It has been two years since BMW inhaled the X1 new life, the smallest and most affordable SUV offer of the brand. With some additional standard equipment, especially XDRIVE all-wheel drive and some urgently needed aesthetic improvements, the small supply vehicle is better than ever. In order not to be exceeded, the competing car manufacturer Audi also brings a special sauce to the entry -SUV. The 2026 Audi Q3 is brand new for the latest model year. But how does the Bayer take a step?
Outer design
The new 2026 Audi Q3 makes a huge leap forward in the outer design. More aggressive headlights, a wider radiator grille and dramatic aerial view on the sides of the front bumper. Back back illuminates the entire rear, and the Q3 also contains a new Split Rücklicht -Look, which almost reflects the front of some contemporary BMW products.
Spacious winged fenders on S line models and larger alloy wheels and painted brakes make a large contribution to making the new Audi Q3 appear in a sporty one. The red accents apparently extend to the badge, which is a … um, unorthodox choice. Overall, the BMW X1 holds things back a little more compared to the Q3. It is also easier to identify than BMW. Nevertheless, we glad that Audi finally decided to avoid the wrong exhaust tips.
Interior design
Inside, the 2026 Audi Q3 starts the future and introduces a wild new control center directly in the steering column. Simply the biggest change – and one that we will treat a little more in the area of technology – is also the largest distinction feature of the SUV from every competitor. The functions mounted on the columns range from gang selections to headlight and wiper controls, which replaces conventional stems. Audi gave the 2026 Q3 a generous portion of ambient lighting, which it is brought into harmony with the place where the X1 is located. Audi estimates the load capacity with the seats with 1,386 liters (48.9 cubic foot), which corresponds to a little more than official estimates for the BMW X1 (46.9 cubic foot or 1,328 liters).
At the front, Audi’s sports seats look pretty similar to the X1. While Audi says that the Funky column control saves a little space, we are not sure whether the drivers will notice the whole difference. The internal argonomy in the front seem to be dominated by a screen and button experience, regardless of which you choose. That is, the Q3 seems to have one much More alcantara that line the doors. Maybe the Audi is a little more comfortable?
Performance
Audi started the 2026 Audi Q3 with three drive lines. The United States will never see a diesel, a 110 kW mild TFSI model and a plug-in hybrid version called “E-HYBRID 200 KW”. Overall, the offers run more or less in parallel to what BMW will sell them. Unfortunately it is not mentioned still a coordinated SQ3 that has to fight with the 300 PS-XDRIVE-X1 M35I-XDrive. An SQ3 in the name (or ethos) is unlikely for the states; But elsewhere it could (again) happen. The last Gen-RS-Q3 has deleted a red-heated 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine in 4.5 seconds with the friendly applicable from 2.5-liter fifth cylinder engine with zero to 60. We hope that the Range Toper will come back and that the ultimate driving machine gives a run for his money or life.
technology
As already mentioned, the greatest innovation in the Q3 cabin is the new column control center. In theory, it reduces the disorder and retains a certain familiarity. In practice, it will probably be confusing for new drivers. A panoramic display includes a 11.9-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch touch display. For what it is worth, both are smaller than the units they see from BMW. Different technologies are shared via the two. Wireless load, backup assistant and an app shop in the car are just a few. We expect the two tight competitors in this arena.
In a way, the 2026 Audi Q3 is not particularly different and promises the entry-level BMW SUV a closer race than ever. We expect the BMW X1 to surpass the four rings in the usual arenas: CURB Appeal and Dynamics. It will be interesting to see how the strange new steering wheel controls of the Audi are received. We expect a little prejudices, but which would you choose?
