Audi Q3 vs BMW X4

Audi Q3

Audi’s compact premium SUV.

BMW X4

BMW’s coupé-SUV (Sports Activity Coupé).

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q3

Pick the Q3 if you want a roomy, premium-feeling compact SUV with modern tech — a more premium alternative to the VW Tiguan.

Best engine: The mid-range 1.5 TFSI petrol for the best everyday balance — or the 2.0 TDI for high mileage.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X4

Pick the X4 for a more aggressively styled coupé-SUV with xDrive and strong inline-six engines — trading practical space versus the X3.

Best engine: The M40i (B58) or the 30d (B57).

Read the full guide

Performance

EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs M40i · Petrol

	Audi Q3	BMW X4
Power	150 hp	360 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	500 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	9,2 s	4,8 s Winner
Top speed	205 km/h	250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	101,7 hp/t	188,0 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	143 g/km Winner	191 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,7 L/100km Winner	8,2 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q3	BMW X4
Boot	530 L Winner	525 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L Winner	1.430 L
Wheelbase	2,68 m	2,86 m Winner
Length	4,50 m	4,75 m
Width	1,86 m	1,92 m
Height	1,62 m	1,62 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q3	BMW X4
Platform	MQB A2 (transverse, shared with the VW Tiguan Mk2)	F25 (F26) · CLAR (G02)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 evo 2.0 TDI	N20/N55 · B48/B58 petrol · N47/B47 · B57 diesel
Fuel	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid	Petrol · Diesel
Transmission	S tronic (7-speed DSG) · 6-speed manual	8-speed automatic (ZF)
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

DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics are the best-known weak point
Direct-injection petrols: carbon buildup with lots of short trips
DPF on diesels with mainly short trips

BMW X4

N20 timing chain and tensioner (early F26)
Oil-filter housing and valve-cover leaks
EGR cooler recall (B47/B57 diesel)

Pros

Audi Q3

Generous interior and boot space for its class
Premium build and refined feel
Wide engine range (petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid)

BMW X4

Aggressive coupé-SUV styling with presence
Planted xDrive all-wheel drive
Strong inline-six engines (B58/B57)

Cons

Audi Q3

Pricier than a comparable VW Tiguan on the same platform
Early cars need software updates to iron out infotainment bugs

BMW X4

Sloping roof costs headroom and load volume versus the X3
Firm ride, especially on M Sport adaptive suspension

Driving experience

Audi Q3

As a model line, the Q3 is a comfortable, easy compact SUV that feels grown-up to drive. The steering is light and accurate, the ride is composed, and the cabin stays quiet at speed. Front-drive versions are light and economical, while quattro adds reassuring traction in poor conditions. The 1.5 TFSI is smooth and efficient, the 2.0 TDI strong and frugal. It prioritises comfort and refinement over sportiness, so it feels calm, secure and effortless whether in town or on the motorway.