Audi A3 vs. BMW X1
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Audi A3 and BMW X1 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Audi A3 and the BMW X1.
In comparing the Audi A3's and the BMW X1's specifications and ratings, the Audi A3 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and overall quality score. The BMW X1 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Audi A3's and the BMW X1's specifications and ratings, the Audi A3 is a better car than the BMW X1.
Pricing: A used 2024 Audi A3 ranges from $33,368 to $44,841 while a used 2024 BMW X1 is priced between $40,467 to $56,873. For a new model, the Audi A3's price is between $38,595 and $46,743, with the BMW X1 priced between $43,893 and $57,593.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Audi A3 loses 48.3 percent of its value and the BMW X1 loses 44.6 percent of its value. This means the BMW X1 retains 3.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Audi A3.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Audi A3 is 8.2 out of 10 while the BMW X1's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Audi A3 being ranked 9 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the BMW X1 being ranked 3 out of 13 Best Luxury Subcompact SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Audi A3 is 7.1 out of 10. For the BMW X1 the reliability rating is 7.2 out of 10. This gives the BMW X1 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Audi A3.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Audi A3’s base engine makes 201 horsepower, and the BMW X1 base engine makes 241 horsepower. The A3 is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 488 miles. The X1 is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 486 miles. This gives the Audi A3 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW X1. The A3 uses regular unleaded, and the X1 uses premium unleaded.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Audi A3 has higher safety ratings than the BMW X1, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.88 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the BMW X1 has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$38,595 - $46,743
Starting MSRP:
$35,800
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$48,375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$31,800 - $79,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$43,893 - $57,593
Starting MSRP:
$40,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$40,572
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$25,600 - $49,900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$39,028
Price Range:
$33,368 - $44,841
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$52,490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,163 - $100,522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
252
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
5,257
# Good or Great Deals:
72
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$47,113
Price Range:
$40,467 - $56,873
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$45,794
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
$28,730 - $58,418
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
738
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
3,275
# Good or Great Deals:
63
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$17,629
Depreciation %:
49.2%
Resale Value $:
$18,171
Residual Value %:
50.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$18,450
Depreciation %:
45.6%
Resale Value $:
$22,050
Residual Value %:
54.4%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
46.1%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
43% - 50.6%
Audi A3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
BMW X1 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.9 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Audi A3
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
3.6%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW X1
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
11.8
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
11.1 - 12.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
4.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.2 - 14.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Subcompact SUVs)
1.3 - 6.2
Audi A3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
9 out of / 36Ranking
15 out of / 36Ranking
26 out of / 36Ranking
31 out of / 36Ranking
33 out of / 36Ranking
35 out of / 36BMW X1 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 59Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
14 out of / 68Ranking
14 out of / 68Ranking
16 out of / 68Ranking
21 out of / 68Ranking
21 out of / 68Ranking
29 out of / 68Ranking
32 out of / 68Ranking
33 out of / 68Ranking
40 out of / 68Ranking
59 out of / 68Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Audi A3 Trim Levels
Premium 40 TFSI, Premium Plus 40 TFSI, quattro Premium 40 TFSI, quattro Premium Plus 40 TFSI
BMW X1 Trim Levels
M35i, xDrive28i
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.88 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
201 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque:
221 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
241 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 37 / 32
Range (city/hwy):
383 / 488 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 34 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 486 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
36.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53 inches
Cargo Space:
10.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
87.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
25.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
46.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3318 lbs
Width:
78.1 inches
Height:
56.2 inches
Length:
176.9 inches
Wheelbase:
103.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3750 lbs
Width:
82.8 inches
Height:
64.6 inches
Length:
177.2 inches
Wheelbase:
106 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/55R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black / Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Navarra Blue Metallic
Gray
Manhattan Gray Metallic
Silver
Florett Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White Metallic / Ibis White
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Blue Bay Lagoon Metallic / Phytonic Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic
Gray
Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Storm Bay Metallic
Silver
Space Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Green
Cape York Green Metallic / San Remo Green Metallic
Orange
Utah Orange Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Parchment Beige w/ Steel Gray Stitching
Black
Black w/ Rock Gray Stitching
Brown
Santos Brown w/ Steel Gray Stitching
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Sititching
Brown
Mocha
Gray
Oyster
Red
Red/Black
