2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Audi Q3

The 2021 Audi Q3 was a testament to postmodern automotive styling, featuring the massive, signature Audi grille that looked genuinely appealing on this subcompact luxury SUV. The stout, chunky design elements conveyed a blend of utility and dynamic handling, primarily focusing on the latter. The mechanical and modern aesthetic of the exterior was mirrored in the cabin. The dashboard design centered around the touchscreen, spotlighting one of the Q3’s standout features. When this interior debuted with the redesigned Q3 in 2019, it was considered a leading design. However, Volkswagen, Audi's non-luxury corporate sibling, had been catching up; newer VW interiors shared similar design themes, albeit not as upscale. Even so, the Q3’s cabin felt modern and refined, though less unique over time.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came in two trims: Premium and Premium Plus. Standard features on the Premium trim included leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Additional standard features were a power liftgate, four USB ports, and several advanced driver assistance technologies. For extra comfort and convenience, an available Convenience Package offered more driver assistance features and creature comforts.

The Premium Plus trim enhanced the offering with remote start, push-button start, remote keyless entry, wireless device charging, and a hands-free power liftgate. Although the Prestige trim was discontinued, its features were still available as options and packages. For instance, the $2,700 Technology Package included a larger touchscreen, a premium stereo, and a digital instrument panel.

The third-generation BMW X3, introduced in 2018, received significant updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The 2018 redesign refined the X3 formula significantly. Prior to this generation, BMW struggled to match the luxurious refinement of its larger models in its smaller SUVs like the X3 and X1. This iteration of the X3 featured both the exterior and interior presence reminiscent of larger, costlier BMW models. The X3’s exterior projected the image of a downsized BMW X5, and its interior boasted the same cold, mechanical styling found across the BMW lineup. While it wasn’t as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3 had a more functional dashboard design.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered several trims: sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid. The high-performance X3 M was covered separately.

The sDrive30i and xDrive30i came with 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, navigation, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Numerous options and packages were available, including genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate. Other available features included heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging. The same standard and optional features applied to the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid.

The M40i trim came with many standard features that were optional on lower trims. It included 19-inch alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, unique exterior styling, and an M Sport suspension.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine sent power via an eight-speed automatic transmission to Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. For those opting for the S-Line trim, the same engine was tuned to deliver 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Interestingly, this more potent engine was previously the standard, but Audi had adjusted the base MSRP to $2,000 lower, making the enhanced engine a $2,000 option.

The powerful S-Line powertrain suited the vehicle well. It provided lively acceleration and had substantial power for passing, especially in the “S” or Sport mode, adjusting the throttle response and transmission mapping for more aggressive acceleration. The Q3 featured Audi’s Drive Select, offering Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road drive modes. Off-Road mode wasn’t meant for rugged terrains but was adequate for light dirt trails.

The base engine also had a decent jump from a standstill, although it exhibited more pronounced turbo lag. This lag was especially noticeable under hard acceleration or during highway passing maneuvers. Despite this, the Q3's handling was nimble and well-blended with a very comfortable ride, delivering an engaging driving experience without compromising refined ride quality. Audi managed to strike a balance that many automakers miss, making the Q3 both enjoyable and comfortable.

For the 2021 BMW X3, the sDrive30i and xDrive30i came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i operated on rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i utilized all-wheel drive. This engine provided robust pickup for city driving and highway acceleration.

The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid boasted a powertrain that generated 288 horsepower, offering quick acceleration, especially at lower speeds. The plug-in hybrid could travel 17 miles on electric power alone and could be fully recharged in about 3.5 hours with a 240-volt Level 2 charger, or nearly 12 hours with a standard 120-volt outlet.

For those seeking a true performance-oriented drive, the M40i featured a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine. This powertrain delivered strong acceleration and was complemented by more responsive cornering capabilities. For the ultimate mix of speed and practicality, the 473-horsepower X3 M was available, catering to drivers who needed both performance and family space.

The 2021 Audi Q3 offered 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down and 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. While the space behind the rear seats was decent for a subcompact luxury SUV, the total cargo capacity with the rear seats folded was subpar for the class.

However, the Q3 made up for its limited cargo capacity with ample passenger space. The front seats were comfortable, providing plenty of deep cargo pockets for personal items. The rear seats offered an impressive level of both headroom and legroom. Though the Q3 could technically seat five, four passengers could enjoy a comfortable road trip, provided they packed light.

In comparison, the 2021 BMW X3 excelled in cargo space, offering up to 62.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, placing it among the best in the small luxury SUV category. With the rear seats in place, it still provided a generous 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space. A power liftgate came standard, with an optional hands-free power liftgate available.

Passenger space was equally commendable in the X3. The front row boasted ample headroom and legroom as well as a commanding driving position. The rear seats were also suitable for adults, even on long trips.

For the driver and front passenger, BMW included real buttons and dials alongside the main touchscreen. These helpful toggles minimized the learning curve when someone unfamiliar with the vehicle took the wheel.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi's MMI system, known for its logical and ergonomic menu navigation. Both Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay were standard. The available upgrade featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation. Additional available tech included wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system.

Another notable feature was the Audi Virtual Cockpit, which replaced the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display that could present the navigation map across nearly the entire screen.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen running the user-friendly iDrive infotainment system. Compared to other luxury systems, like those from Acura and Lexus, iDrive was more intuitive, though it was similar in ease of use to the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). A key advantage of iDrive was the combination of touch functionality and a central dial, catering to users who preferred one method over the other.

The X3 came standard with Apple CarPlay, but Android Auto was optional, a contrast to many rivals that offered both as standard. Other optional tech features included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. Additionally, buyers could opt for gesture control, allowing basic controls via hand movements. However, this feature could be triggered unintentionally by those who talk with their hands.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured comprehensive safety systems, including standard Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, which encompassed forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning also came standard. Optional driver assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Additionally, buyers could select features like a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist for parallel and perpendicular spaces.

The X3 matched the Q3 with advanced driver-assistance features as standard, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. Additionally, it came with standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors.

Optional safety features on the X3 included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that adjusted according to the road curves, and a head-up display.