2011 Q5 vs 2011 BMW X3 - which is a better "babymobile"

[martian421]

So i'm currently doing some research on the 2011 Q5 and the BMW X3 (i'm also looking at the MB GLK, but that doesn't come anywhere close to what i expect in a SUV vs the Q5/X3)

On paper, it looks like the X3 provides better fuel economy, lower starting price, more power, vs the Q5.

Edmunds Comparision

i'm wondering, for those who have already done the comparisons, what persuaded you to get the Q5 instead of the X3? Brand loyalty? Styling? or price? Quality?

so far, from doing my work, i'm 60% leaning towards the BMW, 40% for the Q5. I just want to make sure i'm making the right choice. I've never owned a BMW and not too sure of the quality and ease of use.

FYI, My wife and i are expecting towards the end of this year and this would be the car we would use for the baby.

[dracolnyte]

I would say Audi for the more comfortable seats and less harsh suspension. Just the consensus from my passengers vs my bff's bmw 3er...

[Aud!]

I would say Audi for the more comfortable seats and less harsh suspension. Just the consensus from my passengers vs my bff's bmw 3er...

True passenger in both and Audi is a bit more civil...plus it just looks way nicer, the x3 looks cheap to me and doors slam like a bit of a tin can to me. Just my $0.02

[AofC_RR]

Q5, built in Germany. The X3 is built in South Carolina. You're going to get a biased opinion but X3 is wretched. I know it's freshly redesigned but still. Check out the Top Gear review on on the old one, it's hilarious. Keep in mind to get a comparabel X3 it costs more. The Q5 comes with more equipment standard than the X3.

[iconoclast]

which is a better "babymobile"

audi q7... q5 is pointless... barely any room, and when you put baby sit in the passenger front seat has to be adjusted so much that it is uncomfrotable. if the q7 is too big for your tastes then i would do a b8 s4 avant or 2010+ subaru outback. a6 avant is an option as well similar to q7 but lower and 'sportier'.

[rayray]

then i would do a b8 s4 avant

Only if they had them in NA... Only if!!!

[iconoclast]

freudian slip... i meant b8 a4 avant...

[rayray]

freudian slip... i meant b8 a4 avant...

No problem... wishful thinking though!

[bmoreS4]

...Q7 is a very nice SUV, also for a little less I also really like how the touareg rides and looks.

[Blake P]

I'll be in the same predicament this November when my wife's X3 lease ends. She's leaning toward the new X3 and I prefer the Q5. Our son is due in August, so in the meantime we'll see if a small SUV is up to the task or if we'll need to set our sights on something larger.

[levikush]

I'm actually in the same boat. We have a 2 month baby and i own a B8 S4.... There is enough room in the car for the stroller, but when it comes to the car seat.. FORGET ABOUT IT... You need to drive pretty close to the wheel for the car seat to fit properly in the back.
I haven't done the comparison between the X3 vs Q5... But I'm going to order my Q5 within the week for my wife...

[Blake P]

I'm actually in the same boat. We have a 2 month baby and i own a B8 S4.... There is enough room in the car for the stroller, but when it comes to the car seat.. FORGET ABOUT IT... You need to drive pretty close to the wheel for the car seat to fit properly in the back.
I haven't done the comparison between the X3 vs Q5... But I'm going to order my Q5 within the week for my wife...

What about putting the car seat in the middle back seat (aka: bitch)? That's what I was planning on doing anyway...

[CoCosDaddy]

For what it's worth my wife has the X5 and the ride is pretty rough, although no X3 it's probably close enough. We chose the Q7 for our future family (7 weeks prego) because in my mind the X3's or Q5's are too small. Even her X5 is a pims. Why limit yourself with a compact on taller suspension when you can get a roomier suv and throw the kitchen sink in as well. The 3rd row in the Q7 is surprisingly roomy. I'm 5'8" and I had more than enough room back there and the 2nd row still had comfortable leg room with the 2nd row all the way forward. Also with adaptive air suspension the baby should be sleeping through all the uneven roads. Then again, we chose the 7 because of our big fat spoiled chocolate lab that travels with us as well and all her luggage. Hope that helps.

[crazycars]

Id mix it up and say VW Tiguan...it actually has better infotainment system compared to Q5 version and similar performance assuming you get it fully loaded (sport pack). Although, since your talking about babies, just search youtube for crashtest results compared to other cars, the Tiguan is one solid piece of metal and when you drive it, it feels so tight like a rock.

Other people already mentioned Q7 is better than Q5 and i would agree that the Q5 is certainly no baby Q7 (far less space and a ton less features/options missing).

So coming back to VW Tiguan, its just as good as Q5 in terms of quality (slightly less leather used in full option spec), similar performance all for alot more reasonable cost to buy and maintain.

P.S. i didnt mention X3 cause BMW have generally lost it in terms of their 'SUV's' in recent years (compared to Audi's...)

[MAlby7]

Here in Canada, the base Q5 is cheaper than the base X3, but the fully loaded Q5 is more expensive than the fully loaded X3. The engines in the X3 are better IMO. Styling is an opinion. I don't like how the trunk opening on the Q5 is a square? There's so much room in the wheel wells that could be used for trunk space.

[GSS5]

Q5 is old compared to the new X3. I've driven neither but I think the X3 has gotten pretty good reviews. Engines choices are better in the BMW too. I've sat in both and the X3 has a better interior without a doubt. Exterior wise I think the Q5 beats the X3. I'd go with the Beemer primarily for the engine choices, the fact that it's a brand new model and the more extensive option it offers.

[JohnBoyToo]

We looked long and hard at both the x3 and x5..... test drove the x5 twice, before getting the Q5. Loved the x5 sport, but the Q was a better match for our needs, well - our wants ! :) and the price difference is a consideration....

but the car seat, room, etc... was not part of our equation since we have a diesel Excursion as our 'long distance hauler'

our considerations were color, styling, comfort, and mpg - in that order for the wife !

[spijun]

Individuals here can not read or see well.
The question is: 2011 Q5 vs. 2011 BMW X3 - which is a better "babymobile"
Some people here mentioned the Q7 or X5 and compare them with the Q5 or X3.
Q7 and X5 have a higher grade and do not fall into the same category that are normally expensive.
Question is clear that the car is a better Audi Q5 or BMW X3.
It is not an issue for X5 or Q7 or BMW 3 serie or Audi A4 B8 ????????

[Toast]

Depends whats your priority - better interior ride and interior fit Q5. If you want better engine and sportier handling X3.

My preference is the Q5, space wise they both seem comparable. I have an A4 Avant and yes you can fit the seat in middle but you have to contort body when pulling baby out. Which you may say its only a ~8 pound kid but the last thing you want to do is wake up a sleeping baby - thats your chill time. We picked a Rav which has enough space for kid and stroller and baby bag in back. Eventually you move up into higher (vertical/front facing) baby seat and you want the roof clearance which rav4 has vs my A4 avant low roof difficult to angle kid. Check on edmunds i imagine both x3 and q5 have plenty of space. Another pet peeve is the rear window which goes all the way down on my rav vs avant. Might sound minor but with tint my kid doesnt want to ride in avant since its lower and he has a hard time seeing over window. Another you might want to look for is cup holders since not all baby seat have cup holders my kid users the rear row center for his bottles.

[Blake P]

I'll be in the same predicament this November when my wife's X3 lease ends. She's leaning toward the new X3 and I prefer the Q5. Our son is due in August, so in the meantime we'll see if a small SUV is up to the task or if we'll need to set our sights on something larger.

I figure I should update this thread now that we made our decision. We looked at Q5, X3, Q7, X5, and even tried out a Tahoe for good measure. We both quickly decided that the Tahoe was just too big (and boooring). The Q7 was nice, but got pricey as we added options and we decided it might be the right vehicle as the family grows, but not yet. I really expected to love the Q5, but the 2.0T issues I've had with my A4 scared me away from that engine and (let's face it) the 3.2 is nothing special in any way. That left the bimmers... The X5 was great, but the existing model has been out a long time and wasn't really much larger than the new X3, so we couldn't justify paying more for fewer options than we could get in the X3. Our local BMW dealer worked hard to earn our business, while the Audi dealer acted like they didn't give a sh!t. In the end, we leased a well optioned 2011 X3 28i in Space Grey with black interior and my wife couldn't be happier. Plenty of room for our family of 3 and we'll reevaluate in 3 years once her lease is up. Cool story bro?

[Toast]

Surprised you didn't opt for the bmw's turbo engine?
I agree until you have 2 kids and they start playing sports you dont really need a bigger gas guzzling SUV. The mid size range SUV segment is perfect for new families.

[Blake P]

Surprised you didn't opt for the bmw's turbo engine?
I agree until you have 2 kids and they start playing sports you dont really need a bigger gas guzzling SUV. The mid size range SUV segment is perfect for new families.

If it was for me, I would have gotten the turbo. My wife will be driving it 90% of the time and I wanted something reliable that won't leave her and my son on the side of the road. She could care less about power. That and the issues with early BMW turbos were enough to make me opt for the 28i.

[martian421]

this thread has been extremely helpful in my decision process. Since it looks like 2011 prices are dropping, i'm planning on doing some car shopping this weekend and will definitely be checking out the VW's, Subaru's, BMW's and Audi's.

Congrats Blake on the new buy! i'd love to see some pic's if you have them~

[Toast]

Other nice SUV's depending on your price range: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Exploder and hate to say it but new KIA suvs are nice.

this thread has been extremely helpful in my decision process. Since it looks like 2011 prices are dropping, i'm planning on doing some car shopping this weekend and will definitely be checking out the VW's, Subaru's, BMW's and Audi's.

Congrats Blake on the new buy! i'd love to see some pic's if you have them~

[Blake P]

Congrats Blake on the new buy! i'd love to see some pic's if you have them~

Thanks! Don't have any pics yet, but I'll try to snap some and post them up ASAP.