We recently test drove all the cars you are looking at but new. 2015 X3 28i, 2015 Audi Q5 2.0T, and 2016 Mazda CX-5 GT. I can tell you that BMW had a sporty feel and felt more planted and stable in the turns then the Q5. My wife and I both thought the interior of the Q5 was lacking, it felt old, like we should be 65 and moving to Florida for retirement. The wood grain trim pieces just don't do it for me, even if they are real wood and not an appliqu over plastic. We liked the rear seats in the Q5 with the slide and recline feature. I don't know when exactly Audi changed their transmissions but the older 6 speed autos didn't get good reviews, saying they were clunky and slow. The newer 8speed autos are much better. The BMW was a very nice drive but you felt it a bit more then the audi. I prefer that type of ride over one that's super plush. To me the CX-5 drove just like the BMW. Now the X3 35i you're looking at is going to much faster then the CX-5 due to the bigger engine so if speed is what your after then go for that one. Just keep in mind that both Audi and BMW's are expensive to repair when something goes wrong. Mechanics should be certified mechanics for either of those makes and because so their labor rates are going to be higher. That's going to be true with any premium brand maintenance. The parts for german cars are also more expensive. My wifes audi needed a new thermostat, $150, 4 hours labor to get to it and change it. My Protege5 needed a thermostat, $30, changed in about 30min in the garage. I get the whole, wanting to drive a premium car, they are premium for a reason just be prepared for the higher costs after purchase that goes with them. And I believe both the BMW and Audi require premium gas 91 octane or higher so your fuel costs will be higher as well.
