The duel: 2022 Audi Q3 vs 2021 BMW X1
Since it first came out in 2009, the BMW X1 has been amongst the leaders when it comes to premium subcompact SUVs, thanks to its incredible performance and cutting-edge technologies. In Montreal, the current model confirms this enviable position amongst other competitors on the market.
However, it is now far from ruling without having to share the throne, as was the case when it first came out. The vehicle category to which it belongs quickly changed, as competition skyrocketed, offering alternatives that were just as interesting in terms of power and technologies. Amongst these rivals, we find Audi’s counterattack, in the form of the Audi Q3, which was first introduced in 2015. Its most recent model is not only a solid competitor, but also worthy of winning back the crown.
Audi Lauzon, your Audi dealership in Laval, explains to you why the Audi SUV is a better choice than the BMW SUV, in the comparison below: 2022 Audi Q3 vs 2021 BMW X1. Keep reading to find out more!
Specifications: a superior all-wheel drive for the 2022 Q3 as well as the possibility to tow a trailer.
The first thing we will compare in the Audi Q3 vs BMW X1 duel, are the specifications. Mechanical performance is the most important element to be looked at and studied, to give a luxury vehicle a proper evaluation, way beyond exterior design. These two rivals are no exception to the rule.
BMW X1 vs Audi Q3: Technical Specs Compared
| Model | Version | Engine/ Power/ Torque | Transmission / drive | 0-100 km/hr | Towing capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW X1 | xDrive28i Essential | 4-cyl. 2.0 turbo/ 228 hp/ 258 lb-ft. | 8- speed Auto./ AWD | 7.2 s (estimation) | Not recommended |
| xDrive28i | |||||
| 2022 Audi Q3 | Komfort 40 TFSI quattro | 4-cyl. 2.0 turbo/ 184 hp/ 221 lb-ft. | 8- speed Auto./ AWD | 9.1 s (manufacturer) | 680 kg (1 499 lb) |
| Progressiv 40 TFSI quattro | |||||
| Komfort 45 TFSI quattro | 4-cyl. 2.0 turbo/ 228 hp/ 258 lb-ft. | 7.4 s (manufacturer) | |||
| Progressiv 45 TFSI quattro | |||||
| Technik 45 TFSI quattro |
You will quickly notice that the BMW only offers one engine: a 4- cylinder 2.0 L turbo with 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. maximum torque. This engine comes standard with an 8- speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It allows the SUV to reach 0-100 kmph in a little over 7 seconds. The BMW sports utility vehicle is indeed very dynamic. Yet, this is not the main objective for an SUV which should, above all, be practical (hence the word “utility”). On this first point, it is a hit-and-miss for the BMW SUV. The 2021 X1 towing capacity is described in the Auto Guide as “definitely not recommended”!
As for the 2022 Q3, it is exactly the opposite: it will allow you to tow a trailer easily, the Audi Q3 towing capacity can reach up to 680 kg (1 499 pounds), no matter which engine you choose! In fact, you have the choice between a 4- cylinder 2.0 L turbocharged engine with 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. maximum torque and a second 4-cylinder 2.0 L turbocharged, but this time with 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. maximum torque (in other words as powerful as the BMW’s). The first one allows the Q3 to reach the 0-100 kmph in 9.1 seconds, and the second one in 7.4 seconds (according to the manufacturer). Just like the BMW, both Audi engines also come standard with all-wheel drive and an excellent 8- speed automatic transmission.
However, this is where similarities end. The Audi SUV has the Quattro all-wheel drive which is the best of its category. It is efficient in any weather, even in harsh winter conditions of the North-Shore of Montreal. Compared to this powerful 4×4 system, the BMW xDrive is no rival.
If you are looking for an SUV which gives you more engine choices, offers you a real towing capacity as well as power and performance in any weather, look no further; the 2022 Audi Q3 in Laval is the right choice for you.
Verdict for specifications: 2022 Audi Q3.
Comparing the luxury SUV’s interior
The second most important aspect of this comparison: the interiors. On this subject, both adversaries present opposite views on interior design. The BMW x1 interior is pleasing and nice; and yet it may seem outdated to many. This is mostly because of the fixed screen sticking out of the dashboard, which is (let’s be reminded here) analog.
The 2022 Audi Q3, on the other hand, presents a streamlined and user-friendly interior, with cutting-edge technology. Dashboards and vents are geometrical with sharp angles. The driver also has increased visibility during their travels thanks to a central screen which is integrated harmoniously into the dashboard. Regarding this, it is also important to note that a 100% digital dashboard comes standard with all Q3 models, even at the entry Komfort level.
As for cargo space, let’s mention that the BMW x1 offers a larger volume than that of the Q3 (BMW: 27 cu ft vs Audi: 24 cu ft). However, if we study the Audi Q3’s dimensions in depth against its rival, we understand that even if the BMW x1 may seem to have more cargo space, it really does so at the expense of interior passenger space. In fact, if we look at the Audi Q3 wheelbase of 2 680 mm, more modest cargo space and longer overall length (4 486 mm vs 4 457 mm for the X1), we can note that it actually offers more interior space to passengers, compared to the BMW which has a 10mm shorter wheelbase (2 670 mm).
So, if you are looking for a sports utility vehicle which makes passenger space a priority, only the Q3 will satisfy your needs.
Verdict for interior space: 2022 Audi Q3 has the advantage.
Exterior design: Bold and beautiful 2022 Audi Q3, compared to a self-conscious BMW.
Let’s move on to exterior design. Both German sports utility vehicles are at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of style, as you will see when you watch them fly by on Laval and Greater Montreal roads.
When it comes to the 2021 BMW x1, it oscillates between pointed peaks and curved lines. This is very obvious on the front portion, where its headlights have both rounded aspects and sharp angles, and also in its grille, which presents us with mixed lines as well. It seems as if the BMW is hesitating between bold features and a reassuring style. This lack of homogeneity and harmony will not be to everyone’s taste.
The 2022 Q3 on the other hand is much more dynamic and harmonious over all in terms of exterior style: sharp headlights with a menacing look, an iconic MonoFrame open-mouthed grille, sculpted wheel arches, higher ground clearance and intimidating taillights as well. The Q3 strikes us with a futuristic and chiseled design, both athletic and elegant. Compared to this charismatic exterior, the BMW does not stand a chance in the Greater Montreal area.
Verdict for exterior design: 2022 Audi Q3 has the advantage.
Safety and technologies: High-end equipment worthy of the upper classes
We have saved the best for last: added technologies. Once again, the verdict is clear: the new Q3 has the advantage. It will take but a second to understand why: the BMW dashboard has a central elevated screen with analog instrumentation (as seen above). In other words, the BMW offers dated technologies both in terms of integration and content. It cannot rival with the beautifully integrated screen in the 100% digital Audi Q3 dashboard.
The advantage of the Audi over the BMW does not stop here! It is taken a step further, as we will see when we look at the added equipment: heated electric front seats, leather upholstery, ambient lighting with an array of different color choices, wireless Apple CarPlay and a SONOS sound system. No matter which model you choose, the 2022 Audi Q3 has all the luxury you can dream of, comparable to even higher-class vehicles. It will make a joy ride of all of your drives around the Laval area.
The 2022 Q3 is also filled with the latest available safety features like Lane Departure Warning, Rear Traffic Surveillance, or Audi Side Assist. They will allow you to take the wheel and enjoy the ride, without having to worry about your safety!
Verdict for technologies and safety features: 2022 Q3 has the advantage.
Prices: Base prices are lower for the 2022 Audi compared to the 2021 BMW
This comparison would not be complete without looking at the 2022 Q3 Audi vs 2021 BMW x1 prices. We have listed them below according to model:
| Model | Version | Price: MSRP *starting at |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW X1 | xDrive28i Essential | $ 39 990 |
| xDrive28i | $ 42 425 | |
| 2022 Audi Q3 | Komfort 40 TFSI quattro | $ 38 400 |
| Komfort 45 TFSI quattro | $ 40 700 | |
| Progressiv 40 TFSI quattro | $ 40 700 | |
| Progressiv 45 TFSI quattro | $ 43 600 | |
| Technik 45 TFSI quattro | $ 47 200 |
The verdict is clear once more: even with the outdated equipment, BMW x1 is still asking for a base price of close to $40 000 for the MSRP. The Audi Q3 starts at $38 400 and offers much more: a more stylish interior and exterior as well as higher-end and up to date technologies. The 2022 Q3 also offers more choices in terms of finishes, allowing future buyers to select a vehicle that is better tailored to their needs. For all of these obvious reasons, the 2022 Audi Q3 wins this last round for prices in Canada.
Verdict for prices: 2022 Audi Q3 has the advantage.
So, even if the 2021 X1 is a solid alternative, the best SUV out of the two is, without a doubt, the Q3!
This is exactly how we would conclude the comparison between the Audi Q3 vs the BMW x1. The 2022 Q3 is sportier in terms of exterior look and much more versatile than the BMW; it also has more modern technology than its opponent. This is why it wins the duel hands down! Look no further, even if the BMW remains a valid choice amongst other subcompact premium SUVs, the Audi Q3 has everything you need and could even dream of, around Laval and the North-Shore of Montreal. You can learn even more about the 2022 Q3 in its featured article!
Still undecided? Why don’t you come out for a visit at Audi Lauzon! We will help you discover the newest 2022 Q3 models in person, on top of answering all of your questions. Once you have done this, the 2021 BMW x1 will be nothing but a distant memory! We will also inform you of all Audi offers and Audi rental/financing plans, so that you can leave at the wheel of YOUR OWN 2022 Q3 today. Looking forward to meeting you very soon at our dealership!
2022 Audi Q3 et 2021 BMW X1 features.
| Model | Version | Engine/ Power/ Torque Transmission/ drive 0-100 km/h city/ highway/ Comb. – consumption L/100km Towing Capacity. Seats Cargo space | Prices MSRP *starting at |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW X1 | xDrive28i Essential | 4-cyl. 2.0 turbo/ 228 hp/ 258 lb-ft. 8- speed Auto./ AWD 7.2 s (estimation) 10.3/ 7.7/ 9.1 Not recommended 5 767 L (27 cu ft) | $ 39 990 |
| xDrive28i | $ 42 425 | ||
| 2022 Audi Q3 | Komfort 40 TFSI quattro | 4-cyl. 2.0 turbo/ 184 hp/ 221 lb-ft. 8- speed Auto./ AWD 9.1 s (manuf.) 10.4/ 7.7/ 9.2 680 kg (1 499 lb) 5 671 L (24 cu ft) | $ 38 400 |
| Progressiv 40 TFSI quattro | $ 40 700 | ||
| Komfort 45 TFSI quattro | 4-cyl. 2.0 turbo/ 228 hp/ 258 lb-ft. 8- speed Auto./ AWD 7.4 s (manuf.) 11.4/ 8.3/ 10.0 680 kg (1 499 lb) 5 671 L (24 cu ft) | $ 43 600 | |
| Progressiv 45 TFSI quattro | $ 43 600 | ||
| Technik 45 TFSI quattro | $ 47 200 |
*All data, including MSRP prices, are exact estimates taken from spec sheets for each version, found on the Auto Guide website. They were exact at the time this article was written. However, they are subject to change without warning from the manufacturers. Moreover, even if all efforts have been made to insure the exactitude of the data, mistakes are possible. So, please contact your dealership for concrete questions concerning any precise model.
