BMW X1 E84 vs BMW X3 G01
BMW X1
E84 · 2009 – 2015
BMW’s first front-wheel-drive-based compact SUV.
VS
BMW X3
G01 · 2017 – 2024
The third-generation X3 on the rear-drive CLAR platform.
First car
Second car
Verdict
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 (petrol) or 20d (diesel) — powerful and refined.
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 xDrive20d (190 hp diesel) — the thrifty, torquey sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Performance
N20 20i · Petrol vs B48 20i · Petrol
| BMW X1 | BMW X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
184 hp
|
| Torque |
270 Nm
|
290 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,7 s
Winner
|
8,3 s
|
| Top speed |
205 km/h
|
215 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
121,1 hp/t
Winner
|
105,4 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
168 g/km
|
154 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,7 L/100km
Winner
|
6,8 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X1 | BMW X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
420 L
|
550 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.350 L
|
1.600 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,76 m
|
2,86 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,45 m
|
4,71 m
|
| Ground clearance |
18,3 cm
|
20,4 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,8 m
Winner
|
12,0 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
|
2.000 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X1 | BMW X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | E84 (E90 3 Series base, rear-wheel drive) | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B38/B48 petrol · B47 diesel | B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 5 | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW X1
- EGR clogging on diesels
- Engine mounts can wear early
- Cooling system needs checking
- Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47)
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 X1
- Sharp BMW handling
- Proven B-series engines
- Optional xDrive all-wheel drive
BMW X3
- Rear-drive base gives sharp handling
- Big boot (550 l) & roomy rear seat
- Strong, efficient B-series engines
Cons
BMW X1
- Less roomy than the Q3/Tiguan
- Front-wheel-drive base (the E84 was rear-wheel drive)
BMW X3
- Firm ride on M Sport suspension (run-flat)
- Pricier than most rivals
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