BMW has just launched in India its third-generation X5 SUV that is on offer with a 3.0-litre diesel engine and seven-seat configuration in a single, fully loaded trim level. It retails for Rs 70.9 lakh (ex-showroom, India). But how does it fare against its direct competitors on paper, when it comes to pricing and engines?
Price comparison
The Mercedes-Benz M-class offers buyers the option of a 2143cc, four-cylinder diesel engine in the ML 250 CDI and a bigger 2987cc, six-cylinder diesel motor in the ML 350 CDI, the latter being the X5’s direct rival. The Mercedes-Benz ML 350 is priced at Rs 65.8 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The Audi Q7 is also sold with two engine options, a 2967cc, six-cylinder as well as a bigger 4134cc, V8 diesel engine. The Q7 3.0 TDI is available in three – Premium, Premium plus and Technology pack –variants which are priced from Rs 57.60 -72.35 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Engine details
The third-generation BMW X5 gets a 2993cc engine, which produces 255bhp and 57.1kgm. The engine delivers this power via an eight-speed automatic transmission. This is the same engine that powers the BMW 530d and the BMW 730d as well.
The 2987cc engine of the Mercedes-Benz ML 350 CDI comes mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. It pushes out an identical 255bhp and a slightly higher 63.2kgm of torque as the BMW X5 xDrive30d.
In comparison, the Audi Q7 gets a 2967cc engine which produces 240bhp and 56kgm of torque, about 15bhp less than either rival. Like the X5, it too gets an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Overview
The base Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Premium variant retails for Rs 57.6 lakh which is Rs 13.3 lakh cheaper than the new BMW X5. Also, it costs Rs 8.2 lakh less than the Mercedes-Benz ML 350.
Even the mid Q7 3.0 Premium Plus variant, which sports a price tag of Rs 62.99 lakh, is Rs 7.91 lakh less than the new BMW X5 and Rs 2.81 lakh cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz ML 350.
While both the X5 and ML 350 are more expensive than the Audi Q7, one must bear in mind that both the BMW and Mercedes are available in only one trim that comes loaded with equipment. Audi, on the other hand, offers the Q7 in three trims which gives it the advantage of a lower entry point to the range, and lets buyers choose the equipment level they want. But what that also implies is that the base Q7 variant skips on some kit that's available on the competition and its higher trims along with the 15bhp deficit on power.