Audi Q3 vs BMW X2

Audi Q3

Audi’s compact premium SUV.

BMW X2

BMW’s style-focused compact crossover.

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 X2 for a stylish, agile compact crossover that drives sportier than an average SUV.

Best engine: The sDrive20i/xDrive20i (B48, 192 hp).

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
Width	1,86 m	1,82 m
Height	1,62 m	1,51 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q3	BMW X2
Platform	MQB A2 (transverse, shared with the VW Tiguan Mk2)	UKL2 (shared with X1 F48 and MINI Countryman)
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 evo 2.0 TDI	B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 petrol · B37/B47 diesel
Fuel	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid	Petrol · Diesel
Transmission	S tronic (7-speed DSG) · 6-speed manual	7-speed DCT · 8-speed automatic
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)	Euro 6
LEZ access	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)	Euro 6 petrol/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 X2

Oil-filter housing gasket leaks (B48 petrol)
EGR cooler fire-risk recall (B47 diesel)
Plastic coolant lines and expansion tank

Pros

Audi Q3

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

BMW X2

Agile, sporty handling — more hot hatch than family SUV
Coupe-like, stylish design
Refined B48 petrol engines

Cons

Audi Q3

Early infotainment quirks
Pricier than the VW Tiguan on the same platform

BMW X2

Less practical than the X1: smaller boot and tighter rear headroom
Firm ride, especially on M Sport suspension

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.