Audi Q3 vs BMW 2 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 27 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$61,600RRP
- no option data for this car
$61,800RRP
- with the Audi Q3's standard kit: $61,800 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Audi Q3 starts from $61,600 before on-road costs, while the BMW 2 Series opens at $61,800. That makes the Audi Q3 the more affordable entry point by $200.
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 $67,760 and $67,980 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Audi Q3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the BMW 2 Series. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi Q3 and 78% for the BMW 2 Series.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW 2 Series, against 6 on the Audi Q3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi Q3 and 6 in the BMW 2 Series.
Recalls on our record
Audi Q3
- REC-005841 · published 30 Nov 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the outer backrest frame of the front seats may have been incorrectly welded.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005591 · published 22 Dec 2022Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear window glass may have been manufactured out of specification.Year range on the notice: 2022
- REC-000063 · published 12 Aug 2019If the vehicle's external front indicator light stops operating over time, the driver may not receive the corresponding warning.Year range on the notice: 2014 - 2018
- 1 more on the model page.
BMW 2 Series
- REC-006668 · published 16 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2025
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q3 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW 2 Series gets a 10.7-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q3 stands out with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the BMW 2 Series. The BMW 2 Series counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, 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 gets leather upholstery while the BMW 2 Series offers sensatec synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q3 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 BMW 2 Series responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds.
The BMW 2 Series has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW 2 Series is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q3 measures 4,531mm long on a 2,681mm wheelbase, 15mm shorter than the BMW 2 Series at 4,546mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi Q3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 488L in the Audi Q3 and 360L in the BMW 2 Series, giving the Audi Q3 a 128L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.7m to 11.7m
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,625/year for the Audi Q3 and $1,796/year for the BMW 2 Series. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q3.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 2 Series). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q3 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 2 Series if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Audi Q3: Top CarSorted Score, 75 vs 71
The Audi Q3 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (75 vs 71), taking 4 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: safety (Audi Q3 ahead by 8), technology (Audi Q3 ahead by 8), practicality (Audi Q3 ahead by 7). The Audi Q3 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi Q3 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q3 and BMW 2 Series?
The Audi Q3 is the cheapest at $61,600 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 2 Series by $200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q3 uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Audi Q3 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q3 has the largest boot at 488L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 2 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 2 Series makes the most power at 115kW. The BMW 2 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 8.6s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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