BMW X1 vs BMW X3

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BMW X1 at 5 stars (2022) and the BMW X3 at 5 stars (2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW X1 and 88% for the BMW X3, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW X3, against 5 on the BMW X1.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X1 and 6 in the BMW X3.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The BMW X1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW X3 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW X1 stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the BMW X3. The BMW X3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW X1 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the BMW X3 offers merino leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW X1 and 4-zone in the BMW X3.

Drivetrain

The BMW X1 uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.

The BMW X3 responds with a Petrol making 140kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.

The BMW X3 has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 115kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW X3 is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW X1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 255mm shorter than the BMW X3 at 4,755mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 540L in the BMW X1 and 570L in the BMW X3, giving the BMW X3 a 30L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 1,700kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the BMW X1's turning circle is 0.8 m tighter, 11.3 m against 12.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW X1 costs about $1,853 a year (6.5 L/100km) and fuel for the BMW X3 about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $285 a year less for the BMW X1.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X1) and 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X3).

Where each one leads

The BMW X1: the lower starting price ($61,800 against $86,100) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,853 a year against $2,138).

The BMW X3: more power (140kW against 115kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (570L against 540L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 1,700kg).

The Verdict

BMW X1 scores higher, 75 vs 73

The BMW X1 scores 75 to the BMW X3's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (BMW X1 ahead by 10 points), fuel economy (BMW X1 ahead by 9 points), performance (BMW X3 ahead by 7 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW X1 costs about $285 less (6.5 L/100km against 7.5 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions