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Audi Q3 F3 vs BMW 3 Series G20

Audi Q3

Audi Q3

F3 · 2018 – 2025

The second-generation Q3 on the transverse MQB platform.

VS
BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

G20 · 2018 – 2026

The seventh-generation 3 Series on the rear-drive CLAR platform.

First car
Second car

Verdict

Pick this one if…

Audi Q3

Pick the Q3 for maximum interior space, a bigger boot and modern technology.

Best engine: The 35 TFSI (petrol) or 35 TDI (diesel) — the sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…

BMW 3 Series

Pick the 3 Series for benchmark handling, efficient engines and a premium cabin in a compact executive sedan.

Best engine: The 320d (190 hp diesel) — the classic 3 Series sweet spot.
Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs B48 320i · Petrol

Audi Q3 BMW 3 Series
Power
150 hp
184 hp Winner
Torque
250 Nm
300 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h
9,2 s
7,1 s Winner
Top speed
205 km/h
240 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight
101,7 hp/t
125,2 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)
143 g/km
134 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)
5,7 L/100km Winner
5,9 L/100km

Dimensions & space

Audi Q3 BMW 3 Series
Boot
530 L Winner
480 L
Boot (seats folded)
1.525 L
—
Wheelbase
2,68 m
2,85 m Winner
Length
4,50 m
4,71 m
Ground clearance
17,0 cm
14,4 cm
Turning circle
11,8 m
11,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)
2.000 kg Winner
1.600 kg

Powertrain & tech

Audi Q3 BMW 3 Series
Platform MQB A2 (transverse) CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 evo 2.0 TDI B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission S tronic (DSG) 8-speed automatic
Fuel Petrol Petrol
Euro standard Euro 6d-TEMP Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q3
  • Infotainment software (early cars)
  • S tronic maintenance (DQ200 models)
  • Cooling system needs checking
  • DPF on diesels
BMW 3 Series
  • Early iDrive/infotainment quirks
  • DPF on diesels doing mainly short trips
  • Timing chain rare but known on B48

Pros

Audi Q3
  • Roomy interior & big boot
  • Modern tech (Virtual Cockpit)
  • Modular EA engines
BMW 3 Series
  • Benchmark handling (rear-drive base)
  • Efficient, strong B48/B47 engines
  • Excellent iDrive 7 infotainment

Cons

Audi Q3
  • Early infotainment quirks
  • Pricier than the VW Tiguan on the same platform
BMW 3 Series
  • Firm ride on M Sport suspension
  • Rear seat less roomy than some rivals

For sale at dealers