2026 BMW X1 Vs. X3

Roswell drivers considering an upgrade to a BMW SUV often consider one of the subcompact 2025 BMW X1 trim levels or one of the compact 2025 BMW X3 trim levels. As BMW models, both these SUVs feature the latest amenities and technologies that will enhance any local or long-distance drive across the state and beyond. So, should you choose the 2025 BMW X1 vs. X3? Explore the features and benefits of the 2025 BMW X1 vs. BMW X3 in this comparison from the team at United BMW in Alpharetta.

2025 BMW X1 vs. BMW X3: Performance

Exceptional performance is a cornerstone of the BMW line, and the BMW X1 and X3 are no exception. Regardless of which model you prefer, you’ll enjoy impressive capability with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood. That said, Marietta drivers who crave a bit more power should opt for the available six-cylinder engine of the BMW X3, an option not available in the BMW X1 lineup. 

Compare the 2025 BMW X3 vs. X1 engine options below to determine which SUV provides the performance you need for your Johns Creek travels:

2025 BMW X1 Engine Options

• 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo Inline 4-Cylinder Engine: Capable of up to 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque
• 2.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo Inline 4-Cylinder Engine: Capable of up to 313 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque

2025 BMW X3 Engine Options

• 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo Inline 4-Cylinder Engine: Capable of up to 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque
• 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo Inline 6-Cylinder Engine: Capable of up to 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque

2025 BMW X1 vs. BMW X3: Seating & Cargo Capacities

In addition to offering more powerful engine options, the 2025 BMW X3 interior boasts more space inside the cabin than the smaller BMW X1. Still, the 2025 BMW X1 interior isn’t far behind and provides the same seating capacity as the X3. Explore each model’s interior dimensions in the BMW X3 vs. X1 breakdown below:

2025 BMW X1 Seating & Cargo

• Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
• Cargo Capacity (Rear Seats Up): 25.7 cubic feet
• Cargo Capacity (Rear Seats Folded): 57.2 cubic feet

2025 BMW X3 Seating & Cargo

• Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
• Cargo Capacity (Rear Seats Up): 31.5 cubic feet
• Cargo Capacity (Rear Seats Folded): 67.1 cubic feet

2025 BMW X1 vs. BMW X3: Luxury Amenities

No matter which BMW SUV you prefer, you’ll enjoy a wealth of high-end comfort, convenience, and connectivity amenities on all your Buckhead drives. Some of the features you can find on both the BMW X1 and BMW X3 include:

• Powered tailgate
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Perforated Veganza upholstery
• Power-adjustable, heated front seats
• Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration
• SiriusXM® with 360L (1-year Platinum Plan Subscription)
• HiFi sound system

Continue Your BMW X3 vs. X1 Comparison at United BMW

Now that you know more about the differences between the 2025 BMW X1 vs. X3 on paper, it’s time to explore these two remarkable SUVs in person. Contact us today to schedule your test drive of a new BMW X1 or new BMW X3 at United BMW. Our consultants will review all the features and benefits of these SUVs to ensure you find the best configuration for your lifestyle. Get pre-approved for financing online so our financiers can get started on finding the right loan or lease plan for your budget. We look forward to serving you in Alpharetta.

You always win when you compare BMW models, but which BMW SAV® is right for you? The 2021 BMW X1 is the smallest model in the lineup, but it offers impressive power and agility for your adventures in Roswell. Compared to the X1, the 2021 BMW X3 offers more engines, more space, and more luxuries–but it also costs almost $8,000 more as standard. Find the option that’s right for you with our in-depth BMW X1 vs. X3 matchup.

BMW X1 vs. X3: Performance

Both models include an 8-speed automatic transmission, and both models give you the option to shift between automatic and sport manual shift modes. However, where the BMW X1 only offers one engine, the BMW X3 gives you three distinct powertrains to choose from:

BMW X1 Powertrains

• 228-hp 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder
• sDrive FWD is standard, xDrive AWD is available

The X1 gets 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with front wheel drive. xDrive all-wheel drive reduces these estimates to 23 mpg and 31 mpg, respectively. 

BMW X3 Powertrains

• 248-hp 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder
• 382-hp BMW M TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder
• 288-combined-hp 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder with integrated electric motor
• Maximum towing capacity of 4,400 pounds
• sDrive FWD is standard with the base engine, and xDrive AWD is optional
• All other powertrains come paired with xDrive AWD as standard

The X3 gets up to 25 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with sDrive FWD. Upgrading with xDrive AWD will reduce these estimates to 23 mpg and 29 mpg highway, respectively. If you choose the more powerful M engine, you’ll still enjoy 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. 

Fuel economy estimates are not yet available for the hybrid powertrain. However, the outgoing 2020 model offers up to 60 MPGe, and we think you can expect similar performance with the new model.

BMW X1 vs. X3: Interior Space & Luxuries

If you compare BMW X1 and X3 SAVs®, you’ll encounter many of the same features in both models. Each comes equipped with SensaTec upholstery, front seat memory, automatic climate control, and much more. However, there are a few important differences between their interiors:

BMW X1 Interior

• 40.4 inches of 1st-row legroom
• 37 inches of 2nd-row legroom
• 27.1 cubic feet of cargo space (rear seats upright)
• 8-way power-adjustable front seats
• High-gloss black interior trim
• Pearl Gloss Chrome highlights

BMW X3 Interior 

• 40.3 inches of 1st-row legroom
• 36.4 inches of 2nd-row legroom
• 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space (rear seats upright)
• 10-way power-adjustable front sport seats
• 2-way power side bolsters with 2-way manual headrests
• Extra lumbar support
• Panoramic moonroof
• Dark Oak wood trim

If you’d like to maximize your interior space, compare the 2021 BMW X3 vs. X5.

BMW X1 vs. X3: Technology

Both of these BMW SAVs® deliver plenty of advanced features, including Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, BMW ConnectedDrive®, and Active Park Distance Control. 

Even so, no BMW X1 vs. X3 comparison would be complete without a closer look at each model’s technology features:

• Audio: The X1 receives a HiFi Sound System with 7 speakers. The X3 includes a HiFi Sound System with 12 speakers. 
• Display Screens: The X1 comes equipped with an 8.8-inch central touch display with BMW Navigation Business. The X3 receives a 5.7-inch analog instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central information display.
• Additional Services: The X1 comes with BMW Remote Services, including Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Remote Lock/Unlock. The X3 offers a little more! Its Connected Package Plus includes Concierge Services, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Remote Lock/Unlock, and more.

Compare BMW Models at United BMW

If you’re located anywhere near Marietta or Johns Creek, contact United BMW to schedule a test drive today! Whether you choose the 2021 BMW X1 or the 2021 BMW X3, you’ll love how you feel behind the wheel. Ready to get started? We offer X3 lease specials that you won’t want to miss.