Audi Q3 vs BMW 3 Series
Audi Q3
The second-generation Q3 on the transverse MQB platform.
VS
BMW 3 Series
The seventh-generation 3 Series on the rear-drive CLAR platform.
First car
Second car
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
|
| Width |
1,86 m
|
1,83 m
|
| Height |
1,62 m
|
1,44 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| Audi Q3 | BMW 3 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MQB A2 (transverse, shared with the VW Tiguan Mk2) | 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 |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | S tronic (7-speed DSG) · 6-speed manual | 8-speed automatic (ZF) |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
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
Compare specific generations
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
For sale at dealers
Audi Q3
25 for sale · from € 8.990
Cars
Audi Q3 35TFSi · CarPlay · Navigation · LED
€ 22.990
Groep Billen
Groep Billen
Cars
Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI · Leather · Tow bar · Sport seats
€ 13.999
GDCauto
GDCauto
Cars
Audi Q3 electric · Quattro · Camera · CarPlay · LED
€ 25.999
GDCauto
GDCauto
Cars
Audi Q3 35TFSi · plug-in hybrid · CarPlay · Navigation · LED
€ 24.490
Groep Billen
Groep Billen