The current gen 2015 Audi Q3 is a familiar car for the European market as it has been out there for quite some time, but is new for the U.S. market. In comparison, there are plenty of differences between the 2016 BMW X1 and the Q3.
In the end, the surprising factor is that both of them are equally competent and offer great performance on the road. They are highly reliable cars which differentiate themselves in terms of comfort, drivability and smoothness on the road. From one perspective, Audi’s offering is extremely silent, a great advantage for people who love comfort and offers unparalleled performance whereas the X1 is more fun to drive.
The 2015 Audi Q3 is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The component delivers 200 horsepower and has a 210 lb feet of torque. It is controlled using a six speed automatic transmission system powered by the Tiptronic technology. It’s acceleration capacity is not the best in the segment because the vehicle takes 7.8 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour. The vehicle uses an all-wheel drive which is an added advantage. Despite all these good features, on the whole, the engine struggles to maintain top speed and deliver a smooth experience on the road. If we were to find fault with this car beyond its comfort and performance, this could be the one to point out.
On the other hand, the 2016 BMW X1 is powered by a four cylinder 2.0 liter turbocharged engine, which offers a higher 228 horsepower coupled with 258 lb feet of torque. The car is not only bigger on the technical specification sheet but delivers better power on the road. It can easily accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 5.9 seconds. That’s something power drivers would definitely love. The fuel efficiency is much better on the BMW vehicle and on a long drive, it’s increased horsepower provides an experience like no other.
If you love a specific brand, then opt for it without second thoughts because another choice may not appeal to you at its best. However, if you are open to any brand, but looking for the best SUV on road with uncompromised performance, comfort and ease of driving, the 2016 BMW X1 is a much better choice than the 2015 Audi Q3, at least until the next gen Q3 lands in stores.
Another consideration is that if one lives in a region with bad potholes (crumbling infrastructure), the use of so-called “RunFlat” tires on the BMW will result in more blow-outs and repair bills, particularly when using lower profile rims. To add insult to injury, the spare tire wheel well is gone, so discerning enthusiasts are obstructed from switching back to traditional tires. Point VAG/Audi.