Audi Q3 F3 vs BMW X2 F39

Audi Q3

F3 · 2018 – 2025

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

BMW X2

F39 · 2017 – 2023

The first-generation X2 (F39), on the UKL2 platform shared with the X1 and MINI Countryman.

First car

Second car

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).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X2

Pick the F39 if you want coupé style and sporty driving in a compact crossover — accepting a smaller boot and tighter rear headroom than the X1.

Best engine: The B48 20i (192 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs sDrive20i · Petrol

	Audi Q3	BMW X2
Power	150 hp	192 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	280 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	9,2 s	7,4 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h	227 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	101,7 hp/t	118,9 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	143 g/km Winner	146 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,7 L/100km Winner	6,4 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q3	BMW X2
Boot	530 L Winner	470 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L Winner	1.355 L
Wheelbase	2,68 m Winner	2,67 m
Length	4,50 m	4,36 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	18,2 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	11,3 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.800 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q3	BMW X2
Platform	MQB A2 (transverse)	UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45 TFSI e PHEV	B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 petrol · B37/B47 diesel
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	7-speed DCT · 8-speed automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d
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 service (DQ200 models)
Cooling system/DPF (diesels) needs checking

BMW X2

B48 oil-filter housing gasket leaks and possible coolant-oil mixing
B47 EGR cooler: fire-risk recall (verify completed)
Plastic coolant lines and expansion tank

Pros

Audi Q3

Roomy interior & big boot
Modern tech (Virtual Cockpit)
Modular EA engines

BMW X2

B48 20i (192 hp) is refined, responsive and the sweet spot
M35i (306 hp) delivers hot-hatch pace in a crossover
Quick, direct steering — drives like a raised hot hatch

Cons

Audi Q3

Firm ride on S line
Some hard plastics

BMW X2

Wind noise around A-pillars and mirrors at speed
Boot and rear headroom smaller than the X1

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 X2

The F39 is more engaging than a conventional compact SUV. Steering is quick and direct, body control is good, and the car feels agile and planted on twisty roads, especially with M Sport suspension and larger wheels. Ride is firm — acceptable on smooth roads but it can feel busy and thumpy over Belgian cobbles, patched asphalt or motorway expansion joints. The B48 20i is the sweet spot: refined, responsive and willing without being harsh. The 18i is adequate but coarser; the M35i is properly quick and sounds more purposeful. Diesels are strong and refined for the class. Noise levels are good at speed, though wind noise can be noticeable around the A-pillars and mirrors. Overall it drives more like a raised hot hatch than a soft family crossover.