Compare performance (326 HP vs 400 HP), boot space and price (38,200 £ vs 27,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW X1 or Audi A3 Sportback?
In the competitive arena of compact cars, Audi and BMW have been long-standing rivals. With the Audi A3 Sportback and the BMW X1 leading their respective segments, it's time to compare these two icons in terms of design, performance, and technology. Both vehicles cater to different audiences but share the common goal of delivering premium experiences.
The Audi A3 Sportback showcases a sleek, hatchback design that combines elegance with a sporty flair. Measuring between 4352 mm and 4381 mm in length, it maintains a compact stature enhancing its agility. The A3's width stands at 1816 mm and its height varies slightly around 1470 mm, giving it a low, aerodynamic profile.
Contrastingly, the BMW X1 embraces a robust SUV design, standing taller and more imposing than the A3. Measuring 4500 mm to 4505 mm in length and boasting a height between 1622 mm and 1642 mm, it offers a more commanding road presence. Despite its larger size, the X1 maintains a sophisticated look, catering to buyers who value spaciousness alongside luxury.
Under the hood, the Audi A3 Sportback offers a range of engines including petrol, diesel, and even a plug-in hybrid option. The petrol variants produce between 150 HP to a staggering 400 HP, suitable for various driving styles. The Sportback's plug-in hybrid offers an electric range up to 143 km, backed by a 19.7 kWh battery, supporting an eco-friendly lifestyle without sacrificing power.
The BMW X1 does not lag behind, offering similar variety with its diesel, petrol, and hybrid engines. The petrol variants deliver up to 245 HP, while the hybrid model offers an electric range of 83 km thanks to its 14.2 kWh battery. This demonstrates BMW's commitment to efficient performance, matched with their signature driving dynamics.
Inside the Audi A3 Sportback, the focus is on a driver-centric layout, enveloping occupants in premium materials. The trunk offers up to 380 liters, adequate for everyday use without compromising on passenger comfort.
The X1, true to its SUV nature, provides more room for passengers and cargo, with a trunk capacity of up to 540 liters. Its interior is designed for practicality and elegance, making it ideal for those who need extra space for family or gear.
Both vehicles are outfitted with the latest technology. The Audi A3 Sportback is equipped with an advanced infotainment system, featuring intuitive controls and connectivity options that keep drivers informed and entertained.
Similarly, the BMW X1 is no stranger to innovation, fitted with an impressive infotainment suite that offers a plethora of functions from navigation to real-time traffic updates, enhanced by the premium build quality BMW is known for.
The decision between the Audi A3 Sportback and the BMW X1 ultimately depends on personal preference and lifestyle. The A3 Sportback appeals to those looking for sporty elegance and performance, while also offering a greener drive through its hybrid model. Meanwhile, the BMW X1 stands out for those needing more space and versatility without compromising on luxury and efficiency. Explore both, and you may find that either could be your perfect road companion.
Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.
Audi A3 Sportback is considerably cheaper – starting at 27,000 £ , while the BMW X1 costs 38,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,228 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Audi A3 Sportback uses 1.1 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the BMW X1 with 2.5 L/100km. The difference is about 1.4 L/100km.
As for electric range, the Audi A3 Sportback offers clearly more range – reaching up to 141 km, about 60 km more than the BMW X1.
Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.
When it comes to engine power, the Audi A3 Sportback offers somewhat more power – delivering 400 HP compared to 326 HP. That’s roughly 74 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A3 Sportback is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the BMW X1 takes 5.4 s. That’s about 1.6 s quicker.
Looking at top speed, the Audi A3 Sportback is marginally faster – reaching 237 km/h, while the BMW X1 tops out at 233 km/h. The difference is around 4 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Audi A3 Sportback delivers marginally more torque with 500 Nm compared to 477 Nm. That’s about 23 Nm more.
Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Audi A3 Sportback is moderately lighter – 1,360 kg compared to 1,575 kg. The difference is around 215 kg.
Looking at boot space, the BMW X1 offers markedly more boot space – 540 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 160 L.
For maximum load capacity, the BMW X1 offers noticeably more capacity – up to 1,545 L, about 445 L more than the Audi A3 Sportback.
When it comes to payload, the BMW X1 carries barely more – 500 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 20 kg.
The Audi A3 Sportback is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The BMW X1 brings a premium feel to compact crossover life, wrapping practical space and agile handling into a tidy, upscale package. It’s ideal for buyers who want BMW driving dynamics without the bulk, offering everyday comfort and a few clever tricks to keep the commute interesting.
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The Audi A3 Sportback wraps premium materials and crisp German design into a practical hatchback package that makes daily driving feel smart rather than showy. It’s nimble in the city, composed on longer trips, and carries just enough swagger to satisfy buyers who want quality without shouting about it.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
38,200 - 55,500 £
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Price
27,000 - 56,600 £
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Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 7.7 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
81 km
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Electric Range
134 - 141 km
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Battery Capacity
14.2 kWh
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Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
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co2
57 - 175 g/km
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co2
25 - 211 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
47 - 54 L
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Fuel tank capacity
40 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1,575 - 1,935 kg
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Curb weight
1,360 - 1,685 kg
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Trunk capacity
490 - 540 L
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Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
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Length
4,500 mm
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Length
4,352 - 4,353 mm
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Width
1,845 mm
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Width
1,816 - 1,851 mm
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Height
1,630 - 1,642 mm
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Height
1,441 - 1,470 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1,495 - 1,545 L
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Max trunk capacity
1,100 L
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Payload
490 - 500 kg
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Payload
410 - 480 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
136 - 326 HP
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Power HP
116 - 400 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 9.2 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
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Max Speed
190 - 233 km/h
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Max Speed
225 - 237 km/h
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Torque
230 - 477 Nm
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Torque
220 - 500 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
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Power kW
100 - 240 kW
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Power kW
85 - 294 kW
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Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,480 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
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Model Year
2,025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, B
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
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Brand
BMW
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Brand
Audi
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España