Audi Q3 F3 vs BMW X4 F26

Audi Q3

F3 · 2018 – 2025

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

BMW X4

F26 · 2014 – 2018

The first-generation X4 (F26), on the F25 X3 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q3

Pick the F3 for the roomy, tech-rich Q3 with the Virtual Cockpit and the smooth 1.5 TFSI — ideally a full-history example.

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

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X4

Pick the F26 only with documented N20 chain work or a later build — otherwise the timing-chain risk is real.

Best engine: The xDrive28i (N20, 245 hp) or xDrive30d (N57).

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs xDrive28i · Petrol

	Audi Q3	BMW X4
Power	150 hp	245 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	350 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	9,2 s	6,4 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h	232 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	101,7 hp/t	136,5 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	143 g/km Winner	179 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,7 L/100km Winner	7,2 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q3	BMW X4
Boot	530 L Winner	500 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L Winner	1.400 L
Wheelbase	2,68 m	2,81 m Winner
Length	4,50 m	4,67 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	20,0 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m Winner	11,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.000 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q3	BMW X4
Platform	MQB A2 (transverse)	F25 (F26, xDrive)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45 TFSI e PHEV	N20/N55 petrol · N47/B47 · N57 diesel
Transmission	S tronic (DSG)	8-speed automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6
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 X4

N20 timing chain and tensioner (biggest risk)
Electric water pump and coolant loss
Oil-filter housing and valve-cover leaks

Pros

Audi Q3

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

BMW X4

First X4: more aggressive style than the X3 F25
N55 (35i) is the reliable petrol choice
B47 diesel (20d/25d) much improved over N47

Cons

Audi Q3

Firm ride on S line
Some hard plastics

BMW X4

N20 cold-start chain rattle is a warning sign
Sloping roof limits rear headroom

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 X4

More dynamic than a standard X3 of the same generation. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels planted and secure with xDrive. It is engaging for a crossover but not a pure sports car — weight and the higher centre of gravity are noticeable when pushed. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps balance firmness and comfort. The N55 petrol sixes (35i/M40i) deliver strong, linear performance and a characterful engine note. The N20 four-cylinder petrols are competent but less refined. Diesels (especially the N57 sixes) offer strong low-end torque and effortless cruising. Overall a stylish, capable crossover that prioritises road presence and dynamics over maximum practicality.