Compare the2023 BMW X3VS 2023 Audi Q3

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The X3 has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Q3 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The X3 offers optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Q3 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The X3’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Q3 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the X3 and the Q3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the BMW X3 is safer than the Audi Q3:

	X3	Q3
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	102	326
Neck Injury Risk	21%	39%
Neck Stress	202 lbs.	343 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	116/280 lbs.	235/363 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	176	346
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.6 inches
Neck Stress	139 lbs.	186 lbs.
Neck Compression	72 lbs.	83 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	183/114 lbs.	261/249 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the BMW X3 is safer than the Audi Q3:

	X3	Q3
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	64	88
Chest Movement	.5 inches	.7 inches
Hip Force	275 lbs.	333 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	133	159
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	281	504
Spine Acceleration	43 G’s	47 G’s

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the X3 its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 96 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Q3 was last a “Top Safety Pick Plus” in 2019 but no longer qualifies.

Warranty

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X3 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the Q3.

There are over 15 percent more BMW dealers than there are Audi dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X3’s warranty.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the X3’s reliability 12 points higher than the Q3.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X3 first among compact premium suvs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Q3 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 74 more problems per 100 vehicles, Audi is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 2 places higher in reliability than Audi.

Engine

The X3 s/xDrive30i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 20 more horsepower (248 vs. 228) than the Q3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The X3 M40i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 154 more horsepower (382 vs. 228) and 111 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 258) than the Q3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the X3 s/xDrive30i 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Audi Q3:

	X3	Q3
Zero to 60 MPH	6.7 sec	8.5 sec
Quarter Mile	15.1 sec	16.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	91.5 MPH	85.4 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

Regenerative brakes improve the X3’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Q3 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The X3 has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Q3 (17.2 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

The X3 M40i’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Q3 doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the X3 M40i’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Q3:

	X3 M40i	Q3
Front Rotors	13.7 inches	13.4 inches
Rear Rotors	13.5 inches	11.8 inches
Opt Rear Rotors		12.2 inches

The X3 stops much shorter than the Q3:

	X3	Q3
70 to 0 MPH	158 feet	160 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	112 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the X3 has larger standard tires than the Q3 (245/50R19 vs. 235/55R18).

The X3’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Q3’s standard 55 series tires. The X3’s optional 275/35R21 rear tires have a lower 35 series profile than the Q3’s optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X3 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Q3. The X3’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the Q3.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X3 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Q3 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The X3 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Q3’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X3’s wheelbase is 7.3 inches longer than on the Q3 (112.8 inches vs. 105.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the X3 is 1.3 inches wider in the front and 2.1 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Q3.

The X3 M40i xDrive handles at .85 G’s, while the Q3 pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The X3 M40i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.5 seconds quicker than the Q3 (25.9 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X3 has a 2.5 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Q3 (8 vs. 5.5 inches), allowing the X3 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The front grille of the X3 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Q3 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The X3 has 17.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Q3 (101.4 vs. 84).

The X3 has 1.5 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front legroom, .9 inches more front shoulder room, 1.5 inches more rear headroom, .3 inches more rear legroom and .9 inches more rear shoulder room than the Q3.

Cargo Capacity

The X3 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Q3 with its rear seat up (28.7 vs. 23.7 cubic feet). The X3 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Q3 with its rear seat folded (62.7 vs. 48 cubic feet).

The X3’s cargo area is larger than the Q3’s in almost every dimension:

	X3	Q3
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	36.5”/69”	34”/65”
Max Width	47”	54”
Min Width	43.3”	39”
Height	30.1”	28”

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the X3’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Q3 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Towing

The X3’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Q3’s (4400 vs. 1500 pounds).

Servicing Ease

The engine in the X3 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Q3. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 1% lower rating, Audi is ranked 8th.

Ergonomics

The X3 offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Q3 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The X3 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Q3 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The X3’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Q3’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Q3 Premium Plus’ cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The X3’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X3 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Q3 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

When the X3 is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Q3’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

Both the X3 and the Q3 offer available heated front seats. The X3 also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Q3.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the X3 keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Q3 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the X3’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Q3 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The X3’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Q3 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

The X3 is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Q3 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the X3 owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the X3 with a number “5” insurance rate while the Q3 is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the X3 is less expensive to operate than the Q3 because typical repairs cost less on the X3 than the Q3, including $147 less for front struts.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW X3, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Audi Q3 isn't recommended.

The BMW X3 outsold the Audi Q3 by over two to one during the 2021 model year.