The 2021 BMW X4 is a crossover worth coveting, though our money would be on the more practical, cheaper, and really not much different X3.
Pros Willing turbocharged engines Balanced handling Excellent interior tech Lots of available safety gear M versions especially fun
Cons Mega price tag So-so cargo space So-so rear-seat human space Style not for everyone
Newly standard equipment includes SiriusXM satellite radio, Android Auto compatibility, and several driver-assistance features. There are also some changes to the various option packages.The M40i’s turbocharged inline-six is impressive, but the 30i’s turbo four-cylinder provides plenty of power.
Pros Entertaining to drive, two powerful engine choices, design-forward exterior.
Cons Costs more than the X3, less cargo space than X3, tighter on rear-seat room than X3.
No significant changes for 2021.
Pros Both available engines are smooth, powerful and fuel-efficient Easy personalization thanks to abundant standard and optional features Impressive handling for an SUV
Cons Sloping roofline compromises rear headroom and cargo space
The Audi RS Q3 Sportback is a fast SUV with a distinctive five-cylinder petrol engine and a lovely interior. The lower, lighter hatchback RS 3 will be even more fun to drive, mind you.A couple of things help the Audi RS Q3 Sportback stand out amongst performance SUVs – its sharp looks and that characterful five-cylinder engine. It just sounds better than the rest.
This latest addition to Audi Sport’s growing stable of RS models is also one part of a dual-pronged attack on the small performance SUV market. While the RS Q3 should appease those wanting a little extra headroom for rear passengers, the Sportback earns extra style points with its sloping rear end. The Sportback delivers the kind of assured handling we associate with the RS range, letting you make rapid point-to-point progress while remaining predictable at all times, if lacking in true driver engagement. The progressive steering rack doesn’t give much sense of what the front tyres are doing through corners, and there’s little playfulness to be found from the rear end when pushed. On the smoothest roads and the optional adaptive dampers set to their most comfortable, the Sportback is just about relaxed enough, but still jostles on rougher surfaces. Dynamic mode is a lot more brittle, picking up even the smallest of abrasions. Ride refinement is merely average for the class, though our test drive didn’t provide an opportunity to see what effect smaller 20in alloy wheels would have on comfort.
Audi's cheeky little SUV offers exactly what we expected from the tech-loving German automaker in a handsome and mostly practical package.
Pros Sharp styling, plentiful tech features, spunky driving demeanor.
Cons Tight rear quarters, noticeable turbo lag, a few cheap interior materials.
