Compare the2025 BMW X3VS 2025 Audi Q3

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The X3 has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Q3 doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

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 an optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Q3 doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

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, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available 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
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	96	326
Neck Injury Risk	32.2%	39%
Neck Stress	262 lbs.	343 lbs.
Neck Compression	30 lbs.	35 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	119	346
Neck Stress	168 lbs.	186 lbs.
Neck Compression	71 lbs.	83 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	60	88
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.7 inches
Hip Force	214 lbs.	333 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	108	159
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	162	504
Spine Acceleration	37 G’s	47 G’s
Hip Force	472 lbs.	485 lbs.

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

Warranty

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X3 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Audi only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the Q3.

There are over 14 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 23 points higher than the Q3.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 36 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 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 With 85 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks BMW higher than Audi.

Engine

The X3 30 xDrive’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 71 more horsepower (255 vs. 184) and 74 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 221) than the Q3 40 TFSI’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The X3 30 xDrive’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 27 more horsepower (255 vs. 228) and 44 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 251) than the Q3 45 TFSI’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The X3 M50 xDrive’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 165 more horsepower (393 vs. 228) and 177 lbs.-ft. more torque (428 vs. 251) than the Q3 45 TFSI’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the X3 30 xDrive 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Q3 45 TFSI:

	X3	Q3
Zero to 60 MPH	6 sec	8.5 sec
Quarter Mile	14.5 sec	16.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	94.5 MPH	85.4 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the X3 gets better mileage than the Q3:

			MPG
X3
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	27 city/33 hwy
		3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	25 city/30 hwy
Q3
	AWD	40 TFSI 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	22 city/29 hwy
		45 TFSI 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/28 hwy

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.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW X3 higher (6 to 7 out of 10) than the Audi Q3 (5 to 6). This means the X3 produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Q3 every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The X3 M50’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 M50 xDrive’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Q3:

	X3 M50 xDrive	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
60 to 0 MPH	108 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 285/35R21 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.

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 1.5 inches wider in the front and 2.7 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Q3.

The X3 30 xDrive handles at .92 G’s, while the Q3 pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The X3 30 xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.6 seconds quicker than the Q3 (25.8 seconds @ .72 average G’s vs. 28.4 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X3 M50 xDrive has a 2.8 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Q3 (8.3 vs. 5.5 inches), allowing the X3 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The X3 30 xDrive’s minimum ground clearance is 3 inches higher than on the Q3 (8.5 vs. 5.5 inches).

Passenger Space

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

The X3 has .9 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more front legroom, 1.2 inches more front shoulder room, .6 inches more rear headroom, .2 inches more rear legroom and .6 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 (31.5 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 (67.1 vs. 48 cubic feet).

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

Standard Trailer Stabilization Control on the X3 uses the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Q3 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

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.

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 has standard Comfort Access that allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. The Audi Advanced Key costs extra on the Q3.

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 optional 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.

The BMW X3 has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors costs extra on the Q3.

Both the X3 and the Q3 have standard 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 BMW X3 has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Audi charges extra for Homelink® on the Q3.

Compared to traditional radio, the BMW X3’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the Q3.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW X3 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Q3.

The X3’s Parking Assistant can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling the transmission and speed with the brake pedal. With its available fully controlled system, the driver just activates it and it parks autonomously, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Optional Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Q3 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

The BMW X3 outsold the Audi Q3 by over two to one during 2024.

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