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BMW X1 vs. Audi Q3: Which is the best posh small SUV?

If you're looking for a posh vehicle that is also practical, then it's safe to say that the BMW X1 wins this fight.

BMW X1 vs. Audi Q3: Which is the best posh small SUV?

It is no secret that BMW X1 and Audi Q3 are two of the most popular small SUVs on the market today. Despite their popularity, they each have their own advantages, which we will thoroughly explore in this article.

In this post, we'll analyze the superiority of each car and find out what it is you should go for if you're looking for a posh vehicle that's also practical.

BMW X1

BMW X1

The BMW X1 has been around since 2011. It is a larger SUV that is currently available in two trims, namely the xDrive35i (pictured above) and the xDrive40i. The latter model has a 2.0-liter turbo engine with a maximum output of 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque giving it a 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds, an impressive figure for something with so many horses under the hood. The xDrive35i is a bit more expensive because it is fitted with one of the company's m135i's, which gives it an additional 23 horsepower and 27 pound-feet of torque.

Of course, we can't overlook the fact that the BMW X1 has an unmatched interior design. It may not be as fast as its rivals but it can take some nasty hits while maintaining its structural integrity. The car has a strong build quality that ensures safety on the road. In addition to that, the X1 also comes with small cargo space for those who want to carry lots of items with them, which is something you will rarely find in a sportscar. The car measures 4,200 mm in length and has a width of 1,895 mm.

RELATED: Used BMW X1 Review: Best and Worst Years

Audi Q3

Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 is a great alternative if you're looking for something different than BMW. The car has been around since 2012 and is currently available in two variants: the 2.0-liter diesel S Line and the 2.0-liter gasoline TT. The former is a rather dull design that looks like it's on steroids, while the latter comes with a sporty design and great performance thanks to its turbocharged engine. The car also has an R-Design Package available, which includes 18-inch alloy wheels that are wrapped in tires specially made for driving on various road surfaces.

The Audi Q3 also comes with decent trunk space for you to store all of your belongings in. It measures 4,800 mm in length and has a width of 1,820 mm. It may be a bit smaller than the BMW X1 but it is certainly more practical.

RELATED: Used Audi Q3: The Best & Worst Years

Titanium or Aluminum?

When it comes to the BMW X1 vs. Audi Q3, one of the first things you're probably wondering is which type of materials are used to build each vehicle. These two cars come in similar trims, but this is where the similarities end.

The BMW X1 uses a mixture of aluminum and steel for its body while the Q3 is made of more alloys that include titanium, magnesium, and aluminum. The aluminum and steel combination is stronger than the latter's titanium and aluminum body, while the magnesium and aluminum combination is stronger than both of them.

Which is the best posh small SUV?:

The BMW X1 is faster than the Audi Q3 but the latter does have more cargo room. The BMW X1 is made of a mix of aluminum and steel, but it's comparatively stronger than the Audi Q3. The BMW X1 can carry up to 33.5 gallons (126 liters), while the Audi Q3 has a capacity of 40 gallons (149 liters). The BMW X1 does come with a strong body, but the Audi Q3 is stronger overall. This means that if you're in an accident, the Q3 will be able to absorb more impact than the X1.

The Winner: BMW X1

If you're looking for a posh vehicle that is also practical, then it's safe to say that the BMW X1 wins this fight.

The BMW X1 has a strong body that can absorb more impact and it is a great alternative if you're looking for something different from Audi. The BMW X1 also has an interior design that is comparable to the Audi Q3's, while it also comes with big cargo space. On the other hand, the Audi Q3 is slower than the BMW X1 and it's made of alloys that are stronger than those used by the BMW but weaker than those in the Audi.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 each have their own strengths and weaknesses. If you're in the market for a small posh SUV, then we recommend that you take a closer look at each of them and choose the one that best suits your lifestyle.

RELATED: BMW X1 and X2: What Are The Differences?

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