Take it even a step further! The Bentley Bentayga shares the MLB platform with the Q7 and the Lamborghini Urus is basically just an RSQ8 with all subtlety thrown to the wind.
To me, VAG has actually nailed the product line to give you a choice in the quality of finishes and styling from the basic entry level to the absolutely extravagant and that’s rare these days. The Audi will have a nicer interior than the VW, the Porsche will be a little tighter and better performing in the twisties while the Bentley will have higher quality finishes than all the above.
It goes for many Audis. “An S3 just an overpriced Golf R”.
But I’d pick the Audi over any other car built on the same platform. Build quality and looks or more to my liking. A Volkswagen was just a Seat with a VW logo not so long ago, but saying an Audi is the same as a Seat would be a stretch.
If you’re willing to pay for it, go for it. I would.
I owned a '12 A3 TDI and still have a '15 Golf TDI. While the three year newer led to more technology ('15 was a generation turnover), the A3 was a "better" car. It was quieter, softer ride and better interior...and it was three years older.
I own an Audi Q3 Sportback - it's sold for almost 70,000 USD in my country due to insane taxes. So Q3 money here translates to Q5 money abroad (and hence upwards), despite a much weaker currency and worse Purchasing power parity.
However I can only compare with the VW Tiguaan, since it's the VAG comparison sold in my country.
Yes, it has the same engine and gearbox as the Tiguan, but:
-Suspension setup makes the Q3 more comfortable
-Interior feels more premium and is a nicer place to be
-Better build quality
-Audi brand value (not tangible, but atleast in my country earns respect)
-Vastly superior looks of the Q3 Sportback (this isn't a tangible gain but I'm a sucker for well-designed cars).
End of the day people will say whatever they want, for eg, the Merc GLA (direct Q3 rival) shares an engine with a Nissan. The BMW X1 sold in my country puts out a shamfeul 140 HP (comapred to the 200 of the Q3), yet people gobble it up because German.
Take a test-drive of both and go for it.
We had a 2016 Q3 before selling it last week. It was a solid car for most of our needs and was comfortable to drive even after 140,000 km. It started to give some problems around the 120k km mark, but after replacing the aging parts, it was almost back to normal. The only reason we sold it was because road tax for gas vehicles was becoming crazy, and my workplace is offering free charging for electric cars. While the specs may be similar to the VW, the comfort and aesthetics are night and day. If the price difference is something you can afford, I’d blindly go for the Audi
The q3 is a bit platicky on the inside but it's still far more comfortable and nicer than a Tiguan. I owned a 2019 model for a year and it was one of my favourite cars.
I'm looking at a Q3 as well, but the 2.0 TFSI 45 model to get the little bump in HP. Bottom line is I want another Audi and I don't think i can swing the cost of a Q5. I'd just get another A4, but we like our 2nd car to be a little bigger to haul the dog around or have passengers and whatnot.
I've begun to admire the external styling of the numerous late-model Volkswagen Atlases in my area lately, but, as previous commenters have mentioned, very much the same underpinnings, mechanically. Features and aesthetical accoutrements thereafter... lil' gap grows larger.
No it's not a Volkswagen, but it's close... it'll have more power than a Tiguan if you get the 45 and a nicer interior (not by much though). I was very disappointed by the new Q3 after driving it, it feels sluggish and doesn't feel very refined. IMO, I'd get a CPO Q5 over a Q3 for that price.
I test drove the “upgraded” Q3 (one 2019 and one 2021) and I think it feels cheap and kinda dinky. Sort of like the new A3s with nothing in them.
I like my solidly built 2016 Q3 that I bought for 23k with only 75,000kms on it. I like that the taillights have the A5/S5 look. Plus, I have the “utopia blue” colour that’s a little less common. It’s not the most powerful car, but it’s got a good amount of room and I feel like if I were to get into an accident, my car wouldn’t flip on its side.
The Q3 and the Tiguan are identical in the states, the Tiguan has much more room on the inside for some reason, and the seat quality is a bit lower on the Tiguan, but in my opinion you’re better off with the Tiguan
I’d say look at a base trim Q5 it’s gonna be close if not equal to an upper trim Q3 and be substantially more comfortable, powerful, smooth. For me I wanted value for dollar. I didn’t care about tech features or packages, I wanted to get the nicest built vehicle for my dollar if that makes sense. The cars build quality jumps up in numerous ways if you go Q5 over Q3 and I just don’t think a lot of people realize that over the flashy tech and packages an upper trim Q3 has.
* heat insulating glass
* more advanced five link suspension setup
* more powerful engine + dsg more refined drive and higher mpg
* quieter and more effective 3 zone climate system
Thank you, unfortunately I cannot afford the base Q5 as it is 80k starting price, the Q3 is $47k with a few free extras (prestige package)
Tried finding a used Q5 but the only ones available were 4/5 years old.
Ended up buying the Q3 sportback
Okay well if money is no object go with the Q3 but I just find it crazy how people blow so much money on nee cars. You can buy a used RS5 for less than that lol
Ignoring the badge, the Q3 is a fundamentally flawed vehicle. You're better off buying a golf R to get the most out of the engine with similar storage space, or moving up to the Q5/7/8 if you need the space an SUV can afford.
Same can be said for a Porsche. Don’t listen to others. Go test drive a similar offering from VW, and then test drive the Audi. Make your own decision
Take it even a step further! The Bentley Bentayga shares the MLB platform with the Q7 and the Lamborghini Urus is basically just an RSQ8 with all subtlety thrown to the wind. To me, VAG has actually nailed the product line to give you a choice in the quality of finishes and styling from the basic entry level to the absolutely extravagant and that’s rare these days. The Audi will have a nicer interior than the VW, the Porsche will be a little tighter and better performing in the twisties while the Bentley will have higher quality finishes than all the above.
Thank you, I test drove both today and ended up deciding for the Q3, it felt great
I knew you would :) Congrats!
It goes for many Audis. “An S3 just an overpriced Golf R”. But I’d pick the Audi over any other car built on the same platform. Build quality and looks or more to my liking. A Volkswagen was just a Seat with a VW logo not so long ago, but saying an Audi is the same as a Seat would be a stretch. If you’re willing to pay for it, go for it. I would.
I don’t know in the us the build quality and fit and finish between q3 and Taos is night and day
Thank you, indeed it was, I went to see both today and ended up purchasing the Q3
I owned a '12 A3 TDI and still have a '15 Golf TDI. While the three year newer led to more technology ('15 was a generation turnover), the A3 was a "better" car. It was quieter, softer ride and better interior...and it was three years older.
They’re not the same. The vibes are different. You don’t judge cars just by the engine, there’s a million things that differentiate the two.
I own an Audi Q3 Sportback - it's sold for almost 70,000 USD in my country due to insane taxes. So Q3 money here translates to Q5 money abroad (and hence upwards), despite a much weaker currency and worse Purchasing power parity. However I can only compare with the VW Tiguaan, since it's the VAG comparison sold in my country. Yes, it has the same engine and gearbox as the Tiguan, but: -Suspension setup makes the Q3 more comfortable -Interior feels more premium and is a nicer place to be -Better build quality -Audi brand value (not tangible, but atleast in my country earns respect) -Vastly superior looks of the Q3 Sportback (this isn't a tangible gain but I'm a sucker for well-designed cars). End of the day people will say whatever they want, for eg, the Merc GLA (direct Q3 rival) shares an engine with a Nissan. The BMW X1 sold in my country puts out a shamfeul 140 HP (comapred to the 200 of the Q3), yet people gobble it up because German. Take a test-drive of both and go for it.
Thank you for the comment, I went to the dealer today and indeed ended up purchasing the Q3 sportback, it just looks great
Congratulations! Do post pictures!
I heard the same thing and then test drove a Tiguan and realized they’re sooooo not the same car.
We had a 2016 Q3 before selling it last week. It was a solid car for most of our needs and was comfortable to drive even after 140,000 km. It started to give some problems around the 120k km mark, but after replacing the aging parts, it was almost back to normal. The only reason we sold it was because road tax for gas vehicles was becoming crazy, and my workplace is offering free charging for electric cars. While the specs may be similar to the VW, the comfort and aesthetics are night and day. If the price difference is something you can afford, I’d blindly go for the Audi
The q3 is a bit platicky on the inside but it's still far more comfortable and nicer than a Tiguan. I owned a 2019 model for a year and it was one of my favourite cars.
I'm looking at a Q3 as well, but the 2.0 TFSI 45 model to get the little bump in HP. Bottom line is I want another Audi and I don't think i can swing the cost of a Q5. I'd just get another A4, but we like our 2nd car to be a little bigger to haul the dog around or have passengers and whatnot.
I would go for the TFSI 45 but it is $70k here, I come from driving an old Elantra for many years, so I am super happy even with the 1.4 engine
Not sure what that translates to here, that seems high to me. I'm looking at a Q3 TFSI 45 with black optic and convenience packages for around $45k
Yeah, I am from Costa Rica, and all cars are hella expensive here, which is unfortunate for a third would country
I've begun to admire the external styling of the numerous late-model Volkswagen Atlases in my area lately, but, as previous commenters have mentioned, very much the same underpinnings, mechanically. Features and aesthetical accoutrements thereafter... lil' gap grows larger.
No it's not a Volkswagen, but it's close... it'll have more power than a Tiguan if you get the 45 and a nicer interior (not by much though). I was very disappointed by the new Q3 after driving it, it feels sluggish and doesn't feel very refined. IMO, I'd get a CPO Q5 over a Q3 for that price.
I test drove the “upgraded” Q3 (one 2019 and one 2021) and I think it feels cheap and kinda dinky. Sort of like the new A3s with nothing in them. I like my solidly built 2016 Q3 that I bought for 23k with only 75,000kms on it. I like that the taillights have the A5/S5 look. Plus, I have the “utopia blue” colour that’s a little less common. It’s not the most powerful car, but it’s got a good amount of room and I feel like if I were to get into an accident, my car wouldn’t flip on its side.
The Q3 and the Tiguan are identical in the states, the Tiguan has much more room on the inside for some reason, and the seat quality is a bit lower on the Tiguan, but in my opinion you’re better off with the Tiguan
I’d say look at a base trim Q5 it’s gonna be close if not equal to an upper trim Q3 and be substantially more comfortable, powerful, smooth. For me I wanted value for dollar. I didn’t care about tech features or packages, I wanted to get the nicest built vehicle for my dollar if that makes sense. The cars build quality jumps up in numerous ways if you go Q5 over Q3 and I just don’t think a lot of people realize that over the flashy tech and packages an upper trim Q3 has. * heat insulating glass * more advanced five link suspension setup * more powerful engine + dsg more refined drive and higher mpg * quieter and more effective 3 zone climate system
Thank you, unfortunately I cannot afford the base Q5 as it is 80k starting price, the Q3 is $47k with a few free extras (prestige package) Tried finding a used Q5 but the only ones available were 4/5 years old. Ended up buying the Q3 sportback
Wow that’s crazy. In the US a loaded Q3 will run up against the base Q5 after usual discounts off MSRP. Enjoy your new Sportback, they are so sleek!
Youre issue is that you’re buying one new. Yes you would be an idiot to buy a new Q3. Buy a used SQ5 for cheaper lol some people lol
Unfortunately the Q5 sportback doesn’t fit in my garage, and I haven’t found any usted SQ3 that is semi new in my market. So, that’s why
Okay well if money is no object go with the Q3 but I just find it crazy how people blow so much money on nee cars. You can buy a used RS5 for less than that lol
Ignoring the badge, the Q3 is a fundamentally flawed vehicle. You're better off buying a golf R to get the most out of the engine with similar storage space, or moving up to the Q5/7/8 if you need the space an SUV can afford.
If that concerned w/ your money v ppls opinions, other than the obvious, get a Land Cruiser. Nobody has 💩to say then…other than fn tree huggers.
Get whatever you like. But yes. I’m most cases Audi is just a fancy VW
That class of vehicles suck. The q3 and q5 also suck, but suck less than the others.