Though I;m an Audi driver, it’s the iX3, why, the Q4 feels not premium enough, BMW even their X1 has the same premium feel, where the Audi you need to go the original Etron or GT. Efficiency / performance wise the BMW is also leading, so if the models are equal qua looks go BMW iX3 it also chargers faster, which is kind of surprising as the original Etron has an amazing charging curve.
I am picking up my Q4 50 next week Tuesday in Ingolstadt. Really looking forward to it. The choice was simple. The lease rate for the fully specced beamer was 15 percent higher than the fully specced Audi, even though the list price of the beamer was less than the one of the Audi. Note: thats in Germany, not sure about the UK
It’s the other way round in the uk I believe but certainly my company’s car lease scheme. The top trim ix3 m sport pro with all the bells and whistles (£63k car) is circa £75 cheaper per month compare to a Q4 e-tron 40 with much less specs (£55k car). It’s rather strange but at the same time it’s no brainier to me.
It's the same in Belgium. I have a Q4 40, S-line with platinum pack, heatpump and whatever you'd want on order (ETA october 2022 😭) and the lease rate was still a lot better than a similarly priced iX3M.
@@yves2831 I am getting the completely opposite with Leaseplan here in Belgium. Q4 40 S-Line with just Platinum Pack already has the same lease price as the iX3, while it is still missing several of the iX3 options (like sunroof) and is €5000 cheaper still. So leasing wise, the iX3 is the better option for me.
The iX3 is directly comparable to the Q4 50 S-Line or Vorsprung, *not* the 40 as stated, so let's be fair and compare them on that basis. The 35 and the 40 are significantly slower and much less powered than the iX3, and as you say, to get a spec comparable to even the M Sport, let alone the Pro, you have to add £'000s onto the price. I test drove both (and the plain e-Tron), and the iX3 was much the better package, thus why I ordered one. Plus, BMW were willing to work on a deal, and had much cheaper PCP APR, Audi deals were non-existent. For reference, I'm usually a VW and Audi guy by preference, but this time I feel that the BMW is simply the better car on performance, package, and value. Looks are personal preference.
Just waiting for my iX3 as I’m trading my X3M40d. Love the X3 and now the iX3 has had a facelift, can’t wait to get it! Had Audi’s in the past, but build quality really lacks compared to BMW. Every Audi I have had get annoying rattles behind trim or dash within 6 mths and when Audi try to sort it, they just make it worse…… iX3 all the way!
@@philcrow4949 Mine's not scheduled until June :( The dealer had a brand new facelift in on the day I ordered though, and in carbon black, it looked stunning. Can't wait. 👍🏼
Had my iX3 for 4 months now and don’t look back. Great car, excellent handling, and the UI is so much better than what they do in the current VW-platform (Audi, Skoda etc included). Also, other than at the Audi dealership, I felt immediately recognized and welcome at the BMW dealer’s, and they also helped bring the price down, whereas at Audi prices were non negotiable. The dealers made it easy to choose BMW.
Great video. I have a Q4 40 S-Line on order (in Geyser Blue - wife’s colour choice!). For me as a company car driver the iX3 is just too expensive - my Q4 specced up to how I want it is £50K (Leather, Towbar, Rear Camera) but in terms of monthly cost to me is considerably cheaper than the iX3. I f I’d gone mad and specced a Q4 50 with lots of options then it would be closer but TBH I don’t really need anything like that. I’m sure if you have £60K+ to spend on a car it will be high up on anyones list but then you are in full E-Tron, Jaguar I-Pace territory. What I liked about the Audi on my test drive and look round it is how ‘normal’ it is. As it’s my first EV I’d like the transition from an ICE car to be easy and I felt very comfortable in the Audi straightaway (which I can’t say about the ID4 which was shall we say not very good). Do appreciate the video though it’s very well put together and informative.
Great review, I’ve ordered a Q4 40 vorsprung (59k) unsure how you get your model to 63k? However enjoyed your review..! Always been a BMW person, but gone Audi this time.. 😳 we’ll see, looks smaller to than the i3 which is worrying too.
Same, I even ordered the ix3, but felt betrayed by bmw launching a new model before the 'old' one arrived on British shores! The q4 appears to offer more range and more technology, the sportback looks more sleek too.
@@MrZed475 the real world range are almost identical, and the iX3 is significantly quicker than all bar the Quattro Q4, which with Vorsprung spec (comparable to the M Sport Pro), is nearly £70k.... Love the look of the Q4, and enjoyed the test drive, but personally, I still much preferred the drive of the iX3 (much more connected and engaging), and the interior comfort. Q4 was high on my shortlist though. Both great cars. First world choices between the two, right? 😉
I bought a Kia Stinger once. Each model they offered - around three at the time - were fully spec'ced and the only option you could choose was the paint
At least the Audi gives you plenty of options to meet your budgetary needs. So if you don't want leather seats, sunroof and no sport suspension or heat pump, then just take a comfort/ sound and technology pack on a basic 35 sport model, even with the sportback version you can come in at £45k (this is what I have on order) Depends what you want.
Audi also plays games there. If you want GPS, you need to buy one package. If you need xxx, you need to buy another package. So they force you to buy expensive packages just for one key function or component.
I have tested both of them, because our lease on the old EV car is running out, and I think the iX3 has a couple of points where it just is better than the Audi. I hate the Sonos "premium" sound system in the Q4 - it's rubbish and nowhere near a premium system, and I personally prefer the looks of the iX3 (at least if you choose the black trim around the front "kidneys"). But most important is the feel of the interior. While I really like the look of the interior of the Q4, it is quite inferior to the iX3 as soon as you touch anything. I also prefer the software of the iX3 slightly over the Q4. Finally, when I got a quote for the cars, the price was exactly the same in the specifications I want, so price is not a factor. I still haven't decided if it will be the iX3, but when comparing those two, it was a clear choice. The Q4 is not a contender.
The best presenters will give a personal winner, even if close, so I think it was a Kop out. Probably trying to keep both manufacturers happy. Problem with the Audi is that in resale, the base original purchase price is what the used price is based mainly upon. Very clever by BMW. Theirs is a 60k car. The Audi at best a 45k car - regardless of options. You’d have to REALLY want the Audi, unless happy to go in at base spec.
My wife drives an 18 Audi Q5 and I'm a big fan of what Audi is doing currently. I plan on getting a Q4 eTron maybe next year because I think their design is just so beautiful. That car is quite a looker. The BMW is alright, just showing its age. When they come out here in the US in May, I'm gonna do a review one one myself. I really enjoy this channel, first video! Take care.
Why can’t you just make a decision? Audis notoriously have poor range, at odds with their claimed figures, weirdly just like their parent VW diesel mpg and emission figures…. As for Tesla, poor build quality and poor ride.. cliche choice! It’s a modern day beetle, owners all think they are Porsches, everyone else sees a bland jelly mould!
Great review. I already have Audi etron and lease is ending hence time to change. I am confused between audi Q4 (bigger range) and BMW ix (never used bmw before). I still want Audi as I have been so comfirtable with everything Audi to be honest , but the inner child in me now wants to try something different. But have to think twice when spending that amount of money each month! Your review has helped !
Sorry but there is NO such 220kW Option available for the Q4. That must be a major misunderstanding or wrong interpretation of the lady, mixing up engine performance (220kW) versus charging performance (125kW). Otherwise please provide a reference. Thanks.
I’ve had my iX3 for 5 weeks now and I’m really pleased I went for this over the Audi. Why the iX3, simple really, it was all down to the attitude of the sales team, availability of the car within an acceptable waiting period and the drive quality. With two cars that are so closely matched in terms of product, it was the other things that swayed my choice. Audi really need to work harder on the customer experience. BMW stole the show on this.
Same, I’ve had two bad experiences with Audi sales team over the years and said I would never buy one after that, BMW however have been excellent with me over the years which has kept my business with them
Same here, tried the audi and it felt regarding the interior cheap compared to the BMW. In the BMW everything feels high end. The Audi looks good, but for that price i expect high end luxury and not a similar feel as a VW ID.3. I went for the BMW and really happy with it so far. Customer experience at Audi was poor. I'm not dressed fancy (hate suits) and was not approached by any of the Sales team although i was the only person looking for a car. Somebody came well dressed (suit) and was approached immediately. Eventually i asked one one the sales guys i could try a Q4, since i still wanted to try one. All together it will not be very likely that i will go to Audi ever again. Complete opposite experience at BMW.
IX3 in a heartbeat. Audi’s look impressive but lack top quality which translates to more frequent and more expensive repairs and maintenance. And besides that, Audi’s depreciation is quite heavy. I owned an Etron, nice to look at, but misery all over. Never again an Audi for me, no way!
Now is currently at 135. Can’t wait for the update. The tech at the dealership told me that the 50 will get an update to extend boost mode and extra HP. He mentioned that the car is software limited at only 75% of it performance capability. Don’t take my word as a fact. I’m just repeating what the tech said.
At 4 minutes in my curiosity was answered, you got to see her butt. 🍑👍👏👏👏 & you know what, it was alright as well. 👍👏👏👏 That's enough about body parts from me, I'd chose the Audi all day long an ev with no ice version available unlike the Beemer, plus a newer design as well.
One thing that almost no reviewer of EV’s will point out is that because of the thick floor of bespoke EV’s the height of the seat makes them pretty uncomfortable for adults. In return you get a lot of knee room and great floor space for the passenger in the middle. Conversely, in the iX3 you get a better seating comfort for two. Having driven both, and taking into account availability of 2021 cars with bright interior, my money went to BMW.
Here are what kept me away from IX3: No 4x4, transmission tunnel hump at the back, dated UI. Coming from 225XE, I almost felt like I was driving a slightly larger version of my old car. And IX3 was 4000 Euros more expensive than Q4 50 with business pack so I went with Q4 50. If IX3 was 4x4 I'd think harder but with long and frozen winters I chose a 4x4 vehicle.
I am probably going to ruffle some feathers with this, but I hate with a passion the Audi infotainment system. So unless that has been dramatically improved ... Let me explain why, it is flakey at the best of times. I have an Audi A4 right now so this is just from personal experience. I get in the car... and the thing is updating the maps and such. Ok has to happen, no worries. But the update hangs. Ok no worries, press the control knob in the center console down for x amount of time and the system resets. Fine ... oh here is the update again. Will it work this time? Place your bets. Seems I should buy a lottery ticket today it worked. Ok into the nav menu I go to select my destination from the favorites (so I can see traffic delays and potentially reroute if needed). What's this now, all my favorites are gone? Why? Fuss about for 10 minutes and suddenly they re-appear (btw this happens frequently even if there is no map updates). Cool and off we go. After a brief stop home for some food, a shower and a change of clothes it's off to my team meeting. This time we are going for lunch in a restaurant. I put the destination into the Nav system and away we go. Driving on the highway, glance at the map ... Yikes I have to take the off ramp here soon and I am in the opposite lane ... Glance up at the map again. Oh wait no, the off ramp I need is still 15 km's away. It was just the nav system that decided to zoom out to an insane degree for no good reason making it look as if I was about to miss the off ramp. 15kms later the dreaded off ramp is finally here. But it is a pretty complex off ramp leading of not only to my destination but other highways and destinations also since we are now near a major city where a lot of roads meet. Which lane do I have to take out of these 8 lanes? Well don't ask the Nav system because it's off doing it hubble telescope impression again so no chance of getting a clearer picture there. For the love of god Audi, get yo sh*t together.
I've cancelled my ix3 order for the q4 etron! Can't believe #bmw launch a new car in UK and before it's available publicly created a new model of the car!
The iX3 was designed from the outset to take EV platforms, as well as PHEV and ICE, and BMW are on their 5th gen EV, so I'd say it's anything but a bodge, having driven both, and the Teslas....
@@euanholmes3839 - The iX3 is built on the BMW CLAR platform first launched in 2015. It is designed to accommodate a pure ICE drivetrain, has an optional 48-volt electrical system in a mild-hybrid configuration, but also supports plug-in hybrid and battery electric drivetrains. So yes, whilst it can take batteries it's not ground up designed EV like the Audi. It's the same as my Polestar 2, designed using the Volvo ICE/EV platform and thus it's heavier and still has transmission tunnels.
@@SDK2006b you are correct on all fronts. BMW did however design the CLAR platform for EV versatility from inception, lifecycle planning for ICE, PHEV, and full EV implementation. So whilst it has a transmission tunnel, that's not because it's an ICE car retrospectively fitted with an EV, it's for manufacturing efficiency on production costs. Why create new platforms, when what they had has produced arguably the most efficient proper SUV with performance (not crossover 'so-called' SUVs like the Kia EV6 etc)? I test drove every car in the class (EQC, e-Tron, Q4, EV6, Ioniq 5, Enyaq, ID.4, Polestar, Model 3, Y.....), and this was consumately the best in class, both rapid, efficient, but just a brilliantly executed 'car'. The Polestar was in my top 3 incidentally, but too small for my needs. As almost all the reviews have said, most have written the iX3 off as an ICE EV afterthought, but it's brilliant once you drive it. I was only testing it to be complete before making my choice, determined the EV6 or the Enyaq were in pole position, but the iX3 felt and drove better in every way. Finally, looking into production footprints, BMW are now on Gen 5 of EV for the drivetrain in the iX3, and it has the joint shortest break even Vs ICE equivalents, again because they always had EV in mind for the platform. I'm never normally a BMW fanboy, but I think the iX3 is simply a polished execution 👌🏼 Either way, great to have so much choice. Enjoy your Polestar, great car too 👍🏼
Thanks for this excellent review. I like the q4; the matrix led lights are good if your eyes are getting older like mine & you live in the countryside. Just one thing though. According to research, the average cost of a UK car ranges from £12,000 to £28,000. This being the case, how can you possibly say these cars are, in any way “affordable” when they cost £40,000 to £60,000. For the majority of families they are ludicrously unaffordable. The residual value of these cars will also be painful to see. VW and BMW might want to sell cars at this price point but I think they've got their marketing plans all wrong for the family market - there are families who can splurge on cars like this but very, very few of them.
I love it when she says the Audi is really affordable without all options. I was waiting for an affordable electric car, now where did I leave that pesky sixty thousand affordable pounds? hmmmm :D
@@djdoolittle1315 my current diesel costs me an extra £250 A month in tax. A new electric car will take it down to around £30 a month. It’s a no brainer. There will be huge electric Co Car sales this year. Its a 8 month wait on loads of models. There’s 4 of us in work trying to get different cars and we are talking September if we’re lucky.
What an amazing, detailed review. Given the choice between the two I'd choose the Audi. The iX3 is based on the dated X3 exterior and interior. However given a broader choice I chose neither as I just picked up a Tesla Model Y.
Hope you enjoy the Tesla. To be balanced, I found it a great car, very much like a big Model 3, and the practicality and storage space was brilliant. However, personally (although as per the pro reviews), I found the suspension unacceptably firm and uncomfortable, the steering too twitchy and nervous, and the cabin echoey. Just being balanced. Cars are such a personal thing. The Y is a great car, but a completely different prospect to the iX3 which wasn't as spacious for storage, but smoother to drive, and much more comfortable. Enjoy the Y though, I will miss it's brilliant pace!!
@@euanholmes3839 Completely agree with you the Y's suspension is just too firmed and there're many other drawbacks like you mentioned. The deceptively large cargo space is such a bonus given it's smallish size. Thank you.
Thank you so much! I was almost vomiting whilst trying to read all the info on the Q4 from the Audi website - so confusing! What wins me over is the 100% electric car that is the Q4. It's a shame that the BMW is a petrol body with a battery thrown in.
Thank you so much for the comparison I have been looking for. The fact that Audi Q4 etron is built on electric platform and BMWs transmission tunnel gives a no brainer to choose Audi.
How often do you actually care about the transmission tunnel? About never? And the one time you do, that person bumps his head on the roof... In practice, it really doesn't seem to make that much difference that the iX3 is a shared ICE/Hybrid/EV platform. They're very similar cars.
Fantastic video. I currently have a Q4 etron but am looking to change to an ix3. Spec on the ix3 blows the q4 spec out of the water. Can I check tho do the seats recline via button or similar, or when she says in the video they recline is that meaning that they are just in a fixed more reclined position?
The easier build is fine, but in reality you have to go through that once, while you drive the car for years. In Germany you get tax benefits if your car is below 60k€. The iX3 is above that. With the Q4 it could make sure I get the most car while staying in that range. So that’s what I got
Thank you for this video I’m looking to get my first EV and have been searching many cars For me, it all boils down to the fact that I have a large dog so timhe ix3 seems to be winning at the moment
For the price a kia ev6 dual motor gt line seems a no brainer here if you want an electric car and want an alternative to the model y. It's faster than the germans, has more range, 7 year warranty and cheaper!
@@ozturert I haven't really missed the rear wiper when I moved from one to my audi coupe. I just make sure it's clear before I start a journey. It clears off any rain/snow when car is moving anyways. I hear the ev6 is also much better at that due to the spoiler design. The gripe I have with the ev6 is the laggy infotainment system, the lack of a cabin length sunroof and no built in route planner with charge point stops. The MY also has some drawbacks which puts me off! I'm still to find my perfect EV.
You forgot "better build quality". The German rep cars are yesterday's news, many people have now wised up now to the badge premium - they are overpriced, overrated and poor quality cars trading on past glories. And the Kia is MUCH better looking.
The EV6 was in my final top-3. As you say, to get comparably quick (my iX3 does 0-60 in 5.9s, professionally timed on multiple runs), and one with all the toys, you'd need the AWD GT Line S. That's £55k before the extras, like the must-have heat pump. So you're looking at £57k. I got my fully loaded M Sport Pro with electric retractable towbar and upgraded lights for £60.5k, brand new. So, whilst I'd agree the EV6 is better looking from most angles (NOT from the rear!), the interior feels nowhere near as high quality as the BMW, the Pano roof is far better on the BMW, and the handling is better on the iX3, and the boot is bigger and more usable on the iX3. On my test drive (consistent with pro reviewers), the EV6 couldn't handle the extra AWD power, and I'd have gotten it in RWD. So, with all that, I'd rather drive in the 5* cabin of the BMW, and know that the residual value in 3 years will be a big chunk higher on the BMW. Whilst Kia and Hyundai have much improved, and are genuinely lovely cars, you still get what you pay for in many (not all!) instances. For reference, I am NOT a BMW fanboy, just someone who thought and researched long and hard about what was the best car, and investment at this money level, and the car I'd love spending many hours in each month. The iX3 won hands down after all the test drives.
I think you missed the point that the X3 which is what the iX3 is based on, is BMW's previous generation car and newer BMW's are totally different, you can see this in the i4, iX etc, so its not really a great comparison. I think if you are paying this much, you need to look at the Korean options and also the Tesla Model Y.
Why are people bothered whether it has been smartly derived from an ICE platform, or a ground-up EV? Bottom line is whether it's a bad, good, or great car, and an EV. I've literally tested all the flagship models in this price point, and the iX3 meets or exceeds all, including dedicated EVs like the bouncy, bumpy, cheap feeling Model Y. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion, but we need to move past this point of whether it's dedicated EV or not. What does it matter in reality?
This is not a fair test. The BMW is just a class higher/bigger. Why not compare the BMW to the Audi E-tron. Btw. I have a Q4-Etron, and after 3 months, I just love it.
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I don't know why more OEM's don't copy the Koreans and have simple 1,2,3 and 4 specs with no other options. I also think Audi's Voorsprung trim is a good idea as they all help keep used values as the used buyer knows exactly what spec they are buying because it was fixed at the factory
Great review but please stay away from mentioning pricing. First in the US I can walk in and then you walk in and get totally different lease pricing. In Switzerland as another example I can get 23% discount on an Audi's price. I think BMW offers something but it's not straightforward. Audi also offers 10 years of service. Another thing is dealers...sorry but from NY to Zurich Audi dealers are much much better. To me the both are severely overpriced if you look at overall price but who cares? We only care that they get a high residual so the lease is cheap. Side note - Hate the that a base Audi barely has a door and to be honest...I am not that young and in my mind BMW is a BMW.
In Canada the choice is obvious. The Audi only comes in the AWD version and 3 trims. The BMW comes in none. It doesn't come here. So I'd choose the Audi. No wait, I'm probably going to choose the the ID4 AWD top trim and save 9k dollars.
What was wrong with the i3 why are they selling these huge suvs wayyyy too expensive wayyyy too big and for what the school run n shopping trip thought ev's were about saving planet not using vast resources to make em
I have a Q4 50 and I have had single motor EVs in the past and I can say that all wheel drive is a must. It really adds to the drivability and control of the car.
I am not seeing the benefit of the BMW being simple to configure with a very few options as a plus if I am honest. I would expect anybody spending £40k plus on a car to do their homework and make an informed decision before ordering. The audi is therefore a no brainer IMO.
A no brainer for me. Heads down to the BMW. The fact that the Q4 uses drum brakes at the back makes it an easy choice. Drum brakes looks ugly. The BMW iX3 is one of the best electric cars at the moment if you look at the complete package. I don't like Tesla (too much a Tupperware car for me) so I would go for BMW. Just my 2 cents
So.. 20K less expensive, more space, better design... Why choose the ix3 ? If you are tall the ix3 isn't an option. The Q4 Etron can easily fit 4 tall passengers like me ( 6.3+ ), the iX3... front seats 6.3... back seats 5.6 max 😑And the transmission tunnel, oh my... When you try to use old stuff instead of starting from scratch.. Game over !
