BMW iX1 U11 vs BMW X3 G01

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

The first-generation iX1 (U11), BMW’s fully electric compact SUV on the FAAR platform.

BMW X3

G01 · 2017 – 2024

The third-generation X3 (G01), on the CLAR platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX1

Pick the U11 for BMW’s smallest electric SUV with a usable 490-litre boot and the punchy dual-motor xDrive30.

Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X3

Pick the X3 for sharp handling, a big boot and strong engines in a premium mid-size SUV.

Best engine: The 20i (petrol) or 20d (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

xDrive30 · Electric vs B48 20i · Petrol

	BMW iX1	BMW X3
Power	313 hp Winner	184 hp
Torque	494 Nm Winner	290 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,6 s Winner	8,3 s
Top speed	180 km/h	215 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	150,1 hp/t Winner	105,4 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	154 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	6,8 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX1	BMW X3
Boot	490 L	550 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.495 L	1.600 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,69 m	2,86 m Winner
Length	4,50 m	4,71 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	20,4 cm
Turning circle	11,9 m Winner	12,0 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg	2.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX1	BMW X3
Platform	FAAR (electric)	CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single front motor (eDrive20) · dual front + rear motors (xDrive30)	B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 30e PHEV
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW iX1

OS8/OS9 software: connectivity and CarPlay glitches (mostly fixed via update)
IBS recall (2022–2024): brake assist/ABS — verify via VIN
12V battery can drain when parked or with frequent app use

BMW X3

EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage

Pros

BMW iX1

Fifth-generation eDrive motors are notably efficient
Large usable battery (~65 kWh) with 430–514 km WLTP range
xDrive30 delivers 313 hp with all-wheel drive

BMW X3

Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
Big boot & roomy rear seat
Strong, efficient B-series engines

Cons

BMW iX1

DC fast charging peaks around 130 kW — slower than some rivals
Regenerative braking takes getting used to in Efficient mode

BMW X3

Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
Pricier than most rivals

Driving experience

BMW iX1

Quiet, refined and responsive in typical EV fashion. Instant torque makes it feel brisk in traffic. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted for a crossover; body control is good and the car feels planted. The xDrive30 (dual motor) is notably quicker and more secure in poor conditions; the eDrive20 (front-drive) is lighter and more efficient. Regenerative braking is strong in Efficient mode and takes some getting used to. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps, but the car can feel firm on poor Belgian roads, especially with larger wheels. Overall a capable, composed electric crossover rather than a pure driver’s car.

BMW X3

Poised, accurate and remarkably car-like for an SUV. Steering is quick, well-weighted and precise, body control taut, and the X3 corners with the composure of a lower, lighter car. xDrive brings tenacious all-weather grip and a neutral, rear-biased balance, while the rare sDrive is lighter and more playful. Adaptive suspension keeps it composed on rough roads, if a touch firm on big wheels. The B48/B58 petrols are smooth and eager, the B47/B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive30e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, driver-focused SUV that shrinks around you on a good road.