Audi Doesn't Consider BMW X3 a Q5 Threat

Although BMW X3 has what it takes to be considered a powerful rival, Audi doesn't really think the second-generation SUV produced by BMW is a threat for its Q5 model. In fact, the brand with the four rings emphasized that X3 could not affect Q5 sales and the company even expects to deliver more units in 2011 as compared to this year.

In the United States, BMW will commence X3 sales later this year, but the first units won't be delivered to customers earlier than January 2011.

“I don't expect to see any downturn in Q5 volume. In fact, we will sell more Q5s next year than we did this year,” Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi of America, was quoted as saying by Autonews. “The car is hot.”

de Nysschen claims Audi could even sell 1,000 units of the Q5 range per month, while sales of the X3 have fallen sharply in the last years. This year, BMW has delivered 2.7 percent less X3s as compared to 2009 when sales totaled 5,135 units.

“It's likely we'll see the segment really grow to naturally accommodate whatever plans our BMW colleagues have,” de Nysschen said.

Audi Q5 prices in the United States begin at $37,200 plus $825 destination charge, taxes, title or dealer charges. The Audi Q5 with the Premium Plus equipment package starts at $41,500, while the top of the line Prestige starts at $48,200. At the time of its release, the car was offered with some class exclusive features, including LED taillights, 40/20/40 rear seats that recline and slide and a three-zone climate control.