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BMW iX1 vs BMW X3

BMW iX1

BMW iX1

BMW’s fully electric compact SUV.

VS
BMW X3

BMW X3

BMW’s mid-size premium SUV.

First car
Second car
Pick this one if…

BMW iX1

Pick the iX1 for zero-emission driving in a practical compact premium SUV with modern iDrive tech and a punchy xDrive30.

Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor).
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
Width
1,85 m
1,89 m
Height
1,62 m
1,68 m
Seats
5
5

Powertrain & tech

BMW iX1 BMW X3
Platform FAAR (front-drive base, shared with the X1 U11) CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the 5 Series)
Drive Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family Single or dual electric motors (fifth-generation eDrive) B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Fuel Electric Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio) 8-speed automatic (ZF)
Euro standard N/A (electric) Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)
LEZ access Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW iX1
  • Software/iDrive (early OS8/OS9 builds)
  • Integrated brake system (IBS) recall (2022–2024)
  • 12V battery can drain when parked
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
  • Zero-emission and brisk in traffic thanks to instant torque
  • Practical compact SUV with adult rear seats and a 490 L boot
  • Quiet, refined ride, typically electric
BMW X3
  • Rear-drive base gives sharp handling
  • Big boot (550 l) & roomy rear seat
  • Strong, efficient B-series engines

Cons

BMW iX1
  • Firm ride, especially on larger wheels and M Sport
  • Battery pack slightly reduces boot versus the X1
BMW X3
  • Firm ride on M Sport suspension (run-flat)
  • Pricier than most rivals

Compare specific generations

Belgian taxes & LEZ

Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers