The BMW X1 and the BMW X3 are not a smaller and a larger version of one idea. They are two sizes of car built for two different weeks, and the ten inches of length and seven inches of wheelbase between them do more to separate them than the price does. The X1 xDrive28i starts at $43,200 MSRP on a 106.0-inch wheelbase; the X3 30 xDrive starts at $51,300 MSRP on a 113-inch one.

We sell both at BMW of Napa Valley in Fairfield, and buyers cross-shop them constantly. This page sets the published figures out and describes what each car is built to do, so the choice comes down to your driveway, your passengers and what you tow.

2027 BMW X1 and BMW X3 30 xDrive: Overview

BMW X1 xDrive28i. A 177.2-inch compact Sports Activity Vehicle on a 106.0-inch wheelbase, five seats, xDrive all-wheel drive standard. Its 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four makes 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft through a 7-speed dual clutch, for a BMW-estimated 6.2 seconds to 60 mph at a curb weight of 3,750 pounds. Cargo is 25.7 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 57.2 cubic feet folded, with a standard payload capacity of 994 pounds. The BMW Curved Display, navigation, a power liftgate and roof rails are standard.

BMW X3 30 xDrive. A 187.2-inch Sports Activity Vehicle on a 113-inch wheelbase, five seats, xDrive all-wheel drive. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four with a mild-hybrid system makes 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft through an 8-speed automatic, reaching 60 mph in 6.0 seconds at a curb weight of 4,176 pounds. Cargo is 32 cubic feet behind the second row and 67 cubic feet folded, the fuel tank holds 17 gallons, and it is rated to tow 4,001 pounds.

Powertrain and Performance Compared

Specification	BMW X1 xDrive28i	BMW X3 30 xDrive
Horsepower	241 hp	255 hp
Torque	295 lb-ft, both cars
0-60 mph	6.2 sec	6.0 sec
Engine	2.0L turbocharged inline-4	2.0L turbocharged inline-4, mild hybrid
Transmission	7-speed dual clutch	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain	xDrive all-wheel drive, standard on both
Curb weight	3,750 pounds	4,176 pounds
Fuel capacity	14.3 gallons	17 gallons

Size and Space Compared

Measurement	BMW X1 xDrive28i	BMW X3 30 xDrive
Wheelbase	106.0 in	113 in
Length	177.2 in	187.2 in
Width, excluding mirrors	72.6 in	76 in
Height	64.6 in	65.4 in
Cargo behind the rear seats	25.7 cu ft	32 cu ft
Cargo, rear seats folded	up to 57.2 cu ft	67 cu ft
Seating	5 seats, both cars

Pricing Compared

Model	Starting MSRP	Power	Wheelbase
BMW X1 xDrive28i	$43,200	241 hp	106.0 in
BMW X3 30 xDrive	$51,300	255 hp	113 in

Both are starting MSRPs and exclude destination and handling, taxes, title and registration. The 2027 BMW X1's destination and handling charge is $1,350. Confirm current pricing with the dealership.

Where Each Car Wins

The BMW X1

The X1 is 10.0 inches shorter and 426 pounds lighter, which is what makes it the easier of the two in a compact parking space, in the Interstate 80 crawl and on a tight two-lane road. It turns inside a 38.4-foot circle and measures 82.8 inches across the mirrors, so a single garage bay is a normal park rather than a manoeuvre. It carries 25.7 cubic feet behind its rear seats and 994 pounds of payload, which covers five adults and a full boot. And it opens the X range at $43,200 MSRP with the BMW Curved Display, navigation, a power liftgate, roof rails and the full five-system safety suite already standard.

The BMW X3

The X3 puts its seven extra inches of wheelbase into the places you feel them: 32 cubic feet behind the rear seats against 25.7, and 67 cubic feet folded against 57.2. It makes 255 horsepower to the X1's 241 and reaches 60 mph in 6.0 seconds against 6.2. It carries 17 gallons of fuel rather than 14.3, so it goes further between stops on a long run. And it is rated to tow 4,001 pounds, which puts a trailer or a small boat inside its published capability.

Which One Should You Buy?

• You park it in a tight garage or on a city street every day. The BMW X1, at 177.2 inches long with a 38.4-foot turning circle. See X1 inventory.
• You tow. The BMW X3, which is rated to 4,001 pounds.
• Your load is people plus luggage every week. The BMW X3, for its 32 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
• Your load is people plus luggage a few times a year. The BMW X1, whose 25.7 cubic feet handles it and whose smaller footprint pays off the rest of the time.
• You drive the valley two-lanes for pleasure. The BMW X1, for its lower weight and shorter wheelbase, and the X1 M35i takes that further at 312 horsepower.
• You want the longest run between fuel stops. The BMW X3, with a 17-gallon tank.

Shop Both at BMW of Napa Valley

We stock both cars on Auto Mall Parkway in Fairfield, at 2399 Auto Mall Pkwy off Interstate 80, within a straightforward drive of Napa, Vacaville, Vallejo, Suisun City and American Canyon. This is a decision worth making from the driver's seat rather than a table: drive them back to back on the same road and the seven-inch wheelbase difference explains itself. A morning that starts damp off Suisun Marsh and an afternoon that finishes hot inland is as good a test route as either car will meet.

Browse X1 inventory, schedule a test drive in both, value your trade or apply for financing.

BMW X1 vs BMW X3 FAQs

What is the difference between the BMW X1 and the BMW X3?

Size before anything else. The X3 is 187.2 inches long on a 113-inch wheelbase against the X1's 177.2 inches on 106.0, and it carries 32 cubic feet behind its rear seats against 25.7. Both have xDrive all-wheel drive and both make 295 lb-ft.

How much more is a BMW X3 than a BMW X1?

The X1 xDrive28i starts at $43,200 MSRP and the X3 30 xDrive at $51,300 MSRP, both before destination and handling, taxes, title and registration.

Which BMW SUV can tow?

The X3 30 xDrive is rated to tow 4,001 pounds.

Is the BMW X3 quicker than the BMW X1?

The X3 30 xDrive reaches 60 mph in 6.0 seconds against the X1 xDrive28i's 6.2, on 255 horsepower against 241. The X1 M35i is quicker than either at 5.2 seconds.

Which is easier to park?

The X1, at 177.2 inches long and 72.6 inches wide excluding mirrors, with a 38.4-foot turning circle. The X3 is 187.2 inches long and 76 inches wide.

Do both have all-wheel drive?

Yes. xDrive all-wheel drive is standard on the X1 xDrive28i and on the X3 30 xDrive.

How much can the BMW X1 carry?

Standard payload capacity is 994 pounds, with 25.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 57.2 cubic feet with them folded.

Can I drive both on the same visit?

Yes, and it is the fastest way to settle it. Schedule a test drive and we will have both ready.

Explore the X1