In this article, we would like to show you the technical differences between BMW X3 vs BMW X1. This is not a real-life test, only a simple technical comparison, based solely on the technical data of both cars.

In this video, you can find the differences between the BMW X3 vs BMW X1 in the following categories:
1. External dimensions (length, width, height, wheelbase, ground clearance)
2. Interior dimensions (headroom, legroom, shoulder room)
3. Cargo volume/luggage compartment, weight
4. Maximum power, maximum torque, top speed, acceleration 0-100 km/h / 0-62 mph

Exterior dimensions: evidently X3 is larger than X1

BMW X3 is 4755 mm / 187,2 inches long, 1920 mm / 75,6 inches wide, 1660 mm / 65,4 inches high, and has a 2865 mm / 112,8 inches long wheelbase. Its ground clearance is 216 mm / 8,5 inches.

BMW X1 is 4500 mm / 177,2 inches long, 1845 mm / 72,6 inches wide, 1642 mm / 64,6 inches high. It has a 2692 mm / 106 inches long wheelbase. Its ground clearance is 205 mm / 8,1 inches.

That means that the BMW X3 is 255 mm longer, 75 wider, as well as 18 mm higher. It has a 173 mm longer wheelbase and 11 mm more ground clearance compared to the BMW X1.

More cargo space in X3, X1 is much lighter

BMW X3 has 570 liters of luggage volume (VDA, seats up). With rear seats folded down, the cargo capacity extends to 1700 liters.

On the other hand, the BMW X1 has 500 liters of luggage volume (VDA, seats up). With rear seats folded down, the cargo capacity extends to 1545 liters.

Therefore, the BMW X3 has 70 liters more volume when the seats are up. Furthermore, it has 155 liters more volume when the rear seats are folded down.

Similar engines, more power for the X3

The engine power of the BMW X3 ranges from 197 HP / 145 kW to 398 HP / 293 kW. The maximum torque is available from 330 Nm / 243 lb. ft. to 580 Nm / 428 lb. ft.

BMW X1 engines are available from 136 HP / 100 kW to 326 HP / 240 kW. Depending on the engine, the maximum torque is available from 230 Nm / 170 lb. ft. to 477 Nm / 352 lb. ft.

X3 vs X1 performance

The slowest BMW X3 has a top speed of 215 km/h / 134 mph, while the fastest version can go up to 250 km/h / 155 mph.

The slowest BMW X1 reaches the maximum speed of 180 km/h / 112 mph, and the fastest option available goes to 233 km/h / 145 mph.

BMW X3 accelerates from 0-100 kilometers per hour (0-62 miles per hour) between 7,8 (slowest version) and 4,6 seconds (quickest version).

The technical specification for BMW X1 shows that this car model accelerates from 0-100 kilometers per hour (0-62 miles per hour) between 9,2 (slowest version) and 5,6 seconds (quickest version).

X3 vs X1 price comparison

The prices and availability of the specific car model may vary from country to country, but based on the markets we monitor (mainly the USA, UK, and Germany), we can say that the BMW X1 might be on average more affordable to buy, comparing the base model price of both cars. For more info, please check the price comparison chapter in the above video.

Video and image credit: World Auto Evolution