2021 BMW X3 vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented multiple trims and engine designations, with the most eye-catching being the 55 TFSI. Starting at $60,800, this model came in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims, with the evaluated vehicle boasting the Prestige upgrade. The 2020 Q7 acquired design tweaks that updated its front and rear styling, aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The Q7's Navarra Blue metallic paint, Cold Weather Package, and Towing Package brought the total price to $74,290. The exterior featured 20-inch turbine-style wheels wrapped in all-season tires, designed specifically to prevent curb damage. Internally, the Q7 adapted high-tech elements, including three digital displays and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit panel for instrumentation. Coated in Okapi Brown leather with natural wood inlays, the cabin exuded a luxurious and high-tech vibe, enhanced by multi-color ambient lighting.

Turning to the 2021 BMW X3, the third-generation model introduced several updates, such as a plug-in hybrid option and M performance variants. This generation managed to bridge the gap to its larger sibling, the X5, with a more refined and luxurious appearance. The X3 featured a rugged, mechanical interior design typical of BMW’s lineup. The interior didn’t match the aesthetic appeal of competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, but it made up for it with a highly functional layout. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i trims came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, and a 10.2-inch infotainment system, among other features. Higher trims and optional packages offered enhancements like genuine leather, a panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats.

The 2020 Audi Q7 showcased a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque—a notable improvement over the previous engine. This engine featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that increased fuel efficiency through technologies like extended engine stop/start and engine-off coasting. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, the Q7 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. It boasted a robust towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. On a road trip, the Q7 averaged 21 mpg and exhibited agile handling, strong acceleration, and a remarkably quiet cabin due to its dual-pane acoustic glass.

For the 2021 BMW X3, the sDrive30i and xDrive30i trims were powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 248 horsepower. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid variant upped the stakes with 288 horsepower and an electric-only range of 17 miles. The most thrilling option was the M40i trim with its 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, delivering exceptional acceleration and handling. The X3 M model offered even more potent performance with a staggering 473 horsepower. The X3 featured adaptive suspension, enhancing its road and cornering performance.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while accommodating seven passengers, was more practical as a five-passenger vehicle. The third-row seats were suitable only for children and drastically reduced cargo space when in use. With the third row folded, cargo capacity expanded to 35.7 cubic feet and maxed out at 69.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The Prestige trim offered heated and ventilated front seats and ample legroom in the second row. However, interior storage was limited, with the center console and armrest compartments offering minimal space.

In comparison, the 2021 BMW X3 excelled in cargo capacity, offering 62.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and a substantial 28.7 cubic feet with the seats in place. The X3 provided a spacious cabin for both front and rear passengers, featuring plenty of headroom and legroom. BMW smartly integrated real buttons and dials into its touchscreen interface, reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2020 Audi Q7 debuted the MMI Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch touchscreen with an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen. The system supported natural voice recognition, handwriting recognition, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit added customizable digital instrumentation. Despite occasional unresponsiveness due to dry fingertips, the interface was generally user-friendly. The Prestige trim featured a Bose premium sound system, which was replaced with a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen system in 2021 models. A full-color head-up display was also included, though it became invisible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the intuitive iDrive system, which combined touch operation with a central dial. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto available as an option. Additionally, wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a Harman Kardon premium stereo were offered. Gesture control allowed drivers to perform basic functions with hand gestures, though it sometimes misinterpreted movements.

The 2020 Audi Q7 was equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assistance, and lane-centering assistance. The Q7's HD Matrix LED headlights provided excellent illumination but were rated "poor" by the IIHS due to glare. Emergency Assist and Turn Assist functions added further safety, though adaptive cruise control had issues with traffic-sign recognition, making it unreliable at times.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with numerous safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a head-up display. The X3’s standard and optional features provided comprehensive safety coverage for drivers and passengers.