BMW iX1 vs BMW X3

BMW iX1
BMW’s fully electric compact SUV.
VS

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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