Audi Q3 vs BMW X1
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs 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 30 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker 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
- no option data for this car
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.
Track the Audi Q3 & BMW X1
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q3 starts from $61,600 before on-road costs, while the BMW X1 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 favour the Audi Q3 by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi Q3 and 86% for the BMW X1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi Q3, against 5 on the BMW X1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Audi Q3 and 6 in the BMW X1.
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 X1
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- REC-006090 · published 2 Oct 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, a component of the brake booster system may have been incorrectly welded and could break.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-006063 · published 30 Aug 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, liquid may enter the electrical water pump connectors.Year range on the notice: 2011 - 2018
- 5 more on the model page.
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 X1 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 ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the BMW X1. The BMW X1 counters with head-up display, 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 X1 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 X1 responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The BMW X1 has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW X1 is 0.1s 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, 31mm longer than the BMW X1 at 4,500mm (2,692mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 488L in the Audi Q3 and 540L in the BMW X1, giving the BMW X1 a 52L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.3m 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 11.3m 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 $1,853/year for the BMW X1. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Audi Q3.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q3 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X1 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (75 vs 75). The Audi Q3 and BMW X1 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Audi Q3 will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW X1 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 X1?
The Audi Q3 is the cheapest at $61,600 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X1 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?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Audi Q3 and BMW X1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X1 has the largest boot at 540L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,700kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW X1 makes the most power at 115kW. The BMW X1 is quickest to 100km/h in 9s.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
