X1 vs Q3 for Northern California
2027 BMW X1 vs Audi Q3 in Northern California
Two compact German SUVs, a few hundred dollars apart. Torque, weight, cargo and price, side by side.
The 2027 BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 are the two compact German SUVs that land on the same shortlist, and they open within a few hundred dollars of each other. The BMW X1 xDrive28i starts at $43,200 MSRP with 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque; the Audi Q3 S line quattro starts at $43,700 MSRP with 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. The X1's advantage is the one you feel from a standing start and carry all day: more torque in a car 185 pounds lighter.
We sell the BMW X1 at BMW of Napa Valley in Fairfield, and both cars are worth driving before you decide. This page puts the published figures side by side, at matching scope, and says which one suits which driver.
Quick Take
For most buyers the BMW X1 xDrive28i is the better of the two. It starts at $43,200 MSRP against $43,700, makes 22 lb-ft more torque, and carries 185 pounds less weight, which is what makes it feel lighter on its feet in traffic and on a two-lane road. The Audi Q3 S line quattro answers with 14 more horsepower, a larger cargo hold behind its rear seats, and an engine that runs on regular gasoline rather than premium. Choose the Q3 if maximum cargo behind the second row is the deciding number or if you would rather not buy premium gasoline; choose the X1 for the way it drives and the price it starts at.
2027 BMW X1 Overview
A 177.2-inch compact luxury SUV with xDrive all-wheel drive standard on both of its two models. The X1 xDrive28i makes 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft from a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four through a 7-speed dual clutch, for a BMW-estimated 6.2 seconds to 60 mph, on a curb weight of 3,750 pounds, with a standard payload capacity of 994 pounds. Standard equipment includes the BMW Curved Display, navigation, a power liftgate, roof rails and a five-system driver-assistance suite. Cargo is 25.7 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 57.2 with it folded, on a 40/20/40 split. The X1 overview has the full picture.
Audi Q3 Overview
Audi's compact SUV, in the S line quattro specification read here, is 178.4 inches long and 64.1 inches high on a 106-inch wheelbase, the same wheelbase as the X1. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four makes 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft through a 7-speed automatic to quattro all-wheel drive, and it runs on regular gasoline. Curb weight is 3,935 pounds. Cargo is 29 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50 cubic feet with them folded, and the fuel tank holds 16 gallons. It seats five.
Powertrain Comparison
| Specification | BMW X1 xDrive28i | Audi Q3 S line quattro |
|---|---|---|
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 255 hp |
| Engine | 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 | 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual clutch | 7-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | xDrive all-wheel drive | quattro all-wheel drive |
| Curb weight | 3,750 pounds | 3,935 pounds |
| Recommended fuel | Premium gasoline | Regular gasoline |
| Fuel capacity | 14.3 gallons | 16 gallons |
Interior and Technology Comparison
| Measurement | BMW X1 xDrive28i | Audi Q3 S line quattro |
|---|---|---|
| Rear legroom | 37.0 in | 36 in |
| Front legroom | 40.4 in | 40 in |
| Cargo behind the rear seats | 25.7 cu ft | 29 cu ft |
| Cargo, rear seats folded | up to 57.2 cu ft | 50 cu ft |
| Seating | 5 seats, both cars | |
| Wheelbase | 106 in, both cars | |
| Length | 177.2 in | 178.4 in |
The X1's standard cabin technology is the BMW Curved Display, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch control display behind one piece of curved glass, running BMW iDrive on Operating System 9 with QuickSelect. It is standard on both X1 models rather than a package.
Pricing and Value
| Model | Starting MSRP | Power | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X1 xDrive28i | $43,200 | 241 hp, 295 lb-ft | xDrive |
| Audi Q3 S line quattro | $43,700 | 255 hp, 273 lb-ft | quattro |
Both figures are starting MSRPs and exclude destination and handling, taxes, title and registration. The BMW X1's destination and handling charge is $1,350 for 2027.
Where the BMW X1 Wins
- More torque, and it is the number that does the work. 295 lb-ft against the Q3's 273, a 22 lb-ft advantage in the part of the engine a commute and a hill climb actually use.
- 185 pounds lighter. 3,750 pounds against 3,935. Less mass to turn, stop and accelerate, in cars on an identical 106-inch wheelbase.
- Lower starting MSRP. $43,200 against $43,700, before either car is optioned.
- More room in the back seat. 37.0 inches of rear legroom against 36, and 40.4 inches in front against 40.
- More space with the seats folded. Up to 57.2 cubic feet against 50, a 7.2-cubic-foot advantage when the X1 is loaded flat.
- Shorter overall. 177.2 inches against 178.4, in a class where parking is a daily consideration.
Where the Audi Q3 Wins
- More horsepower. 255 against 241, a 14-horsepower advantage at the top of the range.
- More cargo behind the rear seats. 29 cubic feet against 25.7, which is the figure that counts when all five seats are occupied.
- Regular gasoline and a bigger tank. Audi lists regular fuel for the Q3 against premium for the X1, from a 16-gallon tank against 14.3.
Which Should You Choose?
- You drive Interstate 80 daily and take the valley roads at weekends. The BMW X1 xDrive28i. The torque advantage and the lower weight are what you feel in both those places. See X1 inventory.
- You want the technology as standard rather than as a package. The X1, for the Curved Display and iDrive 9 at the entry price.
- You load the boot to the roof with the family aboard every week. The Q3, for its 29 cubic feet behind the rear seats. That is its clearest advantage.
- Fuel grade is a deciding factor. The Q3, which Audi lists on regular gasoline.
- You want more power at the top and are relaxed about weight. The Q3, for its 14 extra horsepower.
Test Drive the BMW X1 at BMW of Napa Valley
We stock the X1 xDrive28i in depth on Auto Mall Parkway in Fairfield, at 2399 Auto Mall Pkwy off Interstate 80, an easy run from Napa, Vacaville, Vallejo, Suisun City and American Canyon. A road that starts damp off Suisun Marsh and finishes dry and hot inland is a good place to feel what 185 pounds and 22 lb-ft are worth.
Browse X1 inventory, schedule a test drive or value your trade.
BMW X1 vs Audi Q3 FAQs
Which is cheaper, the BMW X1 or the Audi Q3?
The BMW X1 xDrive28i at $43,200 MSRP, against $43,700 for the Audi Q3 S line quattro. Both exclude destination and handling, taxes, title and registration.
Which has more power, the X1 or the Q3?
The Q3 S line quattro makes more horsepower, 255 against 241. The X1 xDrive28i makes more torque, 295 lb-ft against 273.
Which has more cargo space?
It depends which figure you need. Behind the rear seats the Q3 carries 29 cubic feet against the X1's 25.7. With the rear seats folded the X1 carries up to 57.2 cubic feet against the Q3's 50.
Are both the X1 and the Q3 all-wheel drive?
Yes in these specifications: xDrive on the BMW X1 xDrive28i and quattro on the Audi Q3 S line quattro.
Which is bigger inside?
The X1 has more legroom in both rows, 40.4 inches front and 37.0 inches rear against the Q3's 40 and 36. Both seat five on the same 106-inch wheelbase.
Which one is lighter?
The BMW X1 xDrive28i, at 3,750 pounds against the Q3's 3,935, a difference of 185 pounds.
Does the Audi Q3 take regular gasoline?
Yes. Audi lists regular gasoline for the Q3, where BMW recommends premium for the X1.
Where can I drive a BMW X1 near Napa?
At BMW of Napa Valley on Auto Mall Parkway in Fairfield. Schedule a test drive and bring your shortlist.
Explore the X1
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Tell us how you will use it and we will point you at the right configuration on the lot.