Audi A6 vs BMW IX3

What's the difference?

The Subaru Outback has a lot to answer for. Way back in 1994 the Japanese brand created the high-riding wagon scene - and while the idea never really took off with most mainstream makers, European luxury brands seemingly loved the idea of a rugged estate. It’s another niche to fill, after all.

This led to the Volvo V70 Cross Country in 1997, and Audi followed suit with the A6-based Allroad quattro back in 1999. 

Other luxury brands have entered the fray since then, and obviously the market has proliferated with SUVs… but they’re not the same as a high-riding station wagon.

There has been evolution in the Audi Allroad line-up over time: in 2015 the company added the smaller A4 Allroad, while the original larger A6-based Allroad wagon continues to cop the rough-and-tumble treatment, as it has for decades now.

So, since the all-new Audi A6 Allroad has just arrived in Australia, we thought we’d see what it’s like. And perhaps more pertinently, maybe we’ll be able to answer the question that many of you probably have: Should you buy a high-riding wagon? Or is it smarter to just buy an SUV?

BMW added a new iX3 base model in September last year as a crafty way to navigate the government's increased luxury car tax (LCT) threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles.

The Bavarian carmaker now has six electric cars under the $91,387 threshold with major benefits for those looking to purchase a car on a novated lease program – not to mention less strain on the hip pocket for others.

This particular iX3 M Sport being made in China helps the pricing equation, but it remains a complete specification with plenty of gadgets, features and luxury touches.

A new X3 is due in 2025 but an electric replacement for the iX3 isn't expected until 2026 when it will sit on the Neue Klasse platform and be a very different beast.

That means if you're after an electric mid-sizer from a German brand, this iX3 is what BMW has to offer. With that in mind, it's time to take a look at BMW's most affordable mid-size electric SUV to see if it's a good deal.