when maneuvering in tight underground garages.

Fundamental differences in overall proportions stand out especially when looking at the width and height of both vehicles. BMW X5 is, at 2,004 mm, a slight 9 mm wider than the Audi Q8 (1,995 mm) and honors the tradition of classic large SUVs with its height of 1,745 mm. This is a significant 40 mm more than the sportier-cut Audi with its lower, slightly sloping roof (1,705 mm). From a practical standpoint, the BMW X5 will please the crew with greater airiness and more generous headroom as well as a more upright seating position, while the lower center of gravity and "crouched" stance of the Audi Q8 promise more agile driving characteristics and more confident tracking in fast corners.

Table of Exterior Dimensions

Storage space is a key parameter for many potential buyers of large premium SUVs, whether for everyday family use, transporting sports equipment, or long holiday trips. When comparing roughly four-year-old used cars of the popular Audi Q8 (internal designation 4M) and BMW X5 (generation G05) generations from 2020 to 2022, we encounter quite significant differences. These stem from the very concept of both vehicles. While the BMW X5 retains the traditional boxier shape of a full-fledged family SUV, the Audi Q8 bets on a much more dynamic silhouette with a sloping roofline in the style of an SUV-coupe.

This design difference is directly reflected in the actual luggage compartment volume. The standard internal combustion version of the BMW X5 offers an excellent 650 liters in its basic configuration, which is 45 liters more than the competing Audi Q8 with a value of 605 liters. In practice, this seemingly minor difference means space for several smaller bags or one extra carry-on suitcase. Even more significant is the difference after completely folding the rear seats, where the BMW X5 scores with a massive capacity of 1870 liters, while the Audi Q8 provides 1755 liters. For a typical weekend shopping trip, both values are more than sufficient, but if you often transport bulkier items or need maximum family capacity for a winter holiday, the more traditionally styled BMW X5 offers demonstrably better utility value.

Special attention should be paid to plug-in hybrid variants (PHEV) when buying a used car, as they are in high demand on the secondary market. Due to the installation of the traction battery under the trunk floor, both models lose valuable liters of practical space. The Audi Q8 in the TFSI e version (2021–2022) offers a basic volume reduced to 505 liters. The competing BMW X5 in the popular xDrive45e engine from the same period drops to 500 liters. Thus, for electrified versions in the basic configuration, the tables surprisingly turn, and Audi has a slight edge. However, when the seats are folded in these hybrids, BMW again benefits from its taller body structure (1720 liters compared to 1625 liters for Audi).

In terms of pure capacity and practicality, the BMW X5 comes out better overall in this comparison, thanks to its more regular body shape, which makes loading up to the roof easier. The Audi Q8, on the other hand, chooses a path of compromise in favor of a more elegant design, yet it remains a very capable and spacious companion for the vast majority of travel scenarios.

Towing capacity is a key parameter for drivers planning to haul heavy loads, whether it's large caravans, horse trailers, or boats. For both of these luxury SUVs, focusing on models approximately four years old (Audi Q8 4M generation and BMW X5 G05 generation), we find excellent towing capacities, though these vary significantly depending on the chosen engine.

The standard braked towing capacity for the Audi Q8 is mostly 2,800 kg for common diesel (45 TDI, 50 TDI) and petrol versions. Conversely, the BMW X5 with popular six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines (such as the xDrive30d, xDrive40d, or xDrive40i) can handle a maximum of 3,500 kg as standard. Both manufacturers also offer plug-in hybrid variants in this generation, where capacities are slightly adjusted. For the BMW X5 xDrive45e, the towing capacity is reduced to 2,700 kg due to the batteries. For Audi, the entry-level hybrid (Q8 55 TFSI e) maintains its 2,800 kg, and the more powerful Q8 60 TFSI e even matches its Munich-based rival, handling a maximum of 3,500 kg.

In practice, higher towing power represents a huge advantage – for instance, it allows you to hitch a much larger caravan, which easily offers space for several extra suitcases and is perfectly sufficient for a weekend shopping trip or a longer holiday across Europe with the whole family. For unbraked trailers, cars in this size and weight category represent the legal limit for both brands, which is 750 kg.

In conclusion, if your absolute priority is regularly towing the heaviest possible trailers weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, the BMW X5 offers this capability across a much wider range of standard combustion engines. With the Audi Q8, you must opt for the more specific top-tier plug-in hybrid to achieve the same figure.

The approach of both brands to engine offerings for roughly four-year-old used cars differs quite clearly, which is of fundamental importance to the buyer in terms of budget, operating costs, and dynamics. The Audi Q8 maintains a strictly premium line and offers exclusively three-liter V6 engines under the hood, whether you choose diesel, petrol, or an advanced plug-in hybrid. All these versions are paired as standard with a reliable eight-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. In contrast, the BMW X5 (in the relevant G05 generation) provides a much wider and more diverse palette. The range starts with an economical four-cylinder diesel, continues through the legendary inline-six engines, and goes up to the massive petrol V8 of the M50i version. Both manufacturers extensively used 48V mild-hybrid technology during this period, which smoothes out the start-stop system's operation and helps reduce consumption in both competitors. The decision thus largely depends on whether you are looking for a more affordable economical model, crave the absolute peak performance of a V8, or prefer to bet on the certainty of a refined V6 from Audi.

Engines for the Audi Q8 (4M generation)

The Audi Q8 engines (4M generation, 2018–present) build their success on robust and proven three-liter units. In the market for roughly four-year-old used cars, the 45 TDI and the more powerful 50 TDI diesel versions clearly dominate, representing the ideal choice for long-distance motorway travel with excellent fuel economy and massive torque. Petrol proponents can opt for the very refined and linear 55 TFSI version. Audi also invested very heavily in electrification, so you will come across powerful plug-in hybrids in the range, the 55 TFSI e and 60 TFSI e. These combine a petrol V6 with an electric motor, boast dazzling system power, and offer an all-electric range sufficient for daily city commuting.

Engines for the BMW X5 (G05 generation)

The engine range for the BMW X5 (pre-facelift G05 generation, production roughly 2018–2023) is exceptionally diverse for used car buyers. For more relaxed drivers with a tighter budget, the xDrive25d four-cylinder diesel was available, however, the absolute core of sales are the proper inline-six engines. The xDrive30d version (boosted to 210 kW from 2020 thanks to a mild-hybrid) and the more powerful xDrive40d represent a perfect balance between top-tier dynamics and excellent efficiency for a large SUV. The technically admirable M50d diesel engine with four turbochargers is quite unique, but its production ended in 2020 – making it a rarity in the market for typical four-year-old used cars. For fans of aggressive sporty driving, BMW has the massive M50i V8 in reserve, or the extremely popular xDrive45e plug-in hybrid, which utilizes a captivating three-liter six-cylinder, giving it excellent acoustic and performance character compared to four-cylinder competitors.

* Production of the top diesel engine M50d ended during 2020, so you will only encounter it exceptionally among roughly four-year-old used cars.

Choosing the right engine is absolutely crucial for long-term satisfaction with a used luxury SUV. Our recommendations are based on real-world experience from mechanics, mechanical reliability after several years of operation, and actual fuel consumption. Interestingly, although both manufacturers approach engineering in their own way, under the hood of popular four-year-old used cars (typically 2020–2022 models), you will most often encounter fantastic three-liter diesel six-cylinder engines supported by 48V mild-hybrid technology to smooth out operation and reduce consumption. Looking at production databases, it is also important to note that if you were interested in the extreme diesel engine in the form of the quad-turbocharged BMW X5 M50d, this version ended production in the autumn of 2020 and is no longer found on the market for younger used cars. The following comparison therefore focuses on the most popular and reliable engines that currently objectively dominate the market for approximately four-year-old vehicles.

For the Audi Q8, we recommend: 50 TDI, 210 kW

The 3.0-liter V6 diesel is the absolute ideal and a rational compromise for the Q8 model from 2020 to 2022 on the used car market. Why it's the best choice: This unit handles the heavy and wide vehicle with great ease, offers refined performance on long journeys, and thanks to mild-hybrid technology, real-world combined fuel consumption stays at a very pleasant 8 to 9 liters per 100 km. Technical advantages: Its greatest weapon is the massive 600 Nm of torque available from low revs. It works excellently with the quattro all-wheel drive, which uses a proper mechanical Torsen center differential to ensure uncompromising traction in any weather. What to watch out for: The EA897evo2 engine series is mechanically very durable, but a typical ailment is a slight "turbo lag" and occasional hesitation of the eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox software when a sudden burst of acceleration (kickdown) is needed. During a test drive, focus on whether the gearbox jerks when starting off and behaves predictably. Also pay close attention to the condition of the diesel particulate filter (DPF), which can clog quickly if the previous owner used the car mainly for short city trips. An effective prevention of expensive service interventions is strictly shortening the engine oil change interval to a maximum of 15,000 km. Who it's for: This configuration is perfect for highway travelers, families spending a lot of time on long routes, and drivers who regularly tow heavy trailers.

For the BMW X5, we recommend: xDrive30d, 210 kW

In the G05 generation, the 3.0-liter inline-six diesel with the code name B57 is an absolute masterpiece and undoubtedly the most sensible used car purchase you can make. Versions produced from roughly August 2020 also feature a 48V mild-hybrid system as standard. Why it's the best choice: This engine stands out for its almost unbelievable reliability by today's standards, silky smooth operation, and perfect pairing with the eight-speed ZF gearbox. The entire powertrain works so efficiently that the giant X5 can achieve real-world fuel consumption between a fantastic 7.5 and 8.5 liters of diesel per 100 km. Technical advantages: Compared to Audi's V6 solution, BMW's inline-six has a noticeably smoother power delivery, and its torque curve climbs even higher to 650 Nm. The ZF gearbox's reactions are lightning-fast, the software is exceptionally sharp, and it follows throttle pedal commands almost instantly without unpleasant delays. What to watch out for: Even though the B57 engine itself is a renowned "workhorse," with used cars approaching the 150,000 km mark, you must be very careful about the condition of the xDrive all-wheel drive transfer case. How to detect this potential problem? During a test drive, try doing slow figure-eights at full steering lock in a parking lot or accelerating more sharply in a tight turn – if mechanical noises, grinding, or noticeable jerking come from the chassis, avoid it, as a very expensive repair awaits you. Here too, the golden rule for ensuring longevity applies: change the engine oil every 15,000 km at the latest and do not ignore the service intervals for the gearbox and transfer case fluids. Who it's for: It is an absolutely brilliant all-rounder for dynamically minded drivers who appreciate brilliant throttle response and precise steering, but also require a durable, powerful, and economical vehicle for everyday family life.

Official manufacturer fuel consumption figures are often an unattainable ideal in real-world driving, especially when talking about large premium SUVs weighing over two tons. The laws of physics simply cannot be cheated, and real-world driving style significantly impacts fuel consumption. To get an objective picture of actual fuel costs, it is always best to look at real user data. We have used long-term statistics directly from drivers on the popular community portal Spritmonitor.de, covering Audi Q8 (4M generation) and BMW X5 (G05 generation) models from production years corresponding to typical four-year-old used cars.

A detailed look at the real-world data reveals several very clear and interesting trends. The three-liter diesel six-cylinder engines are an excellent choice for both rivals, but Munich's diesel engines (BMW xDrive30d and xDrive40d) have long been among the absolute technological peak. In practice, they average a few tenths of a liter more efficiently than Audi's otherwise reliable TDI units. A surprising but very common finding with heavy SUVs is that the "weaker on paper" base engines (such as the Audi Q8 45 TDI) save almost no fuel in practice. The reason is that they have to "work harder" with the massive body, making it more efficient and more pleasant for the driver to opt for the more powerful version. For petrol versions, on the other hand, physics cannot be masked – although both cars excel dynamically, average consumption rarely falls below the 10-liter mark, with the Munich xDrive40i engine showing a slightly more favorable appetite. In the plug-in hybrid category, the BMW X5 xDrive45e scores quite significantly thanks to its larger traction battery capacity, which ensures a longer pure electric range and, ultimately, a lower overall average.

These trends lead to clear recommendations for different driver profiles. If you spend a large amount of time on motorways, often cover long distances, and require a huge range on a single tank, the powerful diesel variants represent the most sensible choice, keeping both your wallet and the time spent at filling stations in check. If, on the other hand, you spend most days of the week clocking up urban and suburban kilometers and have the option to charge the vehicle regularly at home or at work, the plug-in hybrids of both brands can dramatically reduce your real-world fuel bills. Traditional petrol versions thus remain primarily the domain of enthusiasts who prefer a sportier sound and unlimited rev-happiness in a premium car over catalog efficiency.

In summary, fuel consumption itself is unlikely to be the single key point on which your decision between these two models would break – both luxury SUVs offer an impressive level of efficiency given their size and weight. From a purely pragmatic standpoint of daily operating costs, however, the BMW X5 shows a slight but systematic lead across all powertrain types.

In the used car market at around four years of age (2021 and 2022 models), both of these luxury SUVs are reaching a very attractive price level. The first owners have already paid the most significant loss in value, which in the first years amounts to tens of percent, allowing buyers to enjoy a premium ride for much more rational money. When choosing a four-year-old used car, we compare highly sought-after generations: the BMW X5 (G05 generation) and the Audi Q8 (1st generation, pre-facelift).

Market Situation and Value Development

• BMW X5 (G05): This model is one of the absolute sales hits in its class, which is reflected in the huge and diverse range on the secondary market. The choice is truly wide – from more modest specifications to top-of-the-line and superbly equipped V8s from the M division. The large supply pushes the prices of common used versions slightly down, so the entry barrier for acquiring an X5 is a bit more welcoming.
• Audi Q8: Since the Q8 acts more as a more stylish and dynamic alternative to the traditional Q7 (and primarily targets BMW X6 customers), it is represented in significantly smaller numbers on the used car market. Its base price was already higher for a new car and the equipment richer. The result is a slower decline in value – a used Q8 holds its exclusive cachet very confidently and is usually slightly more expensive than an equivalent X5.

Estimated Prices on the Used Car Market (approx. 4 years old)

Note: The prices listed take into account models with a mileage of around 80,000 to 120,000 km and a proven service history. The most sought-after engines on the Central European market are the refined six-cylinder diesels – the reliable xDrive30d for BMW and the more powerful 50 TDI for Audi.

What to Watch Out For When Buying

• Operating and Service Costs: The B57 diesel six-cylinder in the BMW X5 is considered an excellent workhorse that is mechanically highly durable and does not require excessive service. The Audi Q8, on the other hand, makes extensive use of a complex mild-hybrid system (MHEV). For four-year-old Q8 models, it is worth carefully checking the condition of the belt starter-generator and the 48V onboard network, as their potential failure can be more financially demanding.
• Looking for a Factory Warranty: Many first owners paid extra for extended factory warranties (up to 5 years for BMW or 4 years for Audi). A four-year-old used car may therefore still have a valid guarantee. A key recommendation is to look for cars at certified dealers with BMW Premium Selection or Audi Approved :plus programs.
• Hidden Pitfalls of Luxury Equipment: For the BMW X5, do not underestimate checking the condition of the air suspension and suspension arms, which simply suffer with a weight exceeding two tons. For the Audi Q8 (which relies on frameless windows), focus on any aerodynamic noise on the highway during the test drive – window seals tired by age or misaligned window travel can compromise acoustic comfort on board.

Both premium models, the Audi Q8 and BMW X5, received the maximum five-star rating in the strict European Euro NCAP crash tests. When buying a used car, however, it is crucial to view this result in the context of the time when the tests were performed. The Euro NCAP methodology is constantly evolving and becoming stricter every year. Test protocols are shifting focus from simple structural body strength towards advanced active safety, such as complex intersection scenarios, automatic evasive maneuvers, and advanced cyclist detection. For this reason, the percentage results of vehicles from different years cannot always be directly and completely objectively compared.

Audi Q8 Results (Tested in 2019)
The Audi Q8 model underwent crash tests in 2019. During these tests, the car confirmed massive structural strength and protected adult passengers at an excellent 93%. The 2019 testing methodology already fully took into account autonomous braking with cyclist detection and the car's behavior in extra-urban traffic. Despite the robust construction, Audi received a slightly lower rating for electronic assistance systems (73%), which from today's perspective suggests that even though the car protects you perfectly during the impact itself, its ability to actively prevent a collision no longer reaches the absolute top of the latest standards.

BMW X5 Results (Tested in 2018)
The fourth generation of the BMW X5 (code name G05) underwent testing a year earlier, in 2018. The car achieved very balanced results in all key categories. In adult protection, it received a solid 89% – assessors here slightly penalized the not entirely optimal function of the driver's knee airbag in some situations. On the other hand, the Munich SUV performed better than the rival Audi in protecting vulnerable road users (75%) and recorded a slightly better result in safety assistance systems (75%), where it benefited from excellently calibrated automatic braking during pedestrian detection.

When considering the purchase of a used car, it is important to mention one crucial fact: Euro NCAP ratings formally expire after six years by default. Since both models were tested before 2020, their original certification is now invalid from the perspective of the independent organization. Their real safety level and cabin strength do not, of course, decrease in any way, but to gain five stars according to modern protocols, both cars would have to offer a more modern and sensitive set of active safety sensors.

Final Safety Evaluation
Although both luxury SUVs represent an above-standard safe choice and reliably protect the whole family, a detailed comparison reveals different philosophies. The Audi Q8 scores with top-tier passive occupant protection, reflecting an extremely rigid body. The BMW X5, on the other hand, features a slightly more balanced package across all disciplines – it handles pedestrian protection a bit better, and its assistance systems proved higher efficiency in tests. In the overall view of comprehensive safety, the BMW X5 therefore offers a slightly more modern approach with an emphasis on active accident prevention, while Audi takes the lead in pure structural resistance during a collision.

Both models offer much more than just basic equipment, and each approaches customer value in its own way, with both cars—roughly four years old—representing the pinnacle of technological development for their generation. While one car bets on sleek digital minimalism and sporty style, the other emphasizes innovative assistants and unexpectedly clever practical solutions.

Audi Q8: Technological Avant-Garde and Coupe Elegance

• Design and construction: The Q8 stands out from classic SUVs with stylish frameless windows, emphasizing its affiliation with sporty coupe-style vehicles. This feature gives the car an exceptionally exclusive look without significantly compromising the cabin's acoustic insulation.
• Infotainment and ergonomics: Traditional buttons in the Q8 have largely been replaced by the MMI touch response system. It uses two large touchscreens on the center console that provide clear haptic and acoustic feedback when pressed. This gives the driver physical confirmation of a press even with a fully digital interface.
• Clever interior practicality: Despite the sloping roofline, the Q8 offers unexpected flexibility. The rear seats slide by 10 centimeters as standard. Customers can thus choose between extra legroom for rear passengers or a larger trunk volume, depending on current needs.
• Chassis and handling: When maneuvering in tight spaces or during dynamic driving, you will appreciate the all-wheel steering system (often supplied with adaptive air suspension). The rear wheels turn by up to 5 degrees, which makes the large SUV feel smaller and significantly reduces the turning radius in the city.
• Advanced lighting: Optional HD Matrix LED lights don't just perfectly mask oncoming vehicles. Audi is known for its dynamic light animations that greet the driver when unlocking or locking the car, giving it a futuristic character.

BMW X5: Traditional Practicality with Innovative Equipment

• Iconic luggage compartment: A typical and very popular feature of the X5 is the two-part tailgate. The lower part folds down, creating a flat loading edge and preventing luggage from falling out when opened. The fold-down part can also support an adult and serves perfectly as a bench for changing shoes after a trip.
• Infotainment and controls: The iDrive system (typically in its excellent 7th generation here) retains the rotary hardware controller, which is incomparably intuitive while driving. Additionally, it adds Gesture Control, allowing you to increase audio volume by circling your finger in the air or reject a phone call with a wave of your hand.
• Assistance systems: A total trump card for BMW is the Reversing Assistant. The system constantly stores the last 50 meters of forward travel (up to a speed of 36 km/h) in its memory. If you drive into a narrow dead-end street or a confusing garage, the car can reverse out entirely on its own along the exact same trajectory by intervening in the steering, while the driver only controls the speed.
• Lighting and cabin atmosphere: From the outside, the optional BMW Laserlight with typical blue design elements and extreme range catches the eye. Inside, the Sky Lounge panoramic roof can impress, with over 15,000 LED elements integrated into the glass, simulating a starry sky at night in a color matching the chosen ambient lighting.
• Off-road equipment: For those who actually take their premium SUV off-road, BMW offers the special xOffroad package. In combination with the air suspension, this brings a hardware rear differential lock and four specific driving modes for snow, sand, gravel, and rocks, taking off-road capability to a significantly higher level.

The Audi Q8 is an ideal choice for buyers looking for a luxurious highway cruiser with a prestigious appearance and first-class comfort. It scores primarily with its perfect interior craftsmanship and cabin quietness, albeit at the cost of slightly reduced overall practicality.

The BMW X5 will primarily appeal to drivers who don't want to compromise between maximum family practicality and driving pleasure. It is an exceptionally versatile and driver-rewarding SUV with flawless ergonomics that more easily satisfies everyday transportation needs.

Based on our own data from the CarAudit service, detailed physical inspections of cars before sale, breakdown statistics, and experience from service networks, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that buyers of used examples of these SUVs should watch out for.

The Audi Q8 is a technologically very complex car, where specific defects appear in roughly four-year-old used cars, mainly associated with the on-board network and the car's enormous weight.

• Electronics and mild-hybrid system: The most famous and feared defect in six-cylinder engines is the failure of the 48V starter-generator (BSG). If this component fails, the car reports an electrical network error, loses power, and after the battery is discharged, there is a risk of a complete stop. Replacement is expensive and in the past, parts had very long wait times.
• Infotainment MMI: Users report software errors regarding the pair of touchscreens quite often – from system freezes after startup to non-functional displays and problems with stable mobile phone pairing. Usually, the situation is resolved by a software update at the service center.
• Chassis and brakes: Due to the high curb weight of the car, which exceeds 2.2 tons, there is above-average wear of brake discs and pads. The air suspension is generally durable, but in high-mileage units, the compressor may show increased noise over time.
• Interior noises: Some owners point out creaking of shiny plastics in the area of the center tunnel or unpleasant resonances coming from the panoramic sunroof blind when driving over bumps.

The fourth generation of the BMW X5 (G05) is considered an above-average reliable choice within the class of large luxury SUVs, yet even it can have sensitive spots after several years of operation.

• xDrive all-wheel drive system: In cars with higher mileage, unpleasant jerking or twitching during acceleration may occur. The cause is usually a worn multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. Timely oil changes in the transfer case often help; otherwise, there is a risk of replacing the entire module.
• Front axle: In the heaviest variants (such as diesel six-cylinders and plug-in hybrids), play can start to be heard after exceeding the 100,000 km mark. Most often, these are worn bushings on the lower arms of the front axle, which manifests as worse stability and dull knocking.
• iDrive software and assistance: Just like with the competitor from Ingolstadt, the iDrive 7.0 system struggled with random infotainment restarts, failure of assistance cameras, or problems with user profile synchronization in the first years of production. However, the system has stabilized over the years thanks to remote updates.
• Cooling system and EGR: In gasoline units, minor coolant leaks around the water pump can occur after years. In diesel engines, it is important to monitor the condition of the EGR valve cooler, for which BMW repeatedly issued recalls due to the risk of glycol leakage.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key. For heavy and technologically advanced premium SUVs, this is doubly true. Here are some specific points to focus on for these two models, which is why we always recommend an independent physical inspection of the used car before the purchase itself.

When choosing an Audi Q8:

• Mild-hybrid (MHEV) system and alternator: Models around four years old can suffer from failure of the 48V starter-generator, which can completely immobilize the vehicle. During the test drive, watch for error messages regarding the electrical system flashing on the dashboard and whether the engine starts smoothly and without hesitation after the start-stop system is activated.
• Air suspension: During the inspection, test all suspension height modes. Changing the ground clearance should happen smoothly, symmetrically, and without loud hissing or an obviously strained sound from the compressor. If the car "kneels" on one of the wheels after standing overnight, it indicates a leak in the air bellows.
• Automatic transmission response: The eight-speed Tiptronic can have a noticeable delay when accelerating sharply from a junction (so-called "lag") in some vehicles. During the test drive, try a faster start – the transmission should not jerk or hesitate for too long. This is often solved by a software update, but rough shifting can also indicate a neglected oil change.
• Frameless windows and aerodynamic noise: The Audi Q8 boasts stylish frameless windows, but their seals can degrade over time. Take the car on the highway and listen for excessive wind whistle around the upper edge of the windows. If so, it is often necessary to have the window regulator mechanism professionally adjusted.
• Infotainment and displays: The MMI dual-screen system requires careful testing. Test the touch response and haptic feedback across the entire surface of both displays. Older software versions could freeze, so check the navigation loading speed and the smoothness of transitions between individual menus.

When choosing a BMW X5:

• xDrive system transfer case: In such a heavy and powerful SUV, the all-wheel drive takes a real beating. In an empty parking lot, turn the wheels to full lock and pull away slowly. If you feel jerking, unnatural vibrations, or hear clicking from the chassis, it could be a problem with the transfer case, which represents a very expensive repair.
• Battery condition in the plug-in hybrid (xDrive45e): If you are choosing the popular PHEV version, don't just settle for the figure on the display. In the iDrive menu, check the consumption history and estimated electric range at full charge, which should still attack the limit of around 60 to 70 km for a four-year-old car. However, only a diagnostic of the high-voltage battery capacity will give you certainty.
• Split tailgate: The BMW X5 uses an iconic and practical horizontally split trunk lid. Test the electric opening and closing of both the lower and upper parts several times in a row. The lower part can occasionally get stuck or make squeaking noises due to accumulated dirt in the mechanism.
• Brake wear and chassis play: Given the curb weight of over 2 tons, brake discs and pads wear out very quickly on the X5. When braking from a higher speed, the steering wheel must not vibrate at all. At the same time, listen for dull thuds from the front axle when driving over bumps, which would indicate worn silent blocks. For an accurate assessment of these components, a detailed technical inspection of the car on a lift is ideal.
• Electronics and parking assistance: The iDrive 7 system is generally very reliable, but you should focus on the external hardware. Check the functioning of all cameras in the 360° system (Surround View). Cameras in the mirrors or in the front grille can suffer from water ingress or damage from stones, which manifests as a foggy, distorted, or completely missing image.

Sources: ADAC, auto.cz, denik.cz, fdrive.cz, emobility.cz, logistika.ihned.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.