Audi Q5 vs BMW 330e
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Audi Q5 | BMW 330e | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 268 | 288 | -6.9% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 400 | 420 | -4.8% |
| Fuel economy (km/L) | 10.2 | 31.9 | -68.0% |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Plug-in Hybrid | — |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Automated Manual | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $54,500 | $44,500 | +22.5% |
- BMW 330e makes about 7% more power (288 vs 268 hp).
- BMW 330e is the more economical, at 31.9 km/L against 10.2.
Verdict: Q5 or 330e?
Audi Q5 advantages
- No decisive advantage on the tracked metrics.
BMW 330e advantages
- Engine power (+7%)
- Pulling torque (+5%)
- Fuel economy (+68%)
- Affordability (+18%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the BMW 330e if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Value for money
BMW 330e delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Audi Q5 vs BMW 330e: which should you choose?
Audi Q5 (2026 Premium Plus 45 TFSI) — petrol suv with 268 hp and 400 Nm, rated at 10.2 km/L; priced near $54,500 in the US market.
BMW 330e (2021 iPerformance) — plug-in hybrid sedan with 288 hp and 420 Nm, rated at 31.9 km/L, 5-star NHTSA safety; priced near $44,500 in the US market.
Audi Q5 vs BMW 330e: BMW 330e is more powerful. BMW 330e makes about 7% more power (288 vs 268 hp). BMW 330e is the more economical, at 31.9 km/L against 10.2.
Performance
The BMW 330e is the more powerful, at 288 hp against 268 hp, with 420 Nm of torque on tap. Its plug-in hybrid drivetrain pairs with a 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Running costs
The BMW 330e is more economical at 31.9 km/L against 10.2 km/L on their certified cycles, which compounds meaningfully over years of ownership. Test cycles differ between markets, so treat cross-region figures as directional.
Price and value
The BMW 330e lists lower at about $44,500 (USD-converted from the US market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi Q5 better than the BMW 330e?
BMW 330e is the clearly stronger overall choice, winning most of the dimensions that matter. BMW 330e makes about 7% more power (288 vs 268 hp).
What is the main difference between the Audi Q5 and the BMW 330e?
BMW 330e makes about 7% more power (288 vs 268 hp). BMW 330e is the more economical, at 31.9 km/L against 10.2.
Which is better value?
BMW 330e delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the BMW 330e if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.