2021 BMW X1 vs. 2021 BMW X3

If you are in the market for a compact luxury SUV, BMW has an amazing selection for you to consider. Those who compare the 2021 BMW X1 vs. X3 will find that both of these small Sport Activity Vehicles® offer impressive performance specs, generous dimensions, and plenty of luxurious interior features. However, they’ll also find that the slightly larger, more expensive X3 brings a little bit more to the roads of St Paul and Minneapolis.

BMW X1 vs. X3: Engine and Performance Specifications

There are many similarities between the 2021 BMW X3 vs. 2021 BMW X3 regarding engine performance and fuel economy–at least at the base level. However, the BMW X3 gives you much more room to improve your performance as you move down the lineup:

BMW X1 Engine Specifications:

• Base Engine: 228-hp 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine
• Choose between sDrive FWD and optional xDrive AWD
• EPA-estimated Fuel Economy (FWD): 24/34 city/highway mpg
• EPA-estimated Fuel Economy (AWD): 23/31 city/highway mpg

BMW X3 Engine Specifications:

• Base Engine: 248-hp 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder 
• Available Engine: 382-hp BMW M TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder
• Available Hybrid Powertrain: 288-combined-hp 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder with integrated electric motor
• EPA-estimated Fuel Economy (Base Engine, FWD): 25/29 city/highway mpg
• EPA-estimated Fuel Economy (Base Engine, AWD): 23/29 city/highway mpg
• EPA-estimated Fuel Economy (M Engine, AWD): 21/27 city/highway mpg
• EPA-estimated Fuel Economy (Hybrid, AWD): Up to 60 MPGe

BMW X1 vs. X3: Interior Dimensions

Any Richfield-area driver who compares the BMW X1 and X3 on dimensions will reach one inescapable conclusion: although these two models have the same seating capacity, the X3 offers more room for cargo:

BMW X1 Interior:

• Seating for up to five passengers
• Up to 58.7 cubic feet total cargo capacity

• Front/Second Row Legroom: 40.4 inches / 37.0 inches

• Front/Second Row Head Room: 41.9 inches / N/A

• Front/Second Row Shoulder Room: 55.6 inches / 55.2 inches

BMW X3 Interior:

• Seating for up to five passengers
• Up to 62.7 cubic feet total cargo capacity

• Front/Second Row Legroom: 40.3 inches / 36.4 inches

• Front/Second Row Head Room: 41.1 inches / N/A

• Front/Second Row Shoulder Room: 57.6 inches / 56 inches

If you think you might need more space, compare BMW models like the X3 and the X5.

BMW X1 vs. X3: Interior Features & Details

Both the BMW X1 and BMW X3 have similar features on the interior; however, the BMW X3 offers a little bit more to love! We wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve started to notice a pattern. Here’s what to look for when you compare the BMW X1 and X3 in person:

BMW X1 Interior Trim, Infotainment, and Safety Features:

• 8-way power front seats including 1-way manual headrests
• High-gloss black interior trim with Pearl Gloss Chrome highlights
• HiFi Sound System with 7 speakers and 205-Watt digital amplifier
• BMW Navigation Business with 8.8-inch high-resolution touch display
• BMW Remote Services (Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Remote Lock/Unlock, BMW Connected App)

BMW X3 Interior Trim, Infotainment, and Safety Features:

• 10-way power front sport seats including 2-way power side bolsters with 2-way manual headrests
• Extra lumbar support
• Panoramic moonroof
• Dark Oak wood trim
• 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats
• HiFi Sound System with 12 speakers and 205-Watt digital amplifier
• Live Cockpit Plus with 5.7-inch analog instrument cluster and 10.25-inch central information display
• WiFi Hotspot including 3 GB/3-month trial
• Connected Package Plus (Concierge Services, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Remote Lock/Unlock, BMW Connected App)

Compare BMW X1 and X3 SAVs® in Person!

Our finance experts will assist you in choosing the best model for your lifestyle and budget, but the easiest way to compare BMW models is to schedule a couple of test drives at our dealership! Contact us today to get started.