Audi Q3 Sportback vs Volvo EX40

The Audi Q3 Sportback starts from $64,600 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX40 opens at $69,990. That makes the Audi Q3 Sportback the more affordable entry point by $5,390.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $71,060 and $76,989 respectively.

The Volvo EX40 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi Q3 Sportback, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

The Audi Q3 Sportback features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX40 gets a 9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q3 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volvo EX40. The Volvo EX40 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q3 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Volvo EX40 offers textile/leather blend.

The Audi Q3 Sportback uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging, MHEV technology and Cylinder on Demand (CoD) producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.

The Volvo EX40 responds with a Electric making 185kW and 420Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

The Volvo EX40 has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo EX40 is 1.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi Q3 Sportback measures 4,531mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 91mm longer than the Volvo EX40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo EX40 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 488L in the Audi Q3 Sportback and 536L in the Volvo EX40, giving the Volvo EX40 a 48L advantage.

For towing, the Volvo EX40 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3 Sportback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX40). Both match on warranty length.