@ Audi AG
@ BMW Group Press
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Audi A4 Avant vs BMW X3 – Which car suits you better?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Audi A4 Avant or BMW X3 fits your lifestyle better.

A4 Avant @ Audi AG

The automotive landscape is continually evolving, with brands like Audi and BMW leading the charge in luxury and performance. In this comparative analysis, we take a closer look at the Audi A4 Avant and the BMW X3, two titans of their respective classes: the wagon segment and the SUV category. Both vehicles present remarkable technical innovations and exquisite designs, appealing to different customer needs.

X3 @ BMW Group Press

Styling and Design

The Audi A4 Avant embodies a sleek, aerodynamic aesthetic typical of Audi's design philosophy. Its wagon body type offers practicality without sacrificing elegance, with clean lines and a distinctive Singleframe grille. The spacious interior, coupled with high-quality materials, creates a luxurious environment for passengers.

In contrast, the BMW X3 presents a robust and muscular profile characteristic of SUVs. Its elevated stance and defined body contours provide a commanding road presence. The X3’s interior combines functionality with luxurious elements, featuring BMW's trademark driver-focused layout and advanced technology integrations.

A4 Avant @ Audi AG

Engine Specifications and Performance

The Audi A4 Avant offers a selection of engines, ranging from diesel to petrol MHEVs, providing power outputs between 136 HP and a formidable 470 HP. Its duo-clutch automatic transmission ensures swift gear changes, enhancing driving dynamics. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system provides excellent traction, making it suitable for various driving conditions.

The BMW X3 showcases a diverse engine lineup as well, with options covering petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid variants. Power outputs vary from 190 HP to an impressive 510 HP in the high-performance models. The X3's focus on a responsive automatic gearbox paired with its AWD system ensures agile handling and performance, even in challenging terrains.

X3 @ BMW Group Press

Efficiency and Fuel Consumption

When it comes to efficiency, the Audi A4 Avant stands out with fuel consumption rates ranging from 4.8 to 9.7 L/100 km, depending on the engine choice. This level of efficiency can be attributed to Audi’s commitment to integrating Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology, ensuring cleaner driving experiences while maintaining performance.

On the other hand, the BMW X3 also offers competitive figures, with consumption as low as 0.9 L/100 km in its hybrid variant, highlighting the push towards sustainability in the SUV sector. Most models fall within a range of 6.2 to 10.8 L/100 km, emphasizing efficiency without compromising power.

A4 Avant @ Audi AG

Innovation and Technology

Both the A4 Avant and the X3 are equipped with cutting-edge technology that enhances safety and driving experience. Audi’s MMI infotainment system offers intuitive controls, connectivity features, and a digital cockpit that displays essential driving information. Additionally, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) elevate the safety levels in the A4, reassuring both drivers and passengers.

BMW's X3 counters with its iDrive system, known for its user-friendly interface and advanced navigation features. The integration of driver assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist adds a layer of security while on the road. The optional gesture control also showcases BMW's commitment to innovation.

X3 @ BMW Group Press

Practicality and Space

As a wagon, the Audi A4 Avant boasts a trunk capacity of 495 liters, providing ample room for luggage and groceries. Its five-seat configuration ensures comfort without sacrificing storage space. The thoughtful interior layout includes convenient storage options, enhancing everyday usability.

The BMW X3 excels in terms of practicality, offering a larger trunk capacity of up to 570 liters, which can be expanded with rear seats that fold flat. Designed as an SUV, the X3 naturally offers a more commanding driving position, appealing to those who prefer a higher vantage point while driving.

A4 Avant @ Audi AG

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Audi A4 Avant and the BMW X3 are exceptional vehicles in their own right. The Audi A4 Avant shines through with its sophisticated design, fuel efficiency, and a blend of performance and comfort. Meanwhile, the BMW X3 proves to be a versatile SUV packed with innovative technology and practical space for families or adventurers alike. The choice between the two ultimately hinges on personal preference for style, driving experience, and specific needs regarding space and efficiency.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

X3 @ BMW Group Press

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Audi A4 Avant has a clearly perceptible advantage in terms of price – it starts at 37200 £, while the BMW X3 costs 51300 £. That’s a price difference of around 14015 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: BMW X3 manages with 2.80 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the Audi A4 Avant with 4.80 L. The difference is about 2 L per 100 km.

A4 Avant @ Audi AG

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Audi A4 Avant has a slightly edge – offering 470 HP compared to 398 HP. That’s roughly 72 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A4 Avant is clearly perceptible quicker – completing the sprint in 3.70 s, while the BMW X3 takes 4.60 s. That’s about 0.90 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Audi A4 Avant performs to a small extent better – reaching 300 km/h, while the BMW X3 tops out at 250 km/h. The difference is around 50 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: BMW X3 pulls slightly stronger with 670 Nm compared to 600 Nm. That’s about 70 Nm difference.

X3 @ BMW Group Press

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Audi A4 Avant is evident lighter – 1595 kg compared to 1930 kg. The difference is around 335 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BMW X3 offers to a small extent more room – 570 L compared to 495 L. That’s a difference of about 75 L.

In maximum load capacity, the BMW X3 performs somewhat better – up to 1700 L, which is about 205 L more than the Audi A4 Avant.

When it comes to payload, BMW X3 hardly perceptible takes the win – 570 kg compared to 565 kg. That’s a difference of about 5 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the BMW X3 shows itself to be dominates this comparison and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £51,300
X3 @ BMW Group Press

BMW X3

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 197 - 398 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.8 - 7.7 L
  • Electric Range : 88 km

Audi A4 Avant

The Audi A4 Avant blends elegant, understated styling with practical estate versatility, making it a polished choice for drivers who want both poise and generous cargo space. Inside, the cabin feels premium and tech-forward while the composed driving manners turn routine journeys into a quietly satisfying experience—exactly the sensible indulgence buyers will appreciate.

details

BMW X3

The BMW X3 mixes Bavarian poise with everyday practicality, delivering a composed ride and a cabin that feels both premium and lived-in. It’s the sort of SUV that lets you enjoy sporty handling without sacrificing family-friendly space, so you get fun and sense in one neat package.

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Audi A4 Avant
BMW X3
A4 Avant @ Audi AG
X3 @ BMW Group Press

Costs and Consumption

Price
37200 - 122500 £
Price
51300 - 72400 £
Consumption L/100km
4.8 - 9.7 L
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 7.7 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
88 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
126 - 220 g/km
co2
64 - 175 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 58 L
Fuel tank capacity
50 - 65 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Estate
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1595 - 1820 kg
Curb weight
1930 - 2140 kg
Trunk capacity
495 L
Trunk capacity
460 - 570 L
Length
4750 - 4782 mm
Length
4755 mm
Width
1842 - 1866 mm
Width
1920 mm
Height
1428 - 1493 mm
Height
1660 mm
Max trunk capacity
1495 L
Max trunk capacity
1600 - 1700 L
Payload
510 - 565 kg
Payload
570 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 - 470 HP
Power HP
197 - 398 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.7 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.8 s
Max Speed
210 - 300 km/h
Max Speed
215 - 250 km/h
Torque
270 - 600 Nm
Torque
330 - 670 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Power kW
100 - 346 kW
Power kW
145 - 293 kW
Engine capacity
1968 - 2894 cm3
Engine capacity
1995 - 2998 cm3

General

Model Year
2023 - 2024
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, D, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, B
Brand
Audi
Brand
BMW
What drivetrain options does the Audi A4 Avant have?

The Audi A4 Avant is offered with All-Wheel Drive or Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.