Audi e-tron GE vs BMW X3 G01

Audi e-tron

GE · 2018 – 2025

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

BMW X3

G01 · 2017 – 2024

The third-generation X3 (G01), on the 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 X3

Pick the X3 for sharp handling, a big boot and strong engines in a premium mid-size SUV.

Best engine: The 20i (petrol) or 20d (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

55 quattro · Electric vs B48 20i · Petrol

	Audi e-tron	BMW X3
Power	408 hp Winner	184 hp
Torque	664 Nm Winner	290 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,7 s Winner	8,3 s
Top speed	200 km/h	215 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	159,1 hp/t Winner	105,4 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	154 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	6,8 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi e-tron	BMW X3
Boot	660 L Winner	550 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.725 L Winner	1.600 L
Wheelbase	2,93 m Winner	2,86 m
Length	4,90 m	4,71 m
Ground clearance	17,2 cm	20,4 cm
Turning circle	12,2 m	12,0 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	2.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi e-tron	BMW X3
Platform	MLB Evo (electric)	CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors · 50 quattro / 55 quattro	B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 30e PHEV
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d-TEMP
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 X3

EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage

Pros

Audi e-tron

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

BMW X3

Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
Big boot & roomy rear seat
Strong, efficient B-series engines

Cons

Audi e-tron

Less efficient than newer EVs
Early software quirks

BMW X3

Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
Pricier than most rivals

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 X3

Poised, accurate and remarkably car-like for an SUV. Steering is quick, well-weighted and precise, body control taut, and the X3 corners with the composure of a lower, lighter car. xDrive brings tenacious all-weather grip and a neutral, rear-biased balance, while the rare sDrive is lighter and more playful. Adaptive suspension keeps it composed on rough roads, if a touch firm on big wheels. The B48/B58 petrols are smooth and eager, the B47/B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive30e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, driver-focused SUV that shrinks around you on a good road.