Verdict
At RM252,800, the BMW X1 undercuts the RM325,800 BMW X3 by RM73,000, yet its 201 hp turbo petrol four-cylinder reaches 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, 0.9 seconds ahead of the X3. The X3 answers with all-wheel drive, 310 Nm, a 2,865 mm wheelbase and a 570-litre boot, against 2,692 mm and 476 litres. For Malaysian buyers who need a more manageable 4,500 mm SUV and quicker response, the X1 is the sharper buy. The X3’s extra spend is chiefly for size, cabin tech and touring equipment.
Pick the BMW X1 if you want to save RM73,000, fit into a shorter 4,500 mm footprint and get the quicker 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time.
Pick the BMW X3 if you need all-wheel drive, a 570-litre boot and its longer 2,865 mm wheelbase for family use.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X1 RM252,800; BMW X3 RM325,800.
- Performance: BMW X1 201 hp, 300 Nm and 7.6 seconds to 100 km/h; BMW X3 188 hp, 310 Nm and 8.5 seconds.
- Driveline: BMW X1 front-wheel drive; BMW X3 all-wheel drive.
- Size: BMW X1 is 4,500 mm long with a 2,692 mm wheelbase; BMW X3 is 4,755 mm long with a 2,865 mm wheelbase.
- Boot space: BMW X1 476 litres; BMW X3 570 litres.
- Driver assistance: BMW X1 has lane-keeping warning and passive cruise control; BMW X3 gets steering correction and adaptive cruise control.
X1
- RM73,000 cheaper.
- Quicker 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Shorter 4,500 mm body suits tighter parking spaces.
- Front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive.
- 476-litre boot is 94 litres smaller.
- Lane-keeping only warns rather than applying steering correction.
X3
- All-wheel drive and 310 Nm.
- 570-litre boot and 2,865 mm wheelbase.
- Adaptive cruise control, head-up display and 360-degree camera.
- Costs RM73,000 more.
- Slower 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
- At 4,755 mm long and 1,920 mm wide, it needs more room in town.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM252,800✓ | RM325,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM439 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 201 hp✓ | 188 hp |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 310 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 82 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11.1 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Dual-clutch | 8-speed Steptronic |
| Gears | 7 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | ZF |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.6 seconds✓ | 8.5 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 7.2 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 236 km/h✓ | 215 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,500 mm | 4,755 mm |
| Width | 1,845 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,642 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,692 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 476 litres | 570 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 245/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 245/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" V-spoke style 867 Bicolour Light Alloy Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" V-spoke style 867 Bicolour Light Alloy Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Front, front-side, rear | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on front passenger seat and two outer rear passenger seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | Powered Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.7" BMW Operating System 8 with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | Parking Assistant | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Power Door | No | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used X1 & X3 for sale
X1 vs X3 FAQ
Is the BMW X1 or BMW X3 better?
The BMW X1 is better value if quicker acceleration and a smaller footprint matter. Choose the BMW X3 for all-wheel drive, 94 litres more boot capacity, adaptive cruise control and a longer wheelbase.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X1 costs RM252,800 and the BMW X3 costs RM325,800, so the X3 requires an extra RM73,000.
Which BMW has the bigger boot?
The BMW X3 has the bigger boot at 570 litres, compared with 476 litres in the BMW X1. That is a 94-litre advantage for luggage.
