The compact luxury SUV segment is booming, as more buyers seek premium features and ample versatility in a right-sized package. Two of the segment’s heavyweights are the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 – both blending potent performance, upscale cabins, and the latest technology into pint-sized yet premium packages.
But which one is the better buy – the X1 or Q3? The 2024 BMW X1 edges out the Audi Q3 with punchier engine options, a smoother ride quality, and more interior room – though the Q3 counters with superior fuel efficiency and a lower starting price.
We’ll take a deep dive comparing all the key differences between these two compact luxury SUV stars. From exterior styling and interior designs to performance specs and tech features, this guide covers it all to help you decide whether the 2024 BMW X1 or 2024 Audi Q3 is the smarter choice for your needs.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
Right off the bat, the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 present two distinctly different takes on compact luxury SUV styling. The X1 looks muscular and rugged, with an upright greenhouse, short overhangs, and the brand’s signature kidney grille design. It has a squat, planted stance that reveals its performance leanings.
In contrast, the Q3’s exterior design is sleeker and more aerodynamic in profile. Audi’s stylish SUV features slim headlights, sculpted bodylines, and the signature singleframe grille that helps it cut through the air with minimal drag. Its tapered rear hatch and sloped roofline give it a sportier, coupe-like silhouette.
In terms of exterior dimensions, the two are very close:
- BMW X1: 177.4 inches long, 72.6 inches wide, 64.2 inches tall, 107.1-inch wheelbase
- Audi Q3: 176.6 inches long, 72.8 inches wide, 64.1 inches tall, 105.5-inch wheelbase
As you can see, the X1 has a slightly longer overall length and wheelbase, while the Q3 is a touch wider. Both offer a good size for urban environments where maneuverability is key, while still providing plenty of passenger and cargo room inside.
Wheel sizes are in the 18-20 inch range for both models depending on the trim level, with the sportier versions getting larger alloys to fill out the wheel wells nicely.
Interior Space, Design and Comfort
On the inside, both the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 have a distinctly premium vibe with their sophisticated design, high-end materials, and solid build quality. You’ll find genuine leather upholstery, contrast stitching, metallic accents, and upscale soft-touch surfaces throughout their cabins.
The X1 interior has a bit more of a driver-focused, sporty atmosphere. Its asymmetrical dash design angles the center stack towards the pilot, while a chunky sport steering controls things. Signature BMW cues include the freestanding curved display and iconic digital gauge cluster.
Audi’s design language is sleeker and more minimalist, emphasizing clean horizontal lines and impeccable material integration. The Q3’s horizontal dashboard, integrated center stack, and Audi Virtual Cockpit upgrade all have an upscale, high-tech feel. Both use some of the latest infotainment tech found in their respective brand’s lineups.
Where the X1 has an advantage is interior room. It offers more shoulder room, knee room, and headroom for both rows of seating. Rear passengers in particular will appreciate the extra space to stretch out.
What are the key interior differences between the X1 and Q3?
- BMW X1 interior: More spacious cabin, especially for rear passengers. Driver-focused cockpit design with sport steering wheel. Curved infotainment display blends digital gauges and center screen.
- Audi Q3 interior: Sleek, minimalist design with clean lines and top-notch material integration. More high-tech aesthetic from the Virtual Cockpit digital dash. Slightly more confined cabin overall.
For cargo utility, the X1 beats the Q3 as well with 16% more room behind the second row (25.7 cu ft vs 23.7 cu ft). The X1’s maximum cargo volume is an impressive 57.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.
Both offer the expected amenities of heated/cooled seats, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroofs and more as you move up their respective trim levels.
Performance and Driving Experience
Under the hood, the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 diverge a bit when it comes to engine performance. The X1 casts a wider net with multiple potent powertrain choices:
- Base sDrive28i: 248hp 2.0L turbo four-cylinder
- xDrive28i: 248hp 2.0L turbo four with AWD
- M35i: 301hp 2.0L turbo four with AWD
- X1 xDrive28d: 211hp 2.0L turbo-diesel with AWD
The Q3’s engine lineup is more streamlined, consisting of just the 2.0L turbo four in 184hp (40 TFSI) and 228hp (45 TFSI) tunes, with quattro AWD optional on higher trims.
So straight out of the gate, the X1 simply has more firepower under the hood across its range. Not only do the gas engines crank out more horses than the Q3, the M Performance variant brings serious thrills with over 300hp. Those wanting extra low-end torque can even opt for the diesel powertrain.
The added grunt helps the X1 accelerate quicker, with the M35i models clocking a swift 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. In comparison, the top Q3 45 TFSI takes around 6 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standstill.
Which has better performance, the BMW X1 or Audi Q3?
- BMW X1: More powerful engine options, including 301hp M Performance variant. Quicker 0-60 acceleration across the board.
- Audi Q3: Still punchy turbo-four engines ranging from 184-228hp. Quattro AWD adds surefooted traction.
That extra muscle in the X1 comes at the expense of some ride refinement compared to the Q3. The Audi’s lighter curb weight and more compliant suspension tuning result in a cushier, more luxuriously-damped cruising experience. It’s simply smoother over bumps and yields a quieter cabin at highway speeds.
However, enthusiasts will revel in the X1’s precise, eager handling dynamics. It feels planted and agile when pressing on thanks to a stiffer underlying architecture. The steering is hyper-responsive and direct, with stellar body control through fast transitions. Superior front/rear weight balance gives it a rear-biased feel that driving purists gravitate towards.
The Q3’s handling is also competent and confidence-inspiring, but it doesn’t engage like the X1 can when the road gets twisty. It simply has a bit more side-to-side body motions and less precise steering feedback.
Adding xDrive AWD makes the X1 even grippier in inclement weather, though the quattro system in the Q3 models provides sure-footed traction as well. Max towing is rated at 4,400 lbs for the X1 and 4,400 lbs for the Q3, allowing modest trailer hauling duties.
Fuel Economy Ratings
When it comes to sipping fuel efficiently, the Audi Q3 has a clear upper hand over the BMW X1. Its lighter curb weight and turbo-four engine lineup simply allow it to return superior mileage figures:
Audi Q3 Fuel Economy:
- 40 TFSI quattro: 23 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
- 45 TFSI quattro: 23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
BMW X1 Fuel Economy:
- sDrive28i: 24 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
- xDrive28i: 23 mpg city / 32 mpg highway
- M35i: 23 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
- X1 xDrive28d: 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
Is the X1 or Q3 more fuel efficient?
The Audi Q3 holds an advantage in fuel efficiency over the BMW X1 across the board. Its lower curb weight and smaller turbocharged engines simply allow it to achieve better mpg figures in both city and highway driving scenarios.
In particular, the Q3’s 23/30 mpg city/highway with the 40 TFSI quattro is quite impressive for a compact luxury SUV with all-wheel drive. The X1’s all-wheel-drive xDrive28i trails behind at 23/32 mpg.
If maximum mpg is the priority, the X1 xDrive28d diesel is the way to go at 27/35 mpg city/highway. But it comes at a premium cost.
Infotainment and Tech Features
Both the BMW and Audi bring their latest infotainment technology to the compact luxury SUV segment. The X1 gets BMW’s iDrive 8 with a slick curved display housing the 10.25″ instrument cluster and 10.7″ center touchscreen. It has class-leading graphics, quick processing power, and intuitive controls via touch, voice, or the rotary controller.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a full suite of BMW Connected Drive services like remote vehicle monitoring and control. A head-up display, Harman Kardon premium audio, gesture controls and more can be added.
The Audi Q3 counters with the brand’s latest MIB 3 infotainment system displayed on a crisp 10.1″ center touchscreen and Audi’s excellent Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster. Like iDrive 8, it has wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, voice controls, and sleek graphics. An available premium Bang & Olufsen sound system pumps out sublime audio quality.
Most advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition and more come standard on both models. The Q3 includes Audi’s Pre Sense City low-speed automatic braking system as well.
How do the X1 and Q3’s infotainment systems compare?
- BMW X1: Brilliant curved glass display with latest iDrive 8 interface. Snappy processing, intuitive controls including gesture support. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Audi Q3: Clean, minimalist MIB 3 touchscreen with Audi Virtual Cockpit digital gauges. Superb graphics and ergonomics. Wireless smartphone integration also standard.
While Audi’s system is cleanly designed and attractive, BMW’s iDrive 8 gets the slight edge for its more advanced voice controls, customizability and sheer computing power under the skin. But both bring the richly-featured tech owners have come to expect from these luxury brands.
Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance
When it comes to protecting occupants in a collision, both the 2024 BMW X1 and 2024 Audi Q3 earn top safety scores from NHTSA and IIHS:
BMW X1 Safety Ratings
- NHTSA: 5 stars overall
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick+ when equipped with front crash prevention
Audi Q3 Safety Ratings
- NHTSA: 5 stars overall
- IIHS: Top Safety Pick+
They each come generously equipped with advanced active safety tech as standard too. This includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and more.
The Audi’s suite of driver aids comes bundled under the “Pre Sense City” and “Pre Sense Basic” systems. BMW offers similar systems under the “Active Driving Assistant” and “Parking Assistant” packages which can be upgraded to more advanced tiers.
Both offer surround-view cameras, parking sensors, and rear automatic braking as extra-cost options. But no matter how you equip them, the X1 and Q3 earn top marks for helping avoid collisions in the first place.
Which one has top safety ratings, the X1 or Q3?
From a ratings standpoint, the 2024 BMW X1 and 2024 Audi Q3 are dead even – earning perfect 5-star overall scores from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ awards from IIHS (when equipped with front crash prevention).
Their standard suite of advanced active safety tech like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist are also broadly similar between the two models, providing excellent occupant protection.
Pricing, Trims and Value
At the entry-level, the 2024 Audi Q3 undercuts the 2024 BMW X1 in terms of starting price:
2024 BMW X1 Pricing:
- sDrive28i: $40,500
- xDrive28i: $42,500
- M35i: $49,900
2024 Audi Q3 Pricing:
- Q3 40 TFSI Premium: $37,400
- Q3 45 TFSI Premium Plus: $39,800
Even when comparing the mid-range xDrive28i model versus the well-equipped Q3 45 TFSI, the Audi maintains over a $2,500 price advantage. Though that gap narrows when you factor in additional options and packages.
The Audi tends to have a slight upper hand in terms of bang for your buck. Its “Premium” and “Premium Plus” trims are generously equipped right out of the box with features like a panoramic sunroof, wireless smartphone integration, and leather upholstery. Those are extra-cost on the X1.
Of course, the M35i sits at the top of the X1 range with its 301hp performance at a premium $49,900 starting MSRP.
In the long haul, the BMW X1 does hold better resale values which can offset its higher pricing. Kelley Blue Book projects the X1 will retain around 47% of its value after 5 years, versus the Q3 retaining 43% over that same period.
Is the BMW X1 or Audi Q3 a better value?
If value is the top priority, the 2024 Audi Q3 makes a stronger case for itself versus the BMW X1 thanks to:
- Lower starting prices across trims (by $2,500-$10,000)
- More generous standard equipment levels on Premium/Premium Plus trims
- Included features like panoramic sunroof, leather, and premium audio on base models
However, the BMW X1 does claw back some of that value over time through:
- Better long-term resale value ratings
- More powerful and refined engine/drivetrain options
- Higher-quality interior materials and fit/finish
So while the Q3 is unquestionably the more affordable buy up front, the X1’s premium experience and upscale image help it retain more long-term value down the road. As always, getting the most for your money depends on your specific needs and priorities.
In Conclusion
After thoroughly dissecting and comparing the 2024 BMW X1 to the 2024 Audi Q3, it’s clear that both of these compact luxury SUVs represent excellent choices for premium buyers. They each bring ample performance, upscale cabins, the latest tech features, and top safety ratings in right-sized SUV packages.
The BMW X1 wins out with its more powerful engine options, including the potent 301hp M35i variant. It has a slight edge in interior room and cargo space too. Plus its chassis is more dynamically engaging for driving enthusiasts. On the flip side, the Q3 counters with superior fuel efficiency, a more affordable starting price, and a smoother, quieter ride quality.
So which compact luxury SUV is the smarter buy – the BMW X1 or Audi Q3? It really comes down to your specific priorities and needs. If prioritizing performance, driving dynamics, and interior space, the X1 is the way to go. But if value, efficiency and everyday comfort take precedence, the Q3 makes a incredibly strong case for itself.
No matter which way you go between these two compact luxury SUV stars, you really can’t make a bad choice. Both the 2024 BMW X1 and 2024 Audi Q3 represent premium pint-sized SUV packages ideal for urban adventures and on-road thrills.
