Verdict
The RM73,000 gap takes the BMW X1 from RM252,800 to the BMW X3’s RM325,800. The X3 earns part of it with all-wheel drive, a 570-litre boot and a 2,865-mm wheelbase, against 476 litres and 2,692 mm in the X1. It also gets adaptive cruise control, a head-up display and steering lane correction. But the X1 is not the poor relation: its 201 hp cuts 0-100 km/h to 7.6 seconds, 0.9 seconds ahead of the X3, while annual road tax is the same RM439.
Pick the BMW X1 if you want to save RM73,000 yet get the quicker 201-hp SUV with a 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time.
Pick the BMW X3 if you need all-wheel drive, 94 litres more boot space and its stronger driver-assistance and convenience kit.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X1 RM252,800; BMW X3 RM325,800.
- Performance: BMW X1 201 hp and 7.6 seconds to 100 km/h; BMW X3 188 hp and 8.5 seconds.
- Driveline: BMW X1 front-wheel drive; BMW X3 all-wheel drive.
- Dimensions: BMW X1 is 4,500 mm long on a 2,692-mm wheelbase; BMW X3 is 4,755 mm long on a 2,865-mm wheelbase.
- Boot space: BMW X1 476 litres; BMW X3 570 litres.
- Cruise control: BMW X1 passive cruise control; BMW X3 adaptive cruise control.
X1
- RM73,000 less expensive
- Quicker 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time
- Higher 201-hp output
- 476-litre boot is 94 litres smaller
- Front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive
- Passive cruise control and lane-keeping warning only
X3
- All-wheel drive with 310 Nm
- 570-litre boot
- Adaptive cruise control, head-up display and 360-degree camera
- Costs RM73,000 more
- Slower 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time
- Lower 188-hp output
| 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 at 5,000 rpm✓ | 188 hp at 4,400 rpm |
| Torque | 300 Nm at 1,500 rpm | 310 Nm at 1,500 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore × Stroke | 82 mm × 94.6 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 | 6 (Front, front-side, rear) | 6 (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 | 3 years | 3 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 the better buy for performance per ringgit, with 201 hp and a 7.6-second sprint. Choose the BMW X3 for its all-wheel drive, 570-litre boot, adaptive cruise control and larger cabin footprint.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X3 costs RM73,000 more than the BMW X1.
Which has the bigger boot and better parking assistance?
The BMW X3 has the larger 570-litre boot versus 476 litres in the X1. It also adds a 360-degree view monitor and contactless powered boot opening, while both have front and rear parking sensors.
