DecodedCarsAudi Q7 vs BMW XM
2026 Audi Q7 vs 2026 BMW XM — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Audi Q7 is more fuel-efficient: 22 vs 14 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $2,100 a year less in fuel for the Audi Q7 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The BMW XM is the bigger car, about 2 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the BMW XM has had fewer recall campaigns (9 vs 31).
The two cars
The 2026 Audi Q7 is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 199 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,938 lb.
The 2026 BMW XM is a standard SUV offered with a 4.4L 8-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 201 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 122-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 6,127 lb.
Buying used? The 2024 Q7 and the 2023 XM have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2017 Q7.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Audi Q7 if…
- You want lower fuel bills (22 vs 14 MPG)
Choose the BMW XM if…
- You put reliability history first (9 vs 31 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Audi Q7
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2026 BMW XM
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 14 MPG combined, 30% below the 2026 standard SUV average of 20 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 Audi Q7 specs →Full 2026 BMW XM specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →