BMW 3 Series G20 vs BMW X1 E84
BMW 3 Series
G20 · 2018 – 2026
The seventh-generation 3 Series on the rear-drive CLAR platform.
VS
BMW X1
E84 · 2009 – 2015
BMW’s first front-wheel-drive-based compact SUV.
First car
Second car
Verdict
Pick this one if…
BMW 3 Series
Pick the 3 Series for benchmark handling, efficient engines and a premium cabin in a compact executive sedan.
Best engine: The 320d (190 hp diesel) — the classic 3 Series sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…
BMW X1
Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.
Best engine: The 20i (petrol) or 20d (diesel) — powerful and refined.
Read the full guide
Performance
B48 320i · Petrol vs N20 20i · Petrol
| BMW 3 Series | BMW X1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
184 hp
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
Winner
|
270 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,1 s
Winner
|
7,7 s
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
Winner
|
205 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
125,2 hp/t
Winner
|
121,1 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
134 g/km
Winner
|
168 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
Winner
|
6,7 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 3 Series | BMW X1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
Winner
|
420 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
1.350 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,85 m
Winner
|
2,76 m
|
| Length |
4,71 m
|
4,45 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,4 cm
|
18,3 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,4 m
Winner
|
11,8 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
|
1.800 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 3 Series | BMW X1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) | E84 (E90 3 Series base, rear-wheel drive) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid | B38/B48 petrol · B47 diesel |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | Euro 5 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW 3 Series
- Early iDrive/infotainment quirks
- DPF on diesels doing mainly short trips
- Timing chain rare but known on B48
BMW X1
- EGR clogging on diesels
- Engine mounts can wear early
- Cooling system needs checking
- Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47)
Pros
BMW 3 Series
- Benchmark handling (rear-drive base)
- Efficient, strong B48/B47 engines
- Excellent iDrive 7 infotainment
BMW X1
- Sharp BMW handling
- Proven B-series engines
- Optional xDrive all-wheel drive
Cons
BMW 3 Series
- Firm ride on M Sport suspension
- Rear seat less roomy than some rivals
BMW X1
- Less roomy than the Q3/Tiguan
- Front-wheel-drive base (the E84 was rear-wheel drive)
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