Audi Q4 e-tron vs BMW X3
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.
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q4 e-tron starts from $84,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW X3 opens at $86,100. That makes the Audi Q4 e-tron the more affordable entry point by $1,200.
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 $93,390 and $94,710 respectively.
The Audi Q4 e-tron qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The BMW X3, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q4 e-tron and BMW X3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Audi Q4 e-tron and 93% for the BMW X3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q4 e-tron packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the BMW X3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 6 in the BMW X3. The Audi Q4 e-tron adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW X3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q4 e-tron features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the BMW X3 gets a 14.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q4 e-tron stands out with power tailgate, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW X3. The BMW X3 counters with wireless charging and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q4 e-tron uses a Electric producing 210kW and 545Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed (two-stage planetary) to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.
The BMW X3 responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6 seconds.
The Audi Q4 e-tron has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X3 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q4 e-tron measures 4,588mm long on a 2,764mm wheelbase, 167mm shorter than the BMW X3 at 4,755mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q4 e-tron and 570L in the BMW X3, giving the BMW X3 a 50L advantage.
For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 12.1m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q4 e-tron) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q4 e-tron if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW X3 if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW X3 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BMW X3 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 Q4 e-tron and BMW X3?
The Audi Q4 e-tron is the cheapest at $84,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X3 by $1,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X3 uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q4 e-tron and BMW X3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X3 has the largest boot at 570L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi Q4 e-tron makes the most power at 210kW. The BMW X3 is quickest to 100km/h in 6s.
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!
