BMW 3 Series vs BMW X1
BMW 3 Series
The seventh-generation 3 Series on the rear-drive CLAR platform.
VS
BMW X1
BMW’s first front-wheel-drive-based compact SUV.
First car
Second car
Performance
B48 320i · Petrol vs B48 20i · Petrol
| BMW 3 Series | BMW X1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
192 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
Winner
|
280 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,1 s
Winner
|
7,7 s
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
Winner
|
226 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
125,2 hp/t
|
127,6 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
134 g/km
|
134 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
|
5,9 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 3 Series | BMW X1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
|
505 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
1.550 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,85 m
Winner
|
2,67 m
|
| Length |
4,71 m
|
4,44 m
|
| Width |
1,83 m
|
1,82 m
|
| Height |
1,44 m
|
1,60 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 3 Series | BMW X1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) | UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the Mini Countryman) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid | B38/B48 petrol · B47 diesel |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 8-speed automatic · 6-speed manual |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
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)
Compare specific generations
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
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