Audi Q6 e-tron vs BMW X3

Audi Q6 e-tron

Audi’s electric premium SUV.

BMW X3

BMW’s mid-size premium SUV.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi Q6 e-tron

Pick the Q6 e-tron for 270 kW DC charging and the ~95 kWh battery — accepting the new-model reliability risk.

Best engine: The quattro with the larger battery for the best balance of range and performance.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X3

Pick the X3 for sharp handling, a big boot and strong engines in a premium mid-size SUV.

Best engine: The 20i (petrol) or 20d (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

quattro · Electric vs B48 20i · Petrol

	Audi Q6 e-tron	BMW X3
Power	388 hp Winner	184 hp
Torque	855 Nm Winner	290 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,9 s Winner	8,3 s
Top speed	210 km/h	215 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	165,1 hp/t Winner	105,4 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	154 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	6,8 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi Q6 e-tron	BMW X3
Boot	526 L	550 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.529 L	1.600 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,90 m Winner	2,86 m
Length	4,77 m	4,71 m
Width	1,94 m	1,89 m
Height	1,65 m	1,68 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Audi Q6 e-tron	BMW X3
Platform	PPE (Premium Platform Electric, 800-volt)	CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the 5 Series)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors (RWD / quattro)	B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Fuel	Electric	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission	Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio)	8-speed automatic (ZF)
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)
LEZ access	Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi Q6 e-tron

Early software bugs in the infotainment and driver-assist systems
As a new model, long-term battery and drivetrain reliability is not yet proven
High-voltage system check recommended before buying used

BMW X3

EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage

Pros

Audi Q6 e-tron

800-volt architecture enables 270 kW DC charging
100 kWh battery (~95 kWh usable)
526-litre boot (plus optional 64-litre frunk)

BMW X3

Rear-drive base gives sharp handling
Big boot (550 l) & roomy rear seat
Strong, efficient B-series engines

Cons

Audi Q6 e-tron

Long-term battery reliability is not yet proven (2024 launch)
Range drops in cold weather

BMW X3

Firm ride on M Sport suspension (run-flat)
Pricier than most rivals

Driving experience

Audi Q6 e-tron

As a model line, the Q6 e-tron accelerates strongly and silently on its electric motors, and the ride filters out poor surfaces. It feels planted and secure rather than sporty. Regeneration is adjustable for one-pedal driving in town. The quattro has 388 hp, and the 800-volt system charges at up to 270 kW DC, so long trips need short stops.