It has already been two years since BMW breathed new life into the X1, the model’s smallest and most reasonably priced SUV providing. With some extra customary tools — maybe most notably, xDrive all-wheel drive — and a few much-needed aesthetic enhancements, the little utility car is healthier 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 12 months. 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 all the 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 good distance in the direction of making the brand new Audi Q3 appear downright sporting. The crimson accents apparently prolong to the badging, which is an…ahem, unorthodox selection. The BMW X1, general, 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 suggestions.
Inside Design
Inside, the 2026 Audi Q3 launches into the long run, introducing a wild new management middle proper on the steering column. Simply the most important change — and one we’ll cowl a bit of bit extra within the know-how part — can also be the SUV’s largest differentiator from, nicely, any competitor. The column-mounted features 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 in keeping with the place the X1 is now. Audi estimates cargo capability with the seats folded down at 1,386 liters (48.9 cubic toes), which is simply barely greater than official estimates for the BMW X1 (46.9 cubic toes, or 1,328 liters).
Up entrance, Audi’s sport seats look fairly just like what’s accessible within the X1. Whereas Audi says the funky column-mounted controls save a little bit of area, 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.” Total, the choices run kind of 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 offers the Final Driving Machine a run for its cash — or life.
Expertise
As talked about earlier, arguably the most important innovation within the Q3’s cabin is the brand new column-mounted management middle. In idea, it reduces litter whereas retaining some familiarity; in observe, it can possible 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 value, 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 count on the 2 to be shut rivals on this enviornment.
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 count on the BMW X1 to outshine the 4 rings within the regular arenas: curb attraction and dynamics. It should if nothing else be attention-grabbing to see how the Audi’s bizarre new steering wheel controls are acquired. We anticipate a bit of little bit of bias, however which might you select?
