Matchup
Audi Q3 vs BMW X3
The 2026 Q3 S line quattro against the 2026 X3 30 xDrive, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 24, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- The X3 stops from 70 mph in 155 ft, 28 ft shorter than the Q3 (183 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- In the trims shown, the Q3 costs $7,555 less: $45,095 against $52,650 for the X3, destination included. PublishedAudiPublishedBMW
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the X3 costs about $371 a year less to run: $2,316/yr against $2,687/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- The Q3 gets to 60 mph 0.9 s sooner: 5.3 s against 6.2 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
At a glance
| Q3 | X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $45,095PublishedAudi | $52,650PublishedBMW |
| Powertrain | 2.0 L turbo four (EA888, engine code DRND), direct injection · quattro (on-demand multi-plate clutch to the rear axle) | 2.0 L turbo four (B48B20O2), Miller cycle, port and direct injection, 48-V motor in the transmission, mild hybrid · xDrive (rear-biased, electronically controlled front multi-plate clutch) |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 5.3 sTestedCar and Driver | 6.2 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 183 ft (55.8 m)TestedCar and Driver | 155 ft (47.2 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA combined | 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 25.0 cu ft (708 L)PublishedAudi | 31.5 cu ft (892 L)PublishedBMW |
| Large suitcases, packed | 4Simulatedfrom Audi | 6Simulatedfrom BMW |
| Seats | 5Published | 5Published |
| Crash ratings | IIHS crash tests G/P/G | NHTSA 4★ overall · IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
Acceleration
The Q3 gets to 60 mph 0.9 s sooner: 5.3 s against 6.2 s.
| Q3 | X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 255 hp (190 kW)PublishedAudi | 255 hp (190 kW)PublishedBMW |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft (370 Nm)PublishedAudi | 295 lb-ft (400 Nm)PublishedBMW |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 5.3 sTestedCar and Driver | 6.2 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 5.5 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 6.2 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | 4.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 4.4 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | 14.1 sTestedCar and Driver | 14.6 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
The X3 stops from 70 mph in 155 ft, 28 ft shorter than the Q3 (183 ft).
| Q3 | X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 183 ft (55.8 m)TestedCar and Driver | 155 ft (47.2 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 60–0 mph, tested | 128 ft (39.0 m)TestedMotorTrend | 108 ft (32.9 m)TestedMotorTrend |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 374 ft (114.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 336 ft (102.3 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 286 ft (87.1 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 258 ft (78.5 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 174 ft (52.9 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 223 ft (67.9 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
No meaningful gap between the Q3 and the X3 on what we can measure here.
| Q3 | X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA rollover rating | no data | 4★ · 16.9% riskTestedNHTSA |
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs | 11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.24Simulated, estimated inputs | 1.22Simulated, estimated inputs |
Efficiency and running costs
At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the X3 costs about $371 a year less to run: $2,316/yr against $2,687/yr.
| Q3 | X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $2,687/yrDerivedEPA | $2,316/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputsfrom Car and Driver | 32 mpg (7.3 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Drag coefficient | 0.34PublishedAudi | 0.27PublishedBMW |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
The X3 held 0.91 g on the skidpad against 0.84 g for the Q3.
| Q3 | X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | 0.84 gTestedCar and Driver | 0.91 gTestedCar and Driver |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.84 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.91 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.25 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.18 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 38.7 ft (11.8 m)PublishedCar and Driver (Chrome Data) | 40.0 ft (12.2 m)PublishedBMW |
| Ground clearance | 7.2 in (18 cm)EstimateCarExpert | 8.5 in (22 cm)PublishedBMW |
| Tires | Bridgestone Turanza LS100 255/40R20 97H RO M+S (optional 20-in wheel package; 235/55R18 all-seasons standard) · 255/40R20TestedCar and Driver | Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 ★ 255/40R21 · 285/35R21 · 255/40R21 · 285/35R21TestedCar and Driver |
Space, luggage and fit
The X3 is rated to tow 2,501 lb more: 4,001 lb against 1,500 lb.
| Q3 | X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5Published | 5Published |
| Large suitcases, packed | 4Simulatedfrom Audi | 6Simulatedfrom BMW |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 0Simulatedfrom Audi | 0Simulatedfrom BMW |
| Cargo behind the second row | 25.0 cu ft (708 L)PublishedAudi | 31.5 cu ft (892 L)PublishedBMW |
| Cargo, seats folded | 49.9 cu ft (1,413 L)PublishedCar and Driver (Chrome Data) | 67.1 cu ft (1,900 L)PublishedBMW |
| Towing | 1,500 lb (680 kg)PublishedAudi | 4,001 lb (1,815 kg)PublishedCar and Driver (Chrome Data) |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | +0.2 in (1 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +1.8 in (4 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +2.7 in (7 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +4.1 in (10 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +5.7 in (14 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +7.0 in (18 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +1.9 in (5 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +2.9 in (7 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +0.9 in (2 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +2.1 in (5 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | −0.7 in head · −3.4 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs | +0.3 in head · −2.2 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs |
| Front head room, published | 38.1 in (97 cm)PublishedCar and Driver (Chrome Data) | 40.5 in (103 cm)PublishediSeeCars |
| Rear head room, published | 37.6 in (96 cm)PublishedCar and Driver (Chrome Data) | 38.2 in (97 cm)PublishediSeeCars |
| Rear leg room, published | 36.1 in (92 cm)PublishedCar and Driver (Chrome Data) | 36.3 in (92 cm)PublishediSeeCars |
Visibility
From the driver’s seat the Q3’s hood hides the first 21 ft of road; the X3’s hides 24 ft.
| Q3 | X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 21 ft (6.4 m)Simulated | 24 ft (7.3 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 38%Simulated | 33%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
On low beams, the fastest you can drive the X3 and still stop inside the lit road is 77 mph; in the Q3 it’s 67 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction).
| Q3 | X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | GoodTestedIIHS | AcceptableTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | 316 ft (96.3 m)TestedIIHS | 358 ft (109.1 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | 67 mph (108 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS | 77 mph (124 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | 429 ft (130.8 m)TestedIIHS | 369 ft (112.5 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the X3 rates Good and the Q3 Poor.
| Q3 | X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | no data | 4★TestedNHTSA |
| IIHS small overlap front | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | PoorTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS award | no data | 2026 Top Safety Pick+PublishedIIHS |
| Curb weight | 3,879 lb (1,759 kg)TestedCar and Driver | 4,246 lb (1,926 kg)TestedCar and Driver |
Where each one wins
Audi Q3
- In the trims shown, the Q3 costs $7,555 less: $45,095 against $52,650 for the X3, destination included. PublishedAudiPublishedBMW
- The Q3 gets to 60 mph 0.9 s sooner: 5.3 s against 6.2 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- From the driver’s seat the Q3’s hood hides the first 21 ft of road; the X3’s hides 24 ft. Simulated
- On packed snow the Q3 can pull away at 0.25 g, against 0.18 g for the X3. Simulatedfrom Car and DriverSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
- IIHS rates the Q3’s headlights Good and the X3’s Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- Drivers see 38% of the ground within 33 ft of the Q3’s nose and 33% in the X3. Simulated
BMW X3
- The X3 stops from 70 mph in 155 ft, 28 ft shorter than the Q3 (183 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the X3 costs about $371 a year less to run: $2,316/yr against $2,687/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- The X3 is rated to tow 2,501 lb more: 4,001 lb against 1,500 lb. PublishedAudiPublishedCar and Driver (Chrome Data)
- In the IIHS moderate overlap front test the X3 rates Good and the Q3 Poor. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- The X3 is rated 29 mpg combined by the EPA, 4 mpg better than the Q3 (25 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- Our packing test fits 6 large suitcases in the X3 and 4 in the Q3. Simulatedfrom AudiSimulatedfrom BMW
- On low beams, the fastest you can drive the X3 and still stop inside the lit road is 77 mph; in the Q3 it’s 67 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction). Simulatedfrom IIHSSimulatedfrom IIHS
- The X3 has 6.5 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 31.5 cu ft against 25.0 cu ft. PublishedAudiPublishedBMW
- A 6-ft-4 driver has +1.8 in between head and headliner in the X3 and +0.2 in in the Q3. Simulated, estimated inputs
- The X3 held 0.91 g on the skidpad against 0.84 g for the Q3. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- IIHS measured the X3’s low beams lighting the road 42 ft farther on a straightaway: 358 ft against 316 ft. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- The X3 rides higher: 8.5 in of ground clearance against 7.2 in. EstimateCarExpertPublishedBMW
- Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +2.1 in of knee room in the X3 and +0.9 in in the Q3. Simulated, estimated inputs
- A 5-ft-11 rear passenger has +2.9 in of head room in the X3 and +1.9 in in the Q3. Simulated, estimated inputs
Other trims
- Q3 S line quattro · on this page
- X3 30 xDrive · on this page
- X3 M50 xDrive
Keep comparing
Sources
- Car and Driver: Tested: The 2026 Audi Q3 Is Ready for a Bigger Role (S line quattro) (2026-03)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive Rests on Its Laurels but Remains Appealing (2025-07)
- Audi of America (media.audiusa.com): All-new 2026 Audi Q3: pricing and specifications ($43,700 MSRP, $1,395 destination; wheels, cargo, towing) (2026-08)
- BMW of North America: 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive: starting MSRP $51,300, excludes destination (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Audi Q3 ratings (id 50116) (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 BMW X3 xDrive30 ratings (2026-10)
- BMW Group PressClub USA: The All-New 2025 BMW X3 (US specifications: 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive) (2024-06)
- MotorTrend: 2026 Audi Q3 First Test: Proper Audi, Imperfect Luxury (S line quattro) (2026-10)
- MotorTrend: 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive First Test (M Sport package, 21-in wheels) (2025-04)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 BMW X3 SUV N/A AWD (VehicleId 21368) (2026-10)
- Car and Driver: 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan review (75-mph highway fuel economy: SEL R-Line Turbo 31 mpg, SEL R-Line 32 mpg) (2026-10)
- Audi AG (Audi MediaCenter): Technical data: Audi Q3 45 TFSI quattro S tronic 180 kW (Germany, June 2025): gear ratios, Cd, frontal area (2025-06)
- BMW Group PressClub: The new BMW X3: technical specifications (Cd × A, gear ratios, dimension drawings) (2024-06)
- Car and Driver (Chrome Data): 2026 Audi Q3 S line quattro features and specs (dimensions, interior room, tank, turning circle) (2026-10)
- CarExpert: 2026 Audi Q3 (Australia) price and specifications: 183-mm ground clearance (2026-10)
- Car and Driver (Chrome Data): 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive features and specs (4,001-lb towing, 3.39 axle, 13.0-in rotors) (2026-10)
- iSeeCars: 2026 BMW X3 dimensions (head, leg and shoulder room) (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2026 Audi Q3 ratings (apply to 2026–27 models) (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2026 BMW X3 ratings (apply to 2025–26 models) (2026-10)
- IIHS: IIHS pushes improvements in crash avoidance with 2026 awards (Mar 24, 2026) (2026-03)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.