With Audi simply pulling the wraps off its daring new Q3 Sportback, the premium coupe-SUV section is heating up once more. Few rivals seize this pattern higher than the BMW X2 and Audi’s newest entry, each promising sharp design and on a regular basis usability in a sleeker, sportier package deal than their upright siblings. So how does the all-new Q3 Sportback stack up towards the established X2 — inside, outdoors, and on paper?
Exterior Design
In entrance, the brand new Audi Q3 Sportback strikes its huge grille up towards the hood a bit from the outgoing mannequin, slimming the headlights and including plenty of black plastic alongside the perimeters and backside of the entrance bumper design. It’s a pointy distinction to the BMW X2. By comparability, the X2 seems to be — dare we are saying it — conservative and nearly stately. The identical may be stated for the rear finish design of the brand new Q3 Sportback. A split-taillight design replaces the final technology’s clear design. Total, the brand new Q3 is a lot busier wanting than the earlier one or the BMW X2.
Measurements are predictably shut for the 2 SUVs. The brand new Audi measures 178 inches (round 4.5 meters) lengthy, which is a miniscule 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) longer than the X2. The coupe roofline means the Q3 Sportback’s roof is 1.1 inches (29 mm) decrease than the common Audi Q3. Total, the 2 are very related. Like once we in contrast the non-Sportback Audi Q3 vs. BMW X1, we expect the X2’s styling is conservative and practically stately when in comparison with the Q3 Sportback. Once more: thanks for ditching the faux exhaust ideas, Audi.
Inside Design
Contained in the 2026 Audi Q3, you’re instantly met with a cabin anchored by an unconventional steering column management hub. Probably the most radical change — and the characteristic that continues to units the Q3 other than rivals — is Audi’s determination to maneuver key capabilities just like the gear selector, headlights, and wipers onto the column, eliminating the standard stalks altogether. Complementing this futuristic format is a broad array of ambient lighting, inserting the Q3 on equal footing with the BMW X2 by way of environment. Each resemble German nightclubs greater than we’d want.
The Q3 Sportback has 17.2 cubic ft of trunk area, or 488 liters. The X2, in the meantime, has 516 liters or 18.2 cubic ft. Word these measurements are by EU requirements. The distinction in cargo area, like in different areas, probably gained’t be a dealbreaker by itself. From a supplies standpoint, the 2 look equally shut. Though the Q3 Sportback would possibly characteristic extra liberal use of Alcantara, which may be cozy however age worse than the fake leather-based within the X2.
Efficiency
Just like the Q3 SUV, the Q3 Sportback is available in three flavors: gasoline, diesel, and hybrid. Whereas we don’t have any data on a potential SQ3 Sportback to rival the X2 M35i, we do know that essentially the most highly effective variant of the Q3 Sportback will develop 400 Nm of torque and 195 kW. That’s round 295 pound-feet and 261 horsepower — not precisely rivaling the 300+ horsepower X2 M35i. Just like the X2, all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive variants will each be obtainable. The final technology even obtained a sick RS Q3 Sportback variant touting the model’s spicy five-cylinder engine. Whereas that just about definitely gained’t make it Stateside, right here’s hoping it at the least arrives in Europe to correctly struggle off the X2 M35i.
Expertise
The Audi Q3 Sportback touts barely much less display screen actual property than the BMW X2; notably, the smaller middle display screen might make navigating menus a bit more difficult. Options like wi-fi charging, backup assistant, USB-C ports, and ambient lighting are shared between the 2. A SONOS premium sound system substitutes the X2’s obtainable Harman Kardon unit. However once more; extra similarities than variations right here, besides with regards to software program.
In the long run, the BMW X2 and Audi Q3 Sportback land nearer than their styling would possibly recommend. Each ship the mix of design aptitude and on a regular basis practicality patrons anticipate on this fast-growing area of interest. The actual distinction might come right down to style: the Q3 Sportback’s daring new inside and busier traces versus the X2’s cleaner, extra understated strategy. With each now in play, the one query left is straightforward: which keys would you are taking house?
