Comparison: BMW X1 vs Audi Q3

The BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 are the two most prominent entry-level luxury SUVs in India. We pitch them on paper to find out which one emerges the winner.
Last updated 2 years ago
Audi-Q3
Last updated 2 years ago

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. 

2023 BMW X1 1654069001680 1654069120763
BMW X1

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. 

526597 bmw x1 2023 une refonte complete avec un moteur plus puissant
BMW X1

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.

2022 Audi Q3 Front Motion
Audi Q3, Image <em>Courtesy: AutoX</em>

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. 

2023 BMW X1 Unveil Interiors
BMW X1 Interior

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. 

Audi%20Q3%208
Audi Q3 Interior, <em>Image Courtesy: Autocar India</em>

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. 

2022 Audi Q3 rear design
Audi Q3, <em>Image Courtesy: AutoX</em>

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.

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