VS
At a Glance
Power
233 kW
148 kW
Torque
400 Nm
310 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Towing
—
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.4 s
8.5 s
Engine
1998 cc
1998 cc
Choosing between the BMW X1 and the BMW X3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X1 delivers 233 kW while the BMW X3 produces 148 kW. On fuel, the X1 returns 7.8 l/100km while the X3 uses 7.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 196 100 for the X1 and R1 114 760 for the X3. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
233 kW
148 kW
Torque
400 Nm
310 Nm
0-100 kph
5.4 s
8.5 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
218 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1998 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
65 l
CO2 Emissions
176 g/km
171 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4505 mm
4755 mm
Width
1845-2104 mm
1920-2132 mm
Height
1642 mm
1660 mm
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2865 mm
Kerb Weight
1665 DIN / 1740 EU Kg
1805 DIN / 1880 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
540-1600 l
570-1700 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
575 l
645 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X3
3 / 4 categories
Performance
X1
Fuel Economy
X3
Value
X3
Practicality
X3
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
More powerful engine (233 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
BMW X3
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 114 760)
Less power than rival (148 kW vs 233 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or X3?
The X1 uses 7.8 l/100km and the X3 uses 7.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X1 or X3?
The X1 produces 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the X3 delivers 148 kW and 310 Nm of torque. The X1 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X1 and X3?
The X1 starts from R1 196 100 and the X3 from R1 114 760. The X3 is cheaper by R81 340 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X1 or X3?
The X1 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the X3 can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X1 or the X3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.