I purchased a new X1 two weeks ago and I love it. Its really quick and handles well. I traded in a 2019 BMW 330 for it and don't regret it at all. Prior to the 3 series I owned a 2017 X1 and consider the 2023 a great improvement over the previous model.
Team Q3, I just like using buttons more, while enjoying the drive. Click the switches for simple tasks, like the heat switch for the steering wheel, seat, etc and bingo your done. Love the tech for other things. Camera’s, entertainment, safety, apps, etc is great of course. “KISS” where needed works the best for me.
Great video, as always. It would be lovely to see these comparison videos where both vehicles are positioned side by side so that we can get a sense of the size and proportions.
The ridiculous idea of removing basic controls for regulating audio or temperature is the worst ever. You can't operate a phone while driving but you can operate a touch screen for every single task 🥴
I’m partial towards Audi Q3 because I’m familiar with it - my sister has Q5. The BMW X1, other than front grille no longer looks distinctly like a BMW!? Honestly from certain angles, especially rear / side it looks a lot like a Subaru Forester!!!???? BMW X1 is attractive enough but no longer distinct.
Always appreciate these comparison videos. This is the size of vehicle I am interested in. I have a hatchback of about the same size currently, but would like to go into the luxury class for my next vehicle. The problem with these luxury subcompact SUVs is that most do not even offer features I have in my Kia Forte5 that I paid $20k for in 2015, such as ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. I can do without heated rear seats, but living in the south, refuse to do without ventilated front seats.
Love your videos! We wanted to down-size from our 7-seater of a Boat SUV and we chose and ordered an X1 totally loaded with every option including 20 inch wheels (we are in USA). Even with that, it was still less-expensive and more for our money than many other models we tried and researched. (Thanks again for all of your videos we watched!). Already having a M4, I know it’ll be very different and much less powerful, but our X1 will be used for a different reason. My 4 is my play toy lol. I prefer physical buttons and don’t like the new grills(they are more palatable in black shadow line) but the interior quality and drive of the X1 was much more fun than the other ones in that class from our perspective and that’s what sold us. I’ve had Audis and VWs before and like them so nothing against them. Great cars. Also, the color selection of the BMW was very important to my wife lol. It comes in some cool colors and black, white and silver seem kind of boring when spending that kind of cash 🤷. Anyway, when it comes in, we’ll see if we like it as much as we think we will. Let’s hope! 🤞🏻
Definitely been waiting for another comparison video both. Was only talking to a friend earlier who swears by her Audi A1 verses the more compact levels of better packages in other car makes like Kia and Hyundi. This comparison is interesting featuring two supposed prestige badge brands. Sorry for the rant Andrea!
Bought an Audi Q3 quattro Premium Plus S Line 45 TFSI AWD back in April. Fully loaded with the black optics package. I do love it. The only downside is it does not have push to start and I hate the switch blade key. There is no keyless entry or remote start. Other than that it’s great
I always found its interesting on how the pricing and packaging of these premium subcompact SUVs. On the one hand, you can pay or lease a bit more to get a properly compact SUV like Q5 and X3 when loaded Q3 and X1 up. On the other hand, you can get a completely decked out mainstream brand compact SUV, which are closely priced. Like the way Mazda with CX-5 Signature or CX-50 Meridian.
Too close to call. They both hit hard with decent value pricing. Both are great entries to their brands, I think. The Audi styling is classic, whilst the BMW looks fresher. I’d say that the decision would probably have to be determined through a thorough test drive (seats/handling/noise/harshness/visibility)… everybody is different… and/or what the current deal was (availability/financing terms). Great comparison. I’m sure they are cross-shopped a lot. Thanks for the video.
I agree with Zack:) I think the X1 looks a little weird … especially from the front. The Q3 sure looks good in the sportier S line design and black optics :)
As the current owner of an X3 and a X5 I can understand Zac’s prefer for traditional I Drive 7;however, when I first drove an I drive equipped BMW as a loner for my 3 series in 2009 I found it quite confusing to operate! The new infotainment system will have a learning curve and we will adjust, just like we did with the button less Porsches. I drove both the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3. The X3 won out. Drives better and gets better fuel economy not to mention free scheduled maintenance for three years!
I’m a Q3 owner. I haven’t confirmed mathematically if the car gets better mileage on regular or premium. However, I feel like if the car is on a less agressive tune because it’s detecting regular, the car’s computer is going to lower the boost on the turbo, meaning less air to fuel mixture, meaning less gas needed. I had an previous gen X1 as a rental. I asked the enterprise rep if premium was required. He said no, they just filled it with regular. Out of curiosity, I read the owner’s manual. BMW says while they reccomend premium, you can run 89 on it no problem. Sucks for whoever buys that car when it’s retired from the rental fleet 😬
Great video! I have the same opinion as Zack, i just configured a Q3 and a X1, I added almost al the important feature for 53k, BMW x1 not fully loaded like the Q3 is 53k too. Premium car should have basics like heated front seat and steering wheel. then a 1000$ pkg for ventilated seats and others extras. I would take the Audi Q3, everyday drives and style ages way better too, I still love older Audis where BMW styling is not getting better with time. With a family, comfort drive, fast access to important button are a must, when my really young kids are talking non stop, some crying and some time yelling, focusing become super important and Audi win for that.
One thing that concerns me with an infotainment screen that has ALL functions incorporated into it is…..what if it fails? Like the MB MBUX, what’s the replacement going to cost? Beautiful in appearances but how many thousands of dollars will it take to repair once my warranty expires? I wish I could also find a new vehicle that has NO piano finishing anywhere on the vehicle. Not a durable product and shows fingerprints like the touchscreens too easily. Thanks for another great review you two.
Leased an earlier X1. It was in the shop so often I was glad to give it back at lease end! Wouldn't have another BMW till some major improvements in reliability!
They are VW is going to remove the capactive touch because no one liked it. Its why people still prefer buttons because its better than all touchscreen crap. Tesla is the worst offender.
Great review guys. The heating and cooling buttons are a deal breaker . If your screen goes down you get no heat or air. Bmw should put buttons back. They both look nice. Loyalty is the winner here. People will buy based on that . 👍
I did a test drive on both vehicles today. The Audi q3 was the winner because of the gear shift, back seats room and comfort, and adjustable steering wheel. BMW had lots of great technology but that screen was a concern and the gear shift was weird and the brakes were not too quick to stop
I tested the x1 today. I thought the transmission was clunky, especially when going from first to second gear, almost a jolt! I don’t get her saying it was smooth. I really wanted to like the X1, the cabin and tech were exquisite, but the acceleration was not smooth.
It’s a big shame you don’t get the RSQ3 in Canada and the USA. However, BMW is reportedly making a performance X1 (the X1 M35i xDrive). While this hasn’t been confirmed by BMW yet, there is a post posted by a user on Bimmerpost who complies internal BMW product information leaks. It says it’s scheduled to be unveiled in July 2023.
US has RS3..but its limited to like 500 units for the whole of USA. This is because the 5 cyclinder doesnt pass emissions regulations in Canada. Same reason why Q3 sportback isn't available in Canada for whatever reason.
@@441meatloaf Or insufficient demand from the public in those areas. But anyway, do you wish the RSQ3 was offered in Canada, had the 5cyl passed emissions tests in Canada?
@@DaveDVideoMaker I think the demand is there just bogus regulations makes it not sellable. Just like how Audi Canada said they were not permitted tk sell rsq3 due to federal regulations. I do wish rsq3 would he available because audi already sells other rs models here lol. We have RSQ8 (very popular over here), RS6, RS5. Audi sells S3 (very popular), s4-s7, then Sq5 and sq7, sq8. So I don't particularly understand why rs3 and rsq3 isn't a sellable vehicle, it's not like an rsq8 with its twin turbo v8 any less polluting than rsq3. The only thing I can see is that rsq3 will cut jnto sales of sq5. Q5 is audi leading seller
Great comparison as usual! I probably just missed it, but are both of these FWD-based vehicle? Which model of each brands do you have to step up to to get a RWD-based platform?
Exactly torn between this two. X1 has better mpg. Handling and acceleration is fun. Looks better imho. Q3 can go with regular gas, although slightly worse mpg. Steering lighter than X1. People say better for long drives. But looks very boring lol. So far both have equal pros and cons. Does Audi have eco/efficient drive mode that will boost mpg?
Bought an X-line X1 with 18” wheels, sport seats. Nimble and quick. The handling is better than Q3. Don’t like the X1 touch screen controls - too many menu layers. Think the X1 rear traffic alert is not alarming enough- just a subtle “thunk thunk” and you have to be in reverse. Toyota REALLY lets you know there’s a pedestrian out there whether you are in reverse or not, Occasionally surprised with sudden throttle response, but might get the knack eventually.
Hello Zack and Andrea great video I am sad no live show last sunday. I would rather choose a LEXUS NX300h AWD because It is reliable according to JD POWER plus I will get excellent fuel economy and finally it is a natural aspirated engine instead of small turbocharged direct injection engine. Greeting from hot and warm Lima Peru. I am enjoying the summer in my homeland. Best regards, Yours truly Ricardo
I like the design of the new X1 but that toggle shifter (and no paddle shifters) is a deal breaker for me. I may not use the shifter in my 2020 3-Series to shift manually that often, but when I do, I find it to be exhilarating. Also, I would miss the iDrive controller - I hate fingerprints on the screen! A good comparison video as always!
Audi still offers it even in the top end model. So thats one thing Audi is very good at, except for A3 which is a toggle shifter...but at least it still comes with a shift paddle. I dont understand the need of a toggle shift. I dont know how annoying it would be going into X1 menu to change basic HVAC controls. But it could be annoying.
@@441meatloaf The comparison is between the Q3 and the X1. Not any particular spec or variant. I’m simply pointing out you can choose a spec of X1 with paddle shifters if you want one. You don’t get to choose the rules on what other people comment on!
@@cp4512 audi comes with paddles without the cost of selecting additional packages...thats the point I was making. So i dont have a clue what angle you are prove.
I do wonder how the steering would be compared with the Mazda CX5 ? Mazda have always made good handling cars but would the steering be as heavy as the BMW X1? I prefer heavier steering feel over the lighter steering of most cars, they lack road feel.
I just bought the 2021 Audi 45 Komfort Quattro model for my wife after also driving the 2021 BMW Xi 28i Xdrive The BMW is a bit quicker off the line but a second later, the Audi is just as quick. Both also allow for selecting gears for keeping the revs up higher than Dynamic or Sport mode would. But using the shifter ... neither of the ones I drove had a paddle shifter. Interior: Audi, gorgeous. BMW: reminds me of a 1996 Chev: ugly and old fashioned controls. More expensive BMWs are much better in this respect. Exterior: BMW adds a lot of chrome. Hated that. My BMW M235i has almost none and that is perfect. Steering: Too light in the Audi, less so in Dynamic mode; BMW is better. Interior: Audi, gorgeous. BMW: reminds me of a 1996 Chev: ugly and old fashioned controls. More expensive BMWs are much better in this respect. Exterior: BMW adds a lot of chrome. Hated that. My BMW M235i has almost none and that is perfect. And, the Audi is just a nicer looking car, especially the grille area. For me, more power would be essential but my wife finds the Q3 plenty fast enough.
We test drove the 2022 Audi Q3 and loved it, BUT, the gas mileage is horrible for a small car! We ultimately purchased the 2022 Lexus UX250h and easily get 5.3 L/100km in summer. I’m not sure why neither Audi or BMW don’t offer hybrids in these vehicles? A big fail on both!
Confused about seat position memory. A silly omission on a luxury brand. I heard it was going to be available on Q3 in 2023. This review states it is not standard but is it available on higher trims???
I no longer care about the badge. I would rather get a Mazda CX50 turbo fully loaded. If the CX30 didn't have all the wide plastic trims all-around, it would've been my favorite for this size/class of cars. For me, the BMWs of the late 90's untill mid 2000s were the best. Inline 6, and great designs. Every now and then BMW releases the ugliest car out there (1st gen X3, i3, the latest i7, and the list goes on, never mind the whole 3/4 series confusions). Audi's designs are much better. Q3 wins this one for me. Fuel consumption is a tie when you consider consumption vs premium gas.
CX50 is a bad value compared to a CX5. Mazda cost cutted a lot and many basic stuff is no longer provided on that model compared to a CX5. Not to mention awful suspension torsion.
Please make these thumbnails more modern. It looks like ad design from the 90s. These great videos take so much effort to make, but are not watched as much as they could be because of poor thumbnail design.
Q3 for sure! Gas mileage is not a big deal breaker if using day to day commute(buy electric if u want to save on gas) and if I buy a car I would keep it for atleast 4-5 years and I won’t like it to look too old by that time. Lots more reasons, so, I agree it is still value for money. Though I like the BMW fresh look but they refresh the look frequently and it’s easy to feel owning the old car in the club. On the other hand, as they said heated seats and steering wheel should be basic in 🍁.
Looking at new vehicle prices, and the Nissan Rogue Sport (Qashqai) top model is only $6k cheaper than a BMW X1 base model in my country. The BMW looks better value than the Nissan.
@@441meatloaf it’s a BMW, it should have good driving dynamics, handling, braking, acceleration. What’s the reason you look at a BMW? For styling? That’s a superficial and easily done by marketing. Good engineering is much harder and expensive.
@@phillm156 Your reply doesn't answer anything about 0-60, when you yourself said other factors are more important. 0-60 measure is over blown as a measurement. Seriously how often are you needing to do 0-60 on regular city drive? Acceleration is highly dependent on the transmission and how torque is delivered rather than horsepower, its the reason why all these vehicles have higher torque figures than HP. Ppl buy BMW X1, X5 are more for the fact of the brand over driving dynamics. If you truly care about the handling, you'd be better off getting BMW 3 series.
@@441meatloaf driving dynamic refer to the entire performance range. That’s why I look at the X1, because it can carry groceries, it has AWD, carry child seats, get good mileage, ground clearance for inclement weather. Good power so it feels nimble is important to me. If I wanted it to drive like a minivan, I’ll get a minivan. I want something that’s does everything as well as fun! I do know torque is important that’s why it has 295 Lb ft. And a DCT transmission. Fast reacting, shifting, efficient. Horsepower is a measurement of the rate of torque. So don’t disregard it as insignificant. Why does someone buy a 670hp corvette to drive on the weekends only. Why do some people spend 120k on an AMG E63 with 630 hp? Where are they going to use that? Because they can, same reason some people have 20 pairs of shoes. Do they have 20 pairs of feet. Why are you even bothering looking at a BMW when you sound like a hypermiling left lane hog.
@@phillm156 Who said i was looking at BMW? This video is a comparison of both Audi and BMW. Second, i drive a WRX and after owning it for years, barely any chance to even use the full potential of it considering how stringent canada is in speeding laws. S0 0-60 is absolutely pointless in almost all regards.
Also, check out Hyundai & Kia SUVs. In the 30 years of driving ever since my teen years I've found the South Korean brands (Hyundai & Kia) more reliable than Japanese Toyota & Honda. Think of Honda & Toyota are like Sony brand, whereas, Hyundai & Kia are Samsung brand. Hyundai & Kia used to make cheap quality versions of Toyota & Honda, similar to Samsung used to be knock off of Sony. Now Samsung makes better electronics than Sony and Hyundai / Kia make better vehicles than Toyota / Honda!!
Nice review. I have not driven the latest X1 but a few yrs ago, I had one for a week as a courtesy car. I did not like it, everything felt really cheap...
I had a 2023 x1 as a rental. The engine start/stop system was awful. It was rough and shaky when it started up at stop lights and there was a bad delay when the car would just sit there while the engine started back up. The seats were rock hard and the ride was twitchy and stiff. Also, for a car that isn’t exactly cheap,there should have been lumbar adjustment and extendable thigh support on the seat. The standard sound system in my rental was terrible. I had a $15,000 KIA Forte that had much better sound. This car needs work before I’d ever consider it. I will say that once moving the car was very swift and quiet.
That’s interesting because I bought the 2023 X1 and am having the opposite experience. Can hardly notice the stop-start eco-feature; it’s very smooth. I have the standard sound system and it’s very good; much better than my BMW X3. Acceleration is amazing and starting off the line smooth. Chose the X1 over the Q3 because it’s bigger in every respect, faster, and is a complete new model year. The interior is gorgeous and I love the modern, wide, one-panel display. It’s the direction all makers are going.
Have to say I like them both. Perfect for inner city dwellers. BUT, wouldn't buy either one since there is no hybrid option. Maybe Lexus UX would be my choice.
