Audi e-tron GE vs BMW iX3 G08

Audi e-tron

GE · 2018 – 2025

The first-generation e-tron (GE), Audi’s first all-electric SUV.

BMW iX3

G08 · 2020 – 2026

The first-generation iX3 (G08), BMW’s electric mid-size SUV on the X3’s CLAR platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi e-tron

Pick the e-tron for a big cabin, smooth all-wheel drive and zero-emission driving in a premium SUV.

Best engine: The 55 quattro (larger battery).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW iX3

Pick the G08 for the electric X3 with a single rear motor, ~74 kWh usable battery and up to ~500 km WLTP range.

Best engine: The iX3 (286 hp, rear-wheel drive) — the only powertrain.

Read the full guide

Performance

55 quattro · Electric vs iX3 · Electric

	Audi e-tron	BMW iX3
Power	408 hp Winner	286 hp
Torque	664 Nm Winner	400 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,7 s Winner	6,8 s
Top speed	200 km/h Winner	180 km/h
Power-to-weight	159,1 hp/t Winner	131,2 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km	0 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	—

Dimensions & space

	Audi e-tron	BMW iX3
Boot	660 L Winner	510 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.725 L Winner	1.560 L
Wheelbase	2,93 m Winner	2,86 m
Length	4,90 m	4,73 m
Ground clearance	17,2 cm	17,9 cm
Turning circle	12,2 m	12,1 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	2.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi e-tron	BMW iX3
Platform	MLB Evo (electric)	CLAR (electric)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors · 50 quattro / 55 quattro	Single rear-axle electric motor (PSM, fifth-generation eDrive)
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	Single-speed automatic
Fuel	Electric	Electric
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	N/A (electric)
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi e-tron

Software/electronics (early cars)
Long-term battery data still limited
High-voltage system check recommended

BMW iX3

12V battery issues (occasional reports)
Parking-sensor/camera faults and interior rattles
Higher tyre wear due to weight and torque

Pros

Audi e-tron

Quiet, refined electric ride
Strong DC fast charging
Air-suspension comfort

BMW iX3

Facelift (2021) brought better efficiency and range
~74 kWh net battery with 471–505 km WLTP (post-facelift)
DC fast charging up to 150 kW (10–80% in ~32–34 min)

Cons

Audi e-tron

Less efficient than newer EVs
Early software quirks

BMW iX3

Rear-wheel drive only, no xDrive
No frunk, despite the EV concept

Driving experience

Audi e-tron

Smooth, silent and effortlessly luxurious. The e-tron rides with genuine isolation, steers lightly and accurately, and accelerates strongly from its dual-motor quattro with none of the fuss of a combustion engine. It is heavy, which shows in corners and in real-world range, but the payoff is a hushed, relaxed calm that suits long journeys. Regenerative braking is strong enough for one-pedal driving in traffic. It was the first large electric SUV from Audi, and it drives more like a luxury saloon than a tall, heavy crossover.

BMW iX3

The iX3 is refined and composed rather than playful. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels stable and secure at speed. Ride quality is firm but generally well-controlled — better than many early EVs on adaptive suspension, though larger wheels and the M Sport suspension make it busier over poor surfaces. Instant torque makes it quick off the line, and the single-motor rear-drive layout gives balanced, predictable handling without the artificial feel of some dual-motor systems. Cabin noise is low; wind and tyre roar are the main sounds at motorway speeds. Regenerative braking is strong and well-calibrated (one-pedal driving is possible). Overall it drives like a polished, slightly firmer X3 with electric silence and response — competent and relaxing rather than involving.