BMW iX3 G08 vs BMW X1 F48

BMW iX3

G08 · 2020 – 2026

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

BMW X1

F48 · 2015 – 2022

The second-generation X1 (F48), front-wheel-drive based (UKL2).

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 (B48 petrol) or 20d (B47 diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

iX3 · Electric vs B48 20i · Petrol

	BMW iX3	BMW X1
Power	286 hp Winner	192 hp
Torque	400 Nm Winner	280 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,8 s Winner	7,7 s
Top speed	180 km/h	226 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	131,2 hp/t Winner	127,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	134 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	5,9 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX3	BMW X1
Boot	510 L Winner	505 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.560 L Winner	1.550 L
Wheelbase	2,86 m Winner	2,67 m
Length	4,73 m	4,44 m
Ground clearance	17,9 cm	18,3 cm
Turning circle	12,1 m	11,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.000 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX3	BMW X1
Platform	CLAR (electric)	UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single rear-axle electric motor (PSM, fifth-generation eDrive)	B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 25e 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 iX3

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

BMW X1

Engine mounts can wear early
Cooling system needs checking
Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47) & EGR on diesels

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

Spacious cabin & big boot
Efficient engines
Practical and family-friendly

Cons

BMW iX3

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

BMW X1

Firm ride (run-flat)
Less playful due to front-wheel drive

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.

BMW X1

Confident, refined and remarkably car-like for a compact crossover. Steering is quick and accurate, body control composed, and the X1 feels light and easy to place. The transverse UKL2 platform swaps the old E84’s rear-drive character for front-drive agility and more space; sDrive stays nimble, xDrive adds wet-weather traction. Comfort depends on spec: supple on standard springs and sensible wheels, firmer and choppier on M Sport and run-flats. The B48 20i is the pick, smooth and willing; the B47 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed. Overall a polished small SUV that drives like a raised hatch, not a soft-roader.