Audi Q2 GA vs BMW iX1 U11

Audi Q2

GA · 2016 – 2026

The first-generation Q2 (GA), Audi’s compact crossover.

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

The first-generation iX1 (U11), BMW’s fully electric compact SUV on the FAAR platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q2

Pick the GA for the 35 TFSI (150 hp) for town driving — ideally a post-facelift car with the updated LED headlights.

Best engine: The 30/35 TFSI (petrol).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW iX1

Pick the U11 for BMW’s smallest electric SUV with a usable 490-litre boot and the punchy dual-motor xDrive30.

Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs xDrive30 · Electric

	Audi Q2	BMW iX1
Power	150 hp	313 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	494 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	8,5 s	5,6 s Winner
Top speed	211 km/h Winner	180 km/h
Power-to-weight	111,1 hp/t	150,1 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	128 g/km	0 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,6 L/100km	—

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q2	BMW iX1
Boot	405 L	490 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.050 L	1.495 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,60 m	2,69 m Winner
Length	4,19 m	4,50 m
Ground clearance	14,7 cm	17,0 cm
Turning circle	11,1 m Winner	11,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.600 kg Winner	1.200 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q2	BMW iX1
Platform	MQB A1 (transverse)	FAAR (electric)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 1.0/1.4/1.5 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI	Single front motor (eDrive20) · dual front + rear motors (xDrive30)
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	Single-speed automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Electric
Euro standard	Euro 6d	N/A (electric)
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q2

DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics and clutch judder on early cars
MMI infotainment quirks on early cars
Water-pump/thermostat housing leak on EA211 petrols

BMW iX1

OS8/OS9 software: connectivity and CarPlay glitches (mostly fixed via update)
IBS recall (2022–2024): brake assist/ABS — verify via VIN
12V battery can drain when parked or with frequent app use

Pros

Audi Q2

2.0 TDI (40): 190 hp and 400 Nm
1.0-litre petrol (30 TFSI) produces 110 hp (115 hp on early 1.0 TFSI models)
Raised seating position gives a clear view out

BMW iX1

Fifth-generation eDrive motors are notably efficient
Large usable battery (~65 kWh) with 430–514 km WLTP range
xDrive30 delivers 313 hp with all-wheel drive

Cons

Audi Q2

Pre-facelift cars lack Apple CarPlay on base trims
405-litre boot shrinks to 355 litres on quattro models

BMW iX1

DC fast charging peaks around 130 kW — slower than some rivals
Regenerative braking takes getting used to in Efficient mode

Driving experience

Audi Q2

Comfortable, quiet and more premium than its size suggests. The Q2 steers accurately with light, consistent weighting, rides firmly but acceptably, and feels planted and easy to place. Front-drive versions are efficient; quattro adds strong traction on the 2.0-litre cars. The 1.5 TFSI is smooth and willing, the 2.0 TDI is the economical distance choice, and the 2.0 TFSI adds genuine pace. The S tronic is quick. It is a polished, techy small crossover that trades a little boot and rear space for a more premium feel than the T-Cross.

BMW iX1

Quiet, refined and responsive in typical EV fashion. Instant torque makes it feel brisk in traffic. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted for a crossover; body control is good and the car feels planted. The xDrive30 (dual motor) is notably quicker and more secure in poor conditions; the eDrive20 (front-drive) is lighter and more efficient. Regenerative braking is strong in Efficient mode and takes some getting used to. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps, but the car can feel firm on poor Belgian roads, especially with larger wheels. Overall a capable, composed electric crossover rather than a pure driver’s car.