The entry-level luxury SUV space is a busy segment in India, serving as a stepping-stone into the world of luxury cars. The BMW X1, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and the underrated Volvo XC40 are the key players in this segment. These SUVs offer the quintessential luxury car feel without the high cost associated with larger SUVs. For this reason, these entry-level luxury SUVs are hugely popular in India. The Audi Q3 and the BMW X1 are the most popular SUVs in this space. And guess what, both these SUVs recently received updates with refreshed designs and powertrain options.
The BMW X1 is priced from Rs. 45.90 lakh to Rs. 50.90 lakh and offers both petrol and diesel engine options. Known for its fun-to-drive nature, the X1 is a hot pick among car enthusiasts. The Audi Q3, on the other hand, is one of the earliest entrants in this segment and has built a reputation for itself over the years. The Q3 is a popular model and one of the best-selling luxury cars in India. It is also one of the few SUVs in this segment that offer an AWD powertrain option making a strong case for itself. Both these SUVs have a lot in common but there is even more to differentiate between them. So here is how the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1 compare on paper:
BMW X1 vs Audi Q3: Dimensions
Dimensions | BMW X1 | Audi Q3 |
Length | 4500 mm | 4482 mm |
Width | 1845 mm | 1849 mm |
Height | 1630 mm | 1607 mm |
Wheelbase | 2692 mm | 2680 mm |
Ground Clearance | 183 mm | 170 mm |
Boot Space | 476 litres | 530 litres |
According to the numbers, the Audi Q3 is the wider SUV with a width of 1849 mm as opposed to 184 5mm of the BMW X1. But then, this is a minor difference and something that is far away from being a deal breaker. That said, for each and every parameter, BMW comfortably takes the lead. It is the longest, and tallest SUV here and it also comes with the most wheelbase at 2692mm. With the recent update, BMW has increased the size of its baby SUV and it shows. Another area where the BMW X1 clearly takes the win is ground clearance. Even though the Q3 lags behind in this specific area, the Audi SUV gains back some ground by offering the most boot space of 530 litres which is much ahead of the competition.
BMW X1 vs Audi Q3: Engine & Transmission
Parameters | BMW X1 | Audi Q3 |
Engine Options | 1.5-litre turbo petrol,2.0-litre turbo diesel | 2.0-litre turbo petrol |
Transmission Options | 7-speed DCT | 7-speed DCT |
Power | 136 PS/ 150PS | 190 PS |
Torque | 230 Nm/360 Nm | 320 Nm |
Mileage | 16.35kmpl to 20.3 kmpl | 14.93 kmpl |
Things get complicated between these SUVs when we look at the engine options on offer. The differences between these two entry-level luxury SUVs start to come out with the powertrain options. The biggest thing separating these two SUVs is a diesel engine. The BMW X1 offers a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that develops 150 PS and 360Nm of twist. The Audi Q3 doesn’t get a diesel engine just like all other Audi cars in India. Audi gave up on diesel with the BS6 era and has announced that it will not be offering any type of diesel in India. This gives the BMW an upper edge in this comparison and makes it the only diesel option for buyers looking for the same.
However, the Audi Q3 comes with a really potent petrol engine to make up for this. The 2.0-litre TFSI unit dishes out 190 PS and 320Nm of twist with the help of a 7-speed DCT. The BMW also offers a petrol engine, but it lacks in displacement and output. The X1 uses a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with 136 PS and 230 Nm of twist. This engine offers good fuel economy at 16.3kmpl as opposed to the 14.9kmpl of the Audi. The other important parameter that differentiates these SUVs is an AWD system which Audi offers but the BMW misses out on. Overall, if you want a diesel luxury SUV, the BMW X1 makes sense but if you prefer a petrol luxury SUV, the Audi takes the lead with a more promising powertrain setup.
BMW X1 vs Audi Q3: Features & Comfort
Features | BMW X1 | Audi Q3 |
Infotainment system | 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system | 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system |
Music system | Yes | Yes |
Climate control | Yes | Yes |
Ventilated seats | Yes | No |
Adjustable steering | Yes | Yes |
Drive modes | Yes | Yes |
Instrument cluster | Digital | Digital |
Sunroof | Panoramic | Panoramic |
Adjustable seats (manual or electric) | Electric | Electric |
Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes |
60:40 rear seat split | Yes | Yes |
Cruise control | Yes | Yes |
Being luxury SUVs, features are something that both these SUVs offer in abundance. Everything you expect from a modern luxury car is present here and these SUVs offer some extras as well. Both SUVs are more or less equally matched here and they also offer a 10-inch touchscreen system. Some feature highlights of the Audi are a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, dual-zone climate control, powered front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. But the Audi misses out on a vital feature, the ventilated seats.
The BMW offers some nifty features such as a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, 205 Watt, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and ventilated electric seats with memory and massage.
BMW X1 vs Audi Q3: Safety Features
Features | BMW X1 | Audi Q3 |
NCAP Safety Rating | 5 Star (Euro NCAP) | 5 Star (Euro NCAP) |
Airbags | 6 | 6 |
ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
ESC | Yes | Yes |
Traction control | Yes | Yes |
Automatic headlamp | Yes | Yes |
Rain-sensing wipers | Yes | Yes |
Hill hold assist | Yes | Yes |
Hill descent control | Yes | Yes |
Rear sensors | Yes | Yes |
Rear parking camera | Yes | Yes |
ISOFIX Child seat anchor points | Yes | Yes |
ADAS | No | No |
The BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 do not offer any form of ADAS features and miss out on a lot of active safety features that are present in the Volvo XC40. But otherwise, both these SUVs are equally matched in terms of safety, with a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating for each. The basics like 6 airbags, ABD, EBD, traction control, hill hold, descent assist, automatic headlamps, and rain-sensing wipers are present in both these entry-level luxury SUVs. However, the Audi’s AWD system provides enhanced traction, making it the safer SUV, especially in wet conditions.
BMW X1 vs Audi Q3: Price Comparison
Variants | BMW X1 | Audi Q3 |
Base Variants | Rs 45.90 lakh | Rs. 44.89 lakh |
Mid Variants | Rs 47.90 lakh | - |
Upper Mid Variants | Rs 48.90 lakh | - |
Top Variants | Rs 50.90 lakh | Rs 50.39 lakh |
The BMW X1 is priced from Rs. 45.90 lakh to Rs. 50.90 lakh while the Audi Q3 retails at Rs. 44.89 lakh for the base 40 TFSI Premium Plus and Rs. 50.39 lakh for the range-topping 40 TFSI Technology. Yes, the Audi is offered in only two variants and one petrol engine option as we mentioned before. But both these variants come with an AWD system as standard.
The BMW comes in three variants: sDrive18i xLine, sDrive18i Msport, and the sDrive18dMsport. The first two variants are petrol while the 18d is the diesel variant here. In terms of pricing, the Audi Q3 is the more affordable SUV, albeit by a small margin.
Summary
If you’re looking for a diesel entry-level luxury SUV, the BMW X1 is a solid choice and one of the most engaging cars to drive in this segment. It offers all the essential features and ranks high on comfort and safety making it an even better choice. The pricing is also on point and the BMW puts forth a strong case for itself with its updated design that makes it look more like a bigger SUV with dimensions to back that.
If you want a petrol-powered SUV, the Audi Q3 is a clear choice, boasting a potent 2.0-litre engine that delivers impressive performance, especially when combined with Audi’s renowned Quattro AWD system. Audi’s asking price for this powerful setup with the AWD, is comparatively reasonable when compared to the BMW X1 petrol variant’s offerings on paper Thus, the Audi Q3 petrol provides excellent value for money, offers the most boot space and maintains its reputation as one of India’s finest luxury SUVs.
