Browse over 9,000 car reviews

Audi A3 vs BMW X1

What's the difference?

VS
Audi A3
Audi A3

$50,600 - $60,200

2025 price

BMW X1
BMW X1

$49,278 - $88,888

2023 price

Summary

2025 Audi A3
2023 BMW X1
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 1.5L

Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
-

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
5.3L/100km (combined)

7.2L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Ride is a bit stiff
  • Back seat is tight
  • Lacks some modern features

  • Pricey
  • Servicing on the expensive side
  • Small fuel tank
2025 Audi A3 Summary

Can a hatchback still be a fun and fashionable way to get around when the SUV has become such a status trend?

The facelifted Audi A3 certainly makes a case for it.

The refreshed 2025 A3 is, as Audi puts it, more competitive than before when it comes to not only value but also, you might agree, style.

Last year, before the update even arrived, the A3 sold almost as well as its Volkswagen Golf corporate sibling. In fact, it’s Audi’s third most popular model behind the Q3 and Q5 SUVs.

It’s also third in its segment of ‘Small cars under $40,000’, behind only the MG4 electric car and, you guessed it, the VW Golf.

As such, it also outsells its actual closest rivals the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, both of which are close to the A3 on price.

Now that it’s been given a bit more razzle dazzle, let’s see if the A3 can keep that momentum going.

View full pricing & specs
Interested in an Audi A3?
2023 BMW X1 Summary

BMW’s X1 has changed. In a good way. Especially if you’re thinking about buying one as a family car.

Yep, last year the third-generation X1 arrived and after 13 years and three different attempts on a design, BMW has nailed it. And by ‘it’ I mean built a super practical and spacious small SUV that’s great to drive. 

See, as a dad of two kids, when it comes to cars and my family ‘it’ means something totally different to what ‘it’ meant 10 years ago.

And that’s what this review is about: does the BMW X1, and specifically this xDrive20i M Sport variant we’ve tested here, make a good family car?

If you're thinking of buying it for your family then you need to read this and also consider the likes of Audi’s Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLB.

View full pricing & specs
Interested in a BMW X1?

Deep dive comparison

2025 Audi A3 2023 BMW X1

Change vehicle