BMW IX3 vs Audi Q4 E-Tron
What's the difference?

BMW IX3

$89,900 - $112,500

2026 price

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Audi Q4 E-Tron

$64,990 - $114,990

2025 price

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Summary

2026 BMW IX3

2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron

By Emily Agar

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Electromagnetically Excited

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

805 km

Electric range

524 km

Energy consumption

18.8 kWh/100km

17.4 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

108.70 kWh

82.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Great driving range
Spacious cabin for the whole family
Excellent real-world efficiency

Interior packaging and design
Efficient yet powerful EV drivetrains
Easy and enjoyable driveability

Dislikes

Optioned wheels hurt range
Fussy ride on rough roads
Missing features for flagship grade

No spare wheel
Needs single-pedal driving/braking
Base equipment levels a bit stingy

2026 BMW IX3 Summary

We’re in the new BMW iX3, the first production model to arrive on BMW’s Neue Klasse (new class) EV architecture. We’re testing the flagship 50 xDrive, and it begs the question: has BMW actually managed to make its next generation of EVs feel like a proper Bimmer? Buyers expect a lot from that badge when it comes to ride and handling, so does this electric SUV actually deliver?

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2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron Summary

Here’s a fun fact.

Audi has only ever offered two rear-wheel drive (RWD) production cars in its entire 116-year history… the spectacular R8 supercar and the electrifying e-tron GT.

Now there’s this, the Q4 e-tron – a small-ish medium-sized SUV electric vehicle (EV), and Audi’s overdue response to the BMW iX1 and iX2, Polestar 4, Volvo EX40, Mercedes EQA and, of course, the Tesla Model Y.

Overdue? It’s been in production since March, 2021, making it very, very late to Australia.

But, you know what? You might be very glad the local team waited, because this MY25 update might be the premium medium electric SUV to buy right now.

To find out, read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 BMW IX3 2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron

Verdict

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is a seriously quick electric SUV that earns points for its family practicality, while its impressive range could go a long way towards easing range anxiety. The ride isn’t always as settled as I’d like, but for the most part, this is a well-executed premium EV.

Verdict

Audi is famous for sticking doggedly to front-wheel drive and quattro AWD, but clearly, when it puts its mind to it, the few RWD machines it has produced over its 116 years have been exceptional.

While not as exciting as the R8 or as supersonic as the e-tron GT, the Q4 e-tron is an impressive machine. Thoroughly engineered and thoughtfully designed to be a friendly, refined, comfortable, safe and capable family SUV, it deserves to be on your shortlist.

With a couple of choice option packages, the base 45 seems remarkably complete, but there’s plenty to enjoy in the hot-shot 55 quattro as well. Either way, Audi seems to be on a winner.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

BMW IX3 vs Audi Q4 E-Tron What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW IX3 vs Audi Q4 E-Tron
What's the difference?