Audi Q3 vs BMW X1: Which Premium German SUV is Best for You?

When it comes to German cars, Audi and BMW are some of the world's most recognised, and are easily some of the world's most sought-after manufacturers, and for good reason. They are famed for their build quality, performance, desirability and badge kudos, amongst other positive traits. But Ingolstadt's finest is always pitching against Munich's finest, and naturally, they always have competing models.

This is apparent in the ultra-popular SUV market. And compact SUVs are perhaps the toughest and most challenging sector, so we thought we should see how one of Audi's most compact SUVs, the Q3 compares to one of BMW's alternatives, in the form of the X1.

But which is the best used SUV for you? We will look at them in the following categories:

• Introduction and Design
• Versions and Performance
• Interior and Technology
• Practicality
• Value and Final Thoughts

Introduction and Design

This particular Audi Q3 is the second generation, which came along in 2018. The comparative BMW X1 is the third generation which came along in 2022. Both designs suit their eras well, and both still look very current, if more sophisticated than other manufacturers.

Although the second generation Audi Q3 competed for a short time with the second generation BMW X1, it was clear that the more analogue interior in the X1 was beaten by Audi's digital instrument cluster, named Audi Virtual Cockpit, and so the third generation X1 is much more digitally focused to compete with Audi's seemingly dateless digitally-focused interior.

Despite their differences in the years they came out, both SUVs keep in tune with the Audi and BMW design language of the time. The X1's interior may seem that little bit more up to date due to being launched later, but the Audi Virtual Cockpit has stood the test of time and was probably why BMW had to respond with the third generation X1 coming later in 2022.

Audi have launched a third generation Q3 as of 2025, with new car deliveries occurring around the time of writing, so the next BMW X1 will probably look to update the game again in the following years. This is classic of manufacturers battling it out to release newer, better and more successful versions to attract buyers, especially now the market is so competitive.

Versions and Performance

Naturally, there is plenty of versions of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. Their entry-level versions are nice enough, but many buyers will opt for Audi's popular S Line trim, or BMW's M Sport trim. These give sporty and dynamic options whist still keeping things fairly sensible price and performance wise.

Naturally, there are high performance versions, too, as Audi and BMW are famed for their respective RS and M divisions. BMW have the M 35i, which is essentially a watered down M car (pictured above in grey), whilst the Audi approach was different in offering a full Audi RS model in the form of the RS Q3. The M 35i X1 is fast with 0 to 62mph happening in 5.4 seconds, but the RS Q3 is almost a full second quicker, with 0 to 62mph happening in 4.5 seconds. If you want a M car X Series model, the most compact is the X3 M, which interestingly has no Audi RS equivalent, instead, it is pitched against the Audi SQ5.

But, whilst Audi may have it won in terms of high performance in this comparison of Q3 vs X1, BMW take the crown for offering a fully-electric version of the X1. This comes in the form of the impressive iX1 (pictured above in white), which is uncannily-quick thanks to its instant electric torque, and of course has many benefits for company car drivers and the like, being fully-electric. The Q3 was available as a plug-in hybrid, however, which gave up to 35 miles of electric range. But, BMW also offer the X1 as a plug-in hybrid too, offering better electric mileage, of which up to 50 miles is available.

Interior and Technology

As mentioned, the Audi Virtual Cockpit was a benchmark to beat, and that is how Audi managed to keep the Q3 feeling fresh since its launch in 2018 until now in 2025. BMW's approach with the X1 is digital too, but takes more iPad-like feel to it, which mirrors a lot of cars from the era.

Both digital vibes feel high quality, but the Q3's perhaps feels a little more polished, now that many manufacturers have opted for the iPad-like widescreen set-up. Then again, it has proven popular as many manufactures opt for this style, so is this now the new norm?

Interestingly, the third generation Q3 also opts for the iPad-like widescreen set-up, so it seems so. Either way, back to the current comparison and both the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 have all the essentials like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ideal for familiarity and keeping things up-to-date.

Both cars feature also feature impressive safety technology, and essentials like cruise control, upgraded audio, parking aids and many driving aids. Naturally, the Audi comes with Quattro all-wheel drive availability, as does the BMW X1 which features xDrive. Both an essential for the UK's adverse weather, enhacing grip, safety and confidence.

Practicality

Being SUVs, naturally, both the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 offer excellent practicality traits. The Q3 offers 530 litres of boot space, compared to the X1's 540 litres. However, the Q3 has the ability to have the rear seats pushed forward, which unlocks more space, of up to 675 litres. Sure, rear leg room will be reduced somewhat, but useful if the sole purpose is to move things with nobody in the rear seats.

Elsewhere, the Q3 Sportback version will have slightly compromised rear head room due to the lower roofline, and the BMW iX1 (electric version of the X1) offers 50 litres less than the regular X1, due to the electric components taking up space.

Value and Final Thoughts

Both the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 are fine premium compact SUVs. But, as is the case with the Ingolstadt and Munich legends, there are plenty of alternatives if you fancy something a little bigger, or even an alternative body style, like an estate for example. This in Audi speak is Avant, whilst BMW call their estates Tourings.

No matter which part of Germany you prefer your cars from, both the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 are class leaders in the compact premium SUV game. You will not be disappointed with either, and as mentioned, chances are if you want something a little bigger, or a bit different, both the Audi and BMW range offer some of the most attractive models to suit a multitude of lifestyle and tastes.

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