BMW X1 VS. BMW X3 COMPARISON: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

When you shop BMW X1 vs. BMW X3 trims, you'll see a shared dedication to superior performance, future-facing technology, and unparalleled BMW style. The BMW X1 is a small-sized SUV made to maximize your maneuverability in the city. The BMW X3, meanwhile, adds 10 inches to the length to give you additional cabin space, simultaneously upgrading your engine to satisfy your inner thrill-seeker. Learn what these luxury models have on tap below, and feel free to stop by DARCARS BMW of Mt. Kisco if you're in the area for a personalized tour.

2025 BMW X1 VS. BMW X3 TRIMS

Both of these excellent models start with two trims each. The baseline BMW X1 xDrive28i boasts a 241-horsepower 2.0-liter twin-turbo engine and fantastic standard features, such as an expansive curved display, to elevate your drive. The BMW X3 xDrive30, also sporting a 2.0-liter twin-turbo I-4, makes 255 horsepower instead.

The M models – BMW X1 M35i and BMW X3 M50 – maximize performance. The BMW X1 variant upgrades to a 313-horsepower engine, while the BMW X3 increases output to another level with a 393-horsepower 3.0-liter M twin-turbo I-6 powertrain that makes 428 pound-feet of torque and rockets to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

Beyond trims, each option can be enhanced through convenience packages. For example, you can add the Premium Package to the BMW X1 xDrive28i to unlock features like a Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon® sound system, and Surround View with 3D Plus.

COMPARE BMW X1 VS. BMW X3 PERFORMANCE

As mentioned above, your SUV's performance will depend on your vehicle variant. The BMW X1 options are lower in each category, with the high-end BMW X1 M35i getting you to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds compared to the BMW X3 M50 time of 4.4 seconds. The BMW X3 also has slightly better MPG ratings, clocking in at 27/33/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)¹ for the BMW X3 xDrive30 compared to the 24/33/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)¹ with the BMW X1 xDrive28i.

BMW X3 VS. BMW X1 DIMENSIONS

This higher performance carries the larger vehicle of the two. The BMW X3 is 187.2 inches long, 10 inches more than the BMW X1. This gives you 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, compared to 25.7 cubic feet in the BMW X1. The smaller vehicle isn't cramped, though, offering 40.4 and 37 inches of front and rear legroom, respectively.

2025 BMW X1 VS. BMW X3 FEATURES & TECHNOLOGY

The similarities between these small and compact SUVs start to show with standard features. Both the BMW X1 and BMW X3 provide high-end convenience and safety functionality, which enhance your drive beyond just basic luxury. Settle into perforated Veganza upholstery and look to the dashboard to see the massive curved display – the BMW X3 offers a larger display, but you get a ton of screen real estate in either model – all of which can be navigated by your BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Your drive will be guided by Automatic Park Assistant and Active Driving Assistants.

2025 BMW X1 VS. BMW X3 COMPARISON TABLE

Ready to see how the above stats look side by side? Check out this comprehensive chart to see how the BMW X3 vs. BMW X1 specs, dimensions, and features stack up. The BMW X3 is designed to beat the BMW X1, but the smaller SUV still comes in with competitive stats like just one less Combined MPG.¹

	2025 BMW X1	2025 BMW X3
Engine	- 2.0L twin-turbo I-4 (xDrive28i) - 2.0L M twin-turbo I-4 (M35i)	- 2.0L twin-turbo I-4 (xDrive30) - 3.0L M twin-turbo I-6 (M50)
Horsepower	- 241 (xDrive28i) - 313 (M35i)	- 255 (xDrive30) - 393 (M50)
Torque	- 295 lb-ft	- 295 lb-ft (xDrive30) - 428 lb-ft (M50)
0-60 mph	- 6.2 s (xDrive28i) - 5.2 s (M35i)	- 6 sec (xDrive30) - 4.4 sec (M50)
EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) (EPA-Est. MPGe)	- 24 / 33 / 28¹ (xDrive28i) - 23 / 31 / 26¹ (M35i)	- 27 / 33 / 29¹ (xDrive28i) - 25 / 30 / 27¹ (M35i)
Length	- 177.2 in (xDrive28i) - 177.4 (M35i)	- 187.2 in
Width	72.6 in	75.6 in
Cargo Space (All Seats Upright)	25.7 cu ft	31.5 cu ft
Legroom (Front / Rear Seats)	40.4 / 37 in	40.2 / 36.3 in
Standard Interior Benefits	- Perforated Veganza upholstery - Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility - Bluetooth® wireless technology - Dynamic Cruise Control - BMW curved display (10.25-in instrument cluster, 10.7-in central display) - BMW Operating System 9 - Dual-zone automatic climate control - Power tailgate - Power memory driver seat - Heated front seats - Active Driving Assistant - Rear View Camera w/ Automatic Park Assistant	Perforated Veganza upholstery - BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant - Dynamic Cruise Control - BMW curved display (12.3-in instrument cluster, 14.9-in central display) - BMW Interaction Bar - BMW Operating System 9 - Heated front seats - Active Driving Assistant - Rear View Camera w/ Automatic Park Assistant

TEST DRIVE BOTH AT DARCARS BMW OF MT. KISCO

With how close the comparison is, everything comes down to your personal preferences when deciding which of these premium SUVs should join your garage. Visit a trusted BMW dealership like DARCARS BMW of Mt. Kisco to tour and test-drive any new BMW cars for sale and find the luxury BMW SUV of your choice. You and your family will love the spacious and elegant cabins, no matter which model you take home.

Once you've decided on the option that is right for you, our financing desk can show off new car specials that make it easier to go home with everything you want. Whether it's a special on add-ons or a fantastic starting price, you won't want to miss these limited-time offers.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the main difference between the BMW X1 and BMW X3?

The most significant differences between the BMW X1 and BMW X3 are size and performance. The BMW X3 is 10 inches longer than the BMW X1, which translates to more standard cargo space. The former is also more powerful, reaching 60 mph quicker than its smaller sibling. That being said, the BMW X1 gives you and your passengers slightly more legroom.

What is a BMW X1 comparable to?

The BMW X1 is a subcompact luxury SUV. It's in the same class as the Lexus UX, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, Genesis GV60, and other small yet sophisticated sport-utes. These smaller vehicles prioritize maneuverability and comfort while offering foldable rear seats for expansive cargo space. Contact us for more information on good options to compare to the BMW X1.

Is the BMW X3 a small or midsize SUV?

The BMW X3 is considered to be a compact SUV. At a length of 187.2 inches, this vehicle can hold plenty of items for daily driving, airport visits, and more while not overfilling your garage. It's comparable to rival compact premium options like the Porsche Macan, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, or Volvo XC60. Contact us to see how much space this compact SUV can provide you!

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