Verdict
The Audi Q5 costs RM352,900, undercutting the RM395,888 Lexus NX by RM42,988, while bringing 196 hp and 340 Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo. The NX counters with all-wheel drive, a hybrid-assisted 2.5-litre powertrain, a head-up display and ventilated front seats. Both carry five people and have an identical 520-litre boot, but the Audi is 127 mm longer in wheelbase. For Malaysian running costs, the Q5’s RM434 annual road tax is far easier to swallow than the NX’s RM830.
Pick the Audi Q5 if you want the lower purchase price, 340 Nm of turbo torque and a longer 2,817 mm wheelbase.
Pick the Lexus NX if all-wheel drive, a hybrid-assisted powertrain, ventilated seats and five-year warranty cover matter more than the extra cost.
Key differences
- Driveline: Audi Q5 front-wheel drive; Lexus NX all-wheel drive.
- Engine output: Audi Q5 196 hp and 340 Nm; Lexus NX 184 hp and 221 Nm.
- Wheelbase: Audi Q5 2,817 mm; Lexus NX 2,690 mm.
- Wheels and tyres: Audi Q5 19-inch wheels with 235/55R19 tyres; Lexus NX 20-inch wheels with 235/50R20 tyres.
- Warranty: Audi Q5 two years/unlimited mileage; Lexus NX five years/unlimited mileage.
- Annual road tax: Audi Q5 RM434; Lexus NX RM830.
Q5
- RM42,988 less to buy.
- 340 Nm, against the NX’s 221 Nm.
- Longer 2,817 mm wheelbase and 40:20:40 rear-seat split.
- Front-wheel drive versus the NX’s all-wheel drive.
- Two-year warranty versus five years.
- No head-up display or ventilated front seats.
NX
- All-wheel drive.
- Head-up display and ventilated front seats.
- Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
- RM42,988 higher purchase price.
- RM830 annual road tax versus RM434.
- 221 Nm is 119 Nm down on the Q5.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM352,900✓ | RM395,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM434✓ | RM830 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing and hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | 1,984 cc | 2,487 cc |
| Horsepower | 196 hp✓ | 184 hp |
| Torque | 340 Nm✓ | 221 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | — | 87.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 14 |
| Number of Motors | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 133 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 208 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7-speed S-tronic | 8-Speed Direct Shift |
| Gears | 7 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 7.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 200 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,717 mm | 4,660 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,669 mm | 1,670 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,817 mm | 2,690 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,765 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 68 litres | 55 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres | 520 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R19 | 235/50R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R19 | 235/50R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin e-Primacy | Bridgestone Alenza 001 Run-flats |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Mexico (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone |
| Front Wheels | 19" 10 Spoke Aero Design Alloys | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" 10 Spoke Aero Design Alloys | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Comfort suspension | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Centre Airbag | Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), TPMS |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Digital Matrix LED Headlights | 3 LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full OLED Tail lights | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function, Ventilated |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System with Lexus Climate Concierge |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 14.5" Touchscreen with Android Automotive OS, 10-speaker Audi Sound System | 14" Lexus Premium Audio Touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and 10 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Digital Key | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | Yes, with Panoramic View Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger, Smart Card Key |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Q5 & NX for sale
Q5 vs NX FAQ
Is the Audi Q5 or Lexus NX better?
The Q5 is the sharper financial choice, costing RM42,988 less with more engine torque and lower road tax. Choose the NX if all-wheel drive, ventilated front seats, a head-up display and a five-year warranty are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus NX costs RM42,988 more than the Audi Q5.
Which has the longer warranty?
The Lexus NX has a five-year unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty. The Audi Q5 is covered for two years with unlimited mileage.
