Do you know what is the difference between BMW X1 vs Audi Q3? We hope you will find something to make an important decision for your next car easier.

Video comparison: BMW X1 vs Audi Q3

Basic info

BMW X1

Manufacturer: BMW
Production: 2009 – 2015 (first generation), 2015 – present (second generation)
Class: Subcompact luxury SUV / crossover
Assembly: Regensburg (Germany), Born (Netherlands), Kulim (Malaysia), Sunter (Indonesia), Shenyang (China)

Audi Q3

Manufacturer: Audi
Production: 2011 – 2018 (first generation), 2018 – present (second generation)
Class: Subcompact luxury SUV / crossover
Assembly: Martorell (Spain), Foshan (China), Pune (India), Curitiba (Brazil)

Exterior dimensions: X1 vs Q3

The new Audi Q3 is a little bit bigger compared to the BMW X1 in all exterior dimensions. Q3 is 37 mm longer than X1 (4484 mm vs 4447 mm), 35 mm wider (1856 mm vs 1821 mm) and 18 mm higher (1616 mm vs 1598 mm).

Audi Q3 also has 1 centimeter longer wheelbase. The only exterior dimension BMW X1 is bigger than the Audi Q3 is ground clearance. BMW X1 has 10 mm bigger distance from the ground to the belly of the car.

Interior dimensions: BMW X1 vs Audi Q3

Looking from the inside, the story is turned upside down. Here, BMW X1 can offer a bit more millimeters of interior space compared to Audi Q3.

You can see the comparison in the above image. All we can say is the difference is really small and probably can not be noticed at all when sitting in both cars.

Luggage compartment and weight: X1 vs Q3

In terms of luggage volume, measured under the VDA method, the differences are minimal. BMW X1 offers 25 liters more volume when rear seats are folded down.

On the other hand, Audi Q3 has 25 liters more volume when all the seats are in normal configuration.

Comparing the curb weight, the base model BMW X1 is significantly lighter than its competitor Audi Q3, the difference is 115 kilograms / 253 lbs.

Want to see the difference between BMW X1 vs BMW X2?

BMW X1 vs Audi Q3 engines

This is the chapter where both manufacturers are trying to prevail or to be in front of each other. Especially when we talk about historical rivals such as BMW and Audi.

Therefore, neither Audi or BMW can not afford to fall behind in any of the compared measurement. And they are not.

The most noticeable difference we see is BMW X1 offers a bit wider range in max. torque than Audi Q3, from 220 Nm up to 450 Nm, while Audi starts at 250 Nm and tops at 400 Nm of torque.

X1 vs Q3 performance

Based on the fact both cars are similar in size and are equipped with engines with similar power, it would be unreasonable to expect much difference in performance. Therefore, BMW X1 and Audi Q3 performance specs are practically the same.

All BMW X1 and Audi Q3 versions are faster than 200 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in less than 10 seconds.

Top performance versions reach the top speed of above 230 km/h and accelerate to 100 km/h in a bit more than 6 seconds.

BMW X1 vs Audi Q3: safety ratings

The latest BMW X1 model has not been tested yet under EuroNCAP standards, so we can only compare the crash test results from 2015. Also, the standards change during the years, so the figures on the image are not really comparable to one another.

But what we can say is, both cars achieved maximum five-star rating and their individual grades are among best in class.

X1 vs Q3: price comparison

BMW X1 vs Audi Q3 base model prices are very similar in all the compared countries.

BMW is a bit cheaper in Europe while Audi costs 250 USD less in the United States. But since we all know that almost nobody buys the base model nowadays, the price you pay depends on the equipment and engine you add to this figure.

Image credit: BMW, Audi, World Auto Evolution Youtube Channel