Compare the2023 BMW X2VS 2023 Audi Q3

Both the X2 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, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, and available all wheel drive.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X2 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 X2’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the X2 has a standard 150-amp alternator. The Q3’s 140-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X2 third among small premium SUVs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Q3 isn’t in the top three.

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 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Audi is ranked 6th.

The X2 M35i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 73 more horsepower (301 vs. 228) and 73 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 258) than the Q3’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW X2 is faster than the Audi Q3:

On the EPA test cycle the X2 gets better mileage than the Q3:

Regenerative brakes improve the X2’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Q3 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The X2’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.

For better stopping power the X2 M35i’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Q3:

The X2 stops much shorter than the Q3:

The X2’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.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X2 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.

The X2 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.

The X2 sDrive28i xDrive handles at .92 G’s, while the Q3 pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The X2 sDrive28i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.5 seconds quicker than the Q3 (25.9 seconds @ .68 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the X2’s turning circle is 1.2 feet tighter than the Q3’s (37.2 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

For greater off-road capability the X2 has a 1.7 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Q3 (7.2 vs. 5.5 inches), allowing the X2 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The BMW X2 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 150 to 400 pounds less than the Audi Q3.

The X2 is 4.4 inches shorter than the Q3, making the X2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The X2 has 10.1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Q3 (94.1 vs. 84).

The X2 has .3 inches more front legroom and .6 inches more rear legroom than the Q3.

The X2 has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Q3 with its rear seat folded (50.1 vs. 48 cubic feet).

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.

The X2 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 X2’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.

Consumer Reports rated the X2’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Q3’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

When the X2 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.

On extremely cold winter days, the X2’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 X2’s optional Parking Assistant can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Q3 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The X2 is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Q3 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW X2 and the Audi Q3, based on reliability, safety and performance.