It has already been two years since BMW breathed new life into the X1, the model’s smallest and most inexpensive SUV providing. With some further commonplace tools — maybe most notably, xDrive all-wheel drive — and a few much-needed aesthetic enhancements, the little utility car is best than ever. To not be outdone, rival automaker Audi brings some particular sauce to their entry degree SUV, too. The 2026 Audi Q3 is all-new for the most recent mannequin yr. However how does it sustain with the Bavarian?
Exterior Design
The brand new 2026 Audi Q3 takes an enormous leap ahead in exterior design. Extra aggressive headlights, a wider grille, and dramatic air intakes within the sides of the entrance bumper. Round again, a taillight illuminates your entire rear, and the Q3 additionally incorporates a brand new break up taillight look that nearly mirrors the entrance of some modern BMW merchandise.
Generously flared fenders on S Line fashions, together with bigger alloy wheels and painted brakes, go a great distance in direction of making the brand new Audi Q3 appear downright sporting. The purple accents apparently prolong to the badging, which is an…ahem, unorthodox alternative. The BMW X1, total, retains issues a bit extra restrained in comparison with the Q3. It’s extra readily recognized as a BMW, too. That mentioned, we’re glad Audi lastly determined to eschew the pretend exhaust ideas.
Inside Design
Inside, the 2026 Audi Q3 launches into the longer term, introducing a wild new management heart proper on the steering column. Simply the most important change — and one we’ll cowl a bit bit extra within the know-how part — can be the SUV’s greatest differentiator from, nicely, any competitor. The column-mounted capabilities vary from gear selector to headlight and wiper controls, changing conventional stalks. Audi gave the 2026 Q3 a beneficiant serving to of ambient lighting that places it proper consistent with the place the X1 is now. Audi estimates cargo capability with the seats folded down at 1,386 liters (48.9 cubic ft), which is simply barely greater than official estimates for the BMW X1 (46.9 cubic ft, or 1,328 liters).
Up entrance, Audi’s sport seats look fairly just like what’s obtainable within the X1. Whereas Audi says the funky column-mounted controls save a little bit of house, we’re unsure drivers will discover all that a lot distinction. Inside ergonomics within the entrance appear to be dominated by a screen-first and buttonless expertise no matter which you select. That mentioned, the Q3 appears to have a lot extra Alcantara lining the doorways. Maybe the Audi will probably be barely comfier?
Efficiency
Audi launched the 2026 Audi Q3 spanning three powertrains. A diesel the US won’t ever see, a 110 kW mild-hybrid TFSI mannequin, and a plug-in hybrid model dubbed “e-hybrid 200 kW.” General, the choices run roughly parallel with what BMW will promote you. Sadly, there isn’t point out but of a tuned-up SQ3, which should do battle with the 300-horsepower (211 kW) X1 M35i xDrive. An SQ3 in identify (or ethos) is unlikely for the States; however elsewhere, it might occur (once more). The final gen RS Q3 ripped off zero-to-60 dashes in 4.5 seconds courtesy of a red-hot 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. Right here’s hoping the range-topper comes again and provides the Final Driving Machine a run for its cash — or life.
Know-how
As talked about earlier, arguably the most important innovation within the Q3’s cabin is the brand new column-mounted management heart. In concept, it reduces litter whereas retaining some familiarity; in follow, it’ll seemingly be complicated for brand spanking new drivers. A panoramic show includes an 11.9-inch instrument cluster and 12.8-inch contact show. For what it’s price, each are smaller than the items you see from BMW. Numerous applied sciences are shared throughout the 2; wi-fi charging, backup assistant, and an in-car app retailer are just a few. We anticipate the 2 to be shut rivals on this area.
Whereas not terribly completely different in some methods, the 2026 Audi Q3 guarantees a tighter race than ever to the entry-level BMW SUV. We anticipate the BMW X1 to outshine the 4 rings within the normal arenas: curb attraction and dynamics. It’ll if nothing else be fascinating to see how the Audi’s bizarre new steering wheel controls are obtained. We anticipate a bit little bit of bias, however which might you select?
