[peteydog]

I am in the market for a new car, and I had my mind set on a 2016 Q3 Prestige until today when BMW announced their new X1... Now I am not quite sure anymore...

Looks like in the US we won't even get the 220hp with DSG that other parts of the world get, so Q3's performance and gas mileage continue to be mediocre..

Can 2016 Q3 still remain competitive against the 2016 X1?

http://autoweek.com/article/car-news/meet-new-2016-bmw-x1

 

[j_vincent]

Can 2016 Q3 still remain competitive against the 2016 X1?

Doesn't appear so.

 

[rnlabas]

I am in the market for a new car, and I had my mind set on a 2016 Q3 Prestige until today when BMW announced their new X1... Now I am not quite sure anymore...

Looks like in the US we won't even get the 220hp with DSG that other parts of the world get, so Q3's performance and gas mileage continue to be mediocre..

Can 2016 Q3 still remain competitive against the 2016 X1?

http://autoweek.com/article/car-news/meet-new-2016-bmw-x1

Doesn't appear so.

I respectfully disagree with both y'all - just go DRIVE an X1 compared with a Q3 before you compound others' opinions - it's a no-brainer to me at least ... and while the Q3 is no dragster, I'd hardly call it mediocre either. I just returned from a drive to the Blue Ridge parkway (Pisgah Inn) and on a side road (the twisty bit of NC151) for a few miles was between 2 RS5s - one (behind an R8) couldn't shake me and the other spent most of my rearview mirror time out of sight. When we pulled into a turnaround, the lead RS5 yielded to me, and now both of them spent my rearview mirror time outta sight. I must admit though that the R8 enjoyed the same for me for a good bit of the next few miles too - dammit...

 

[j_vincent]

IMO, the new X1 looks gorgeous. Best proportioned SUV in the BMW lineup. Those seats are wonderful looking and it should have proper space for people and things (transverse/FWD platform). Whether it will be a performer won't be known for some time, but the specs are all promising. Not feeling any regret, but lusting a little in my heart.

Back to reality, it'll probably have that clunky start/stop, run flat tires, sketchy reliability, and an options list that doubles the list price. Never got to the test drive stage with the X1 because the styling, inside and out, are not to our liking. Can't comment on that aspect.

 

[Otto]

Well it does look quite nice, but so does the Q3. I imagine that the Q3 will give you more standard than the X1 will. So you can factor that into the price and buying decision. They definitely are going to have a tough battle against each other.

 

[peteydog]

I appreciate all the input! I am a big fan of Audi but now am very torn between these 2 cars. I will definitely test drive and look at the details of both cars to get a feel for them, which is the fun part of car shopping.

I may be in the minority, but I prefer the look of the face-lifted (and even the original) Q3 over the X1. I love the understated and clean look of the Q3 compared to the extroverted look of the X1. Audi's clean interior is still on the top of my favorite list. As far as the price goes, BMW used to be more expensive compared to similarly-equipped Q3; however, by switching to the new front-wheel-drive platform (cheaper production), the 2016 X1 now offers more standard equipments for starting around $33,000. I am now very interested to price out a X1 that is similarly equipped to a 2016 Q3 Prestige but have a feeling that the price difference is not going to be as large as it was for 2015 models especially given that the price of 2016 Q3 Prestige is now over US$42,000 with sport package (over $2000 increase over 2015 Q3) while still lacking some expected standard equipments for a luxury car, such as driver memory seat and USB connection, not to mention that X1 is for sure to beat Q3 on the gas mileage (2016 Q3 quattro: 20/28/23). Maybe now Audi dealers will be more willing to make a deal given X1 having its target directly aiming at Q3, which would definitely help make my purchase decision easier.

It will definitely be a pretty tough decision for me to make when it's time to make the purchase. I know I am going to love the drive of Q3 and am very anxious now to do a head-to-head comparison of these 2 cars this fall.

 

[peteydog]

What... According to Motor Trend, "A rear-view camera remains an option; along with Park Distance Control, it's available in a Driver Assistance package."

BMW sucks! :|

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1506_2016_bmw_x1_first_look_review/#ixzz3c70bq11v
​

 

[Quatto]

I appreciate all the input! I am a big fan of Audi but now am very torn between these 2 cars. I will definitely test drive and look at the details of both cars to get a feel for them, which is the fun part of car shopping.

I may be in the minority, but I prefer the look of the face-lifted (and even the original) Q3 over the X1. I love the understated and clean look of the Q3 compared to the extroverted look of the X1. Audi's clean interior is still on the top of my favorite list. As far as the price goes, BMW used to be more expensive compared to similarly-equipped Q3; however, by switching to the new front-wheel-drive platform (cheaper production), the 2016 X1 now offers more standard equipments for starting around $33,000. I am now very interested to price out a X1 that is similarly equipped to a 2016 Q3 Prestige but have a feeling that the price difference is not going to be as large as it was for 2015 models especially given that the price of 2016 Q3 Prestige is now over US$42,000 with sport package (over $2000 increase over 2015 Q3) while still lacking some expected standard equipments for a luxury car, such as driver memory seat and USB connection, not to mention that X1 is for sure to beat Q3 on the gas mileage (2016 Q3 quattro: 20/28/23). Maybe now Audi dealers will be more willing to make a deal given X1 having its target directly aiming at Q3, which would definitely help make my purchase decision easier.

It will definitely be a pretty tough decision for me to make when it's time to make the purchase. I know I am going to love the drive of Q3 and am very anxious now to do a head-to-head comparison of these 2 cars this fall.

Looking forward to seeing that comparison as hearing it from someone aside from an automotive journalists, you tend to get different feedback, sometimes better feedback, more relateable feedback.

 

[vestergirl]

Funny story - so last week I was feeling impatient and annoyed at the Audi process and stopped by a BMW dealer. Was up front with them, that I have a Q3 on order (BMW eye roll) but I want to compare the X1, especially in light of the Q3 redesign and (lack of) availability. [Hint: I didn't know about the X1 redesign.] Boy did I feel stupid when the guy told me it's the EXACT same situation at BMW - no X1 2015s left, 2016 being redesigned and not available until fall. I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone.

They had ONE X1 in stock. Top of the line, he said, loaded and ready to go. On the outside - beautiful. I do really like the BMW front end; it's classy. Panoramic sunroof, just like the Q3 - nice. But the rest of the interior - NO THANK YOU. Anytime I've ridden in a BMW, I've had the same response...the seats are HARD, not comfortable. And this interior had hideous baby-poop color seating, with black on black on black everything else.

This is one thing I LOVE about the Q3 - and Audi in general - there is variety in the color choices on the interior. I love how the dash (with gray interior choice) is two-tone, black and gray. I love the aluminum accents, NOT wood. I love the ambient lighting.

I only drove the X1 for 10 minutes - that's all I needed. I don't think it compares at ALL to the comfort, luxury-feel, and ease of use of the Q3. The shifter in the X1 is also very odd; I would hate to have to use that every day. The only BMW thing I wish Audi would pick up is the heated steering wheel. Other than that - NOT.

 

[rnlabas]

Funny story - ... it's the EXACT same situation at BMW - no X1 2015s left, 2016 being redesigned and not available until fall. I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone...

...told you so

 

[Quatto]

Seeing how BMW's design has been progressing as of recently, i'm excited to see what the X1 will look like, but there is that chance the changes might not seem significant.

 

[Otto]

AutoEvolution has an entire 18 photo gallery that compares the X1 to the Q3. Totally worth checking out if you are wanting to decide between the two based on their appearance.

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/photo-comparison-2015-bmw-x1-versus-2015-audi-q3-97973.html#

 

[Q3User]

Well it does look quite nice, but so does the Q3. I imagine that the Q3 will give you more standard than the X1 will. So you can factor that into the price and buying decision. They definitely are going to have a tough battle against each other.

This version was what I had in mind vs. the '16 Q3.

However, in a recent Youtube video by a SoCal dealer, he showed a fully loaded sticker for one at $54K!

Sorry but IMO the X1 is not a $50+K car nor is it worth $15K more than the Q3.

And I am no Audi fanboy either! LOL!

 

[john]

This is my point on numerous other postings as well. To compare like for like, equipment for equipment, the Audi wins on price every time. The only price advantage BMW has is the free maintenance for 4 yrs/50K miles.

 

[rnlabas]

...

And I am no Audi fanboy either! LOL!

You will be young Jedi... you WILL be !!

 

[john]

You will be young Jedi... you WILL be !!

My wife and I are becoming one. Though it might be Audi Fanbabies since we have our Q3 for only 3 weeks. :nerd:

 

[e85sbm]

As a BMW owner for 11 years, I am growing tired of the progress and continual cutbacks in options and features in the BMW. The X1 has always been a budget version in the BMW lineup. It has never offered great performance, style or even high quality materials.

The new X1 looks to be an improvement, but again BMW has taken shortcuts by reducing horsepower, going with a FWD platform and more.

I am really considering the sale of my 5 series and picking up an Audi...the Audi has always been something that intrigues me

 

[rnlabas]

As a BMW owner for 11 years, I am growing tired of the progress and continual cutbacks in options and features in the BMW. The X1 has always been a budget version in the BMW lineup. It has never offered great performance, style or even high quality materials.

The new X1 looks to be an improvement, but again BMW has taken shortcuts by reducing horsepower, going with a FWD platform and more.

I am really considering the sale of my 5 series and picking up an Audi...the Audi has always been something that intrigues me

I've had more than 30 BMWs, my 'CCA member number is below 13000 and switched to Audi back in 2004 - have never looked back, but have kept my 'CCA membership, drive at M Sport schools on club occasions to keep track - literally...
Drive an Audi - especially in bad weather, you'll see why -

 

[e85sbm]

I've had more than 30 BMWs, my 'CCA member number is below 13000 and switched to Audi back in 2004 - have never looked back, but have kept my 'CCA membership, drive at M Sport schools on club occasions to keep track - literally...
Drive an Audi - especially in bad weather, you'll see why -

Thank you for the advice....as a loyal BMW owner, I am finding it difficult to make the switch, but this forum has given me a very positive view on Audi ownership. I briefly owned a 2001 Jetta VR6 and that is the closest thing I have owned to an Audi. Although these early Mexican made VW's were not well known for their reliability, I was impressed with the quality. Only downside I was I had to replace the clutch twice in 2 years because of bad synchro's shifting from first to second and they blamed my grandma like driving for causing the problem

 

[Boothand]

I haven't driven X1, but imo and in opinion of my friends Q3 is much better choice than X1. Basically, well it's an Audi forum, but most of people I know has been switching from BMW to Audi over the years.