Audi Q3 F3 vs BMW iX3 G08

Audi Q3

F3 · 2018 – 2025

The second-generation Q3 (F3), on the MQB A2 platform.

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 Q3

Pick the F3 for the 45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid if you want 380 litres of boot space and city EV driving — ideally models from 2021 onwards.

Best engine: The 35 TFSI (petrol) or 35 TDI (diesel).

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

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs iX3 · Electric

	Audi Q3	BMW iX3
Power	150 hp	286 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	400 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	9,2 s	6,8 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h Winner	180 km/h
Power-to-weight	101,7 hp/t	131,2 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	143 g/km	0 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,7 L/100km	—

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q3	BMW iX3
Boot	530 L Winner	510 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L	1.560 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,68 m	2,86 m Winner
Length	4,50 m	4,73 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	17,9 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m Winner	12,1 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.000 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q3	BMW iX3
Platform	MQB A2 (transverse)	CLAR (electric)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45 TFSI e PHEV	Single rear-axle electric motor (PSM, fifth-generation eDrive)
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	Single-speed automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Electric
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	N/A (electric)
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q3

Infotainment software bugs on early cars
DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics and clutch judder on early cars
DPF/AdBlue on diesels with mainly short trips

BMW iX3

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

Pros

Audi Q3

45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid does ~50 km electric
2.0 TDI (40): 190 hp and 400 Nm
Virtual Cockpit digital instruments available

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 Q3

6-speed manual is restricted to entry-level 35 TFSI and 35 TDI models; all others are S tronic automatic
45 TFSI e plug-in hybrid battery reduces boot space from 530 down to 380 litres

BMW iX3

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

Driving experience

Audi Q3

Comfortable, quiet and easy to place. The Q3 rides well over poor surfaces, stays settled at motorway speed, and steers accurately with light, consistent weighting. 2.0-litre cars use quattro, which adds strong traction in wet conditions and inspires confidence. The 1.5 TFSI is adequate but nothing more; the 45 TFSI is genuinely quick; the 2.0 TDI is the best all-rounder — torquey, economical and smooth at a cruise. The S tronic is sharp around town. Body control is good for a high-riding SUV, though the Q3 is set up for comfort rather than driver involvement.

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.