BMW iX3 G08 vs BMW X1 E84

BMW iX3

G08 · 2020 – 2026

The first-generation iX3 (G08), BMW’s electric mid-size SUV on the X3’s CLAR platform.

BMW X1

E84 · 2009 – 2015

The first-generation X1 (E84), rear-wheel-drive based.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX3

Pick the G08 for the electric X3 with a single rear motor, ~74 kWh usable battery and up to ~500 km WLTP range.

Best engine: The iX3 (286 hp, rear-wheel drive) — the only powertrain.

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 (N20 petrol) or 20d (N47 diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

iX3 · Electric vs N20 20i · Petrol

	BMW iX3	BMW X1
Power	286 hp Winner	184 hp
Torque	400 Nm Winner	270 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,8 s Winner	7,7 s
Top speed	180 km/h	205 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	131,2 hp/t Winner	121,1 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	168 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	6,7 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX3	BMW X1
Boot	510 L Winner	420 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.560 L Winner	1.350 L
Wheelbase	2,86 m Winner	2,76 m
Length	4,73 m	4,45 m
Ground clearance	17,9 cm	18,3 cm
Turning circle	12,1 m	11,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg Winner	1.800 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX3	BMW X1
Platform	CLAR (electric)	E84 (E90 3 Series base, rear-wheel drive)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single rear-axle electric motor (PSM, fifth-generation eDrive)	N20 2.0 petrol · N47 2.0 diesel · N55 3.0 (xDrive35i)
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 5
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW iX3

12V battery issues (occasional reports)
Parking-sensor/camera faults and interior rattles
Higher tyre wear due to weight and torque

BMW X1

N47 timing chain (pre-2011)
Transfer case (xDrive)
Cooling system needs checking

Pros

BMW iX3

Facelift (2021) brought better efficiency and range
~74 kWh net battery with 471–505 km WLTP (post-facelift)
DC fast charging up to 150 kW (10–80% in ~32–34 min)

BMW X1

Handling thanks to rear-wheel drive
Compact footprint
Good headroom

Cons

BMW iX3

Rear-wheel drive only, no xDrive
No frunk, despite the EV concept

BMW X1

Firm ride
Small boot for the class

Driving experience

BMW iX3

The iX3 is refined and composed rather than playful. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels stable and secure at speed. Ride quality is firm but generally well-controlled — better than many early EVs on adaptive suspension, though larger wheels and the M Sport suspension make it busier over poor surfaces. Instant torque makes it quick off the line, and the single-motor rear-drive layout gives balanced, predictable handling without the artificial feel of some dual-motor systems. Cabin noise is low; wind and tyre roar are the main sounds at motorway speeds. Regenerative braking is strong and well-calibrated (one-pedal driving is possible). Overall it drives like a polished, slightly firmer X3 with electric silence and response — competent and relaxing rather than involving.