X3 vs X1

Mako · 03-22-2011, 03:47 PM

didn't really see any threads on this, and in the US its really hard to compare them since the X1 isn't here yet.

My goal is to get the smallest SUV/SAV that I can without losing features/comfort.

Currently I have a LR2 and actually don't need all the cargo space, but I am worried a X1 will be too small so for the time being we are thinking the X3 is our choice come this fall. We looked at the Mini Countryman All Four and its just too small.

For those of you in Europe that have compared the two side by side, what can you say about them? I need something that can fit two car seats and a double stroller in the back plus maybe a few other things if needed. Is the X1 too small for this? If we think the Mini Countryman is too small will we think the X1 is too small?

It seems as though all the options on the X3 are there on the X1, at least all the options I would get, M Sport kit, Nevada leather heated seats, Navigation, comfort access, moonroof, rear camera...

sfax · 03-22-2011, 03:57 PM

There is an X1 on the next road from mine and it looks quite a bit smaller than my X3. It's always parked on his drive so I can't really pull up and take a picture of them side by side - well not during the day anyway!

I think the back seats have less room and the boot capacity is 420L as opposed to the X3's 550L.

From what you've described you might even be tight for space in the X3. We have one baby seat and when we use the larger buggy the boot fills up pretty quickly. X3 or even X5, not X1

BIMMER UK 76 · 03-22-2011, 03:59 PM

Interior materials just dont seem to do the badge justice on the X1

sfax · 03-22-2011, 04:05 PM

You could ask the opinion of fellow forum member julesjen. Now the proud owner of an X3 having previously owned an X1

Mako · 03-22-2011, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfax

There is an X1 on the next road from mine and it looks quite a bit smaller than my X3. It's always parked on his drive so I can't really pull up and take a picture of them side by side - well not during the day anyway!

I think the back seats have less room and the boot capacity is 420L as opposed to the X3's 550L.

From what you've described you might even be tight for space in the X3. We have one baby seat and when we use the larger buggy the boot fills up pretty quickly. X3 or even X5, not X1

see one thing I have noticed with cargo capacity is that it can be misleading, because even though a car has 30% more capacity, if its in height, it doesn't do me much good... I need the floor space more than anything, a really tall car can add tons of cargo room but I never fill my current car's trunk up to the ceiling which is why I was thinking of downgrading in size.

I did just check out the exterior size of the X1 compared to my C63 and it sort of shocked me, its shorter in length and only 4 inches taller, I have a feeling I should just stick with the X3, that means no LeMans Blue

Batman2000 · 03-22-2011, 04:42 PM

Driver position is quite lower in the X1. Passenger space in the rear is also smaller, especially for taller people. Cargo space is deceptive, in numbers is lower but visually it is deeper and seems longer (yet not taller). I'm looking forward on having an X1 as a second car, couldn't live with it as a main one.

acey81 · 03-22-2011, 05:09 PM

I'd say that the X3 is closer to the X5 than the X1 is to the X3.

Before the X3 was out I had the X1 on the list together with the GLK and the Q5. But I was quite disappointed. The ride was harsch, the interior felt cheap and it was to small to be useful.

Impossible to compare with the X3, Q5 and the GLK.

Spitfire · 03-22-2011, 06:32 PM

X1 not enough room for a double stroller.

MA78 · 03-22-2011, 07:00 PM

If the X1 had be available, I would have bought it. The size is perfect for my needs. If there was an X1 35i available, that would have been my choice. Love my X3 though.

Beyu · 03-22-2011, 09:07 PM

Haven't seen the X1 in person yet since they aren't available in the US. However I believe it may be too small for your needs as I think the current X3 is the perfect size. I've been looking for a new car since August of last year and initially when looking at BMWs decided on the X5 or 135i and wasn't even consider the X3. I wasn't sure what category to put the old X3 in, the car had barely any legroom and just seemed like a slower 3 series with more trunk space. The X1 most likely will be around the same size as the old X3 if not smaller, if this is the case you might as well just buy a sedan or stay with the MY X3 since the X1 seems to be a car that can do a bit of everything yet excel at none of them.

sfax · 03-23-2011, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MA78

If the X1 had be available, I would have bought it. The size is perfect for my needs. If there was an X1 35i available, that would have been my choice. Love my X3 though.

Your next car might be an X1M if they produce one

Hawkshaw · 03-23-2011, 09:17 AM

X1 is more like a small station wagon and the X3 a small SUV

Mako · 03-23-2011, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beyu

Haven't seen the X1 in person yet since they aren't available in the US. However I believe it may be too small for your needs as I think the current X3 is the perfect size. I've been looking for a new car since August of last year and initially when looking at BMWs decided on the X5 or 135i and wasn't even consider the X3. I wasn't sure what category to put the old X3 in, the car had barely any legroom and just seemed like a slower 3 series with more trunk space. The X1 most likely will be around the same size as the old X3 if not smaller, if this is the case you might as well just buy a sedan or stay with the MY X3 since the X1 seems to be a car that can do a bit of everything yet excel at none of them.

I saw a comparison with the old X3 and the X1 from 2009, and the X1 was smaller. after researching it more, it really doesn't look any bigger than a 3 series wagon. So what was the point of producing it? for people who don't like the word wagon?

So the new 3 series GT will be almost identical to the X1, right? I think I will just be sticking with the X3, but hopefully will be able to see an X1 before making my final decision.

MA78 · 03-23-2011, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfax

Your next car might be an X1M if they produce one

roders · 03-23-2011, 10:03 AM

Interesting that the US Market hasnt had the X1 yet......are there plans for it or just going to be skipped cause most american market vehicles are larger cars.
Here in Australia we had the X1 last March, and thus the X3 is about a year after.
Personally I went for the X3....X1 is more of a station wagon than an SUV.

MA78 · 03-23-2011, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roders

Interesting that the US Market hasnt had the X1 yet......are there plans for it or just going to be skipped cause most american market vehicles are larger cars.
Here in Australia we had the X1 last March, and thus the X3 is about a year after.
Personally I went for the X3....X1 is more of a station wagon than an SUV.

It's supposed to launch here sometime this year. No date yet.

Nahoa · 03-23-2011, 08:54 PM

The X3 is pretty much a tall 3 series touring. Americans just won't buy the touring for some reason.

MA78 · 03-23-2011, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nahoa

The X3 is pretty much a tall 3 series touring. Americans just won't buy the touring for some reason.

If there was a 335gt, I'd be all over that.

Nahoa · 03-23-2011, 09:13 PM

gt?

I was looking for a 335xi touring and ended up with the X3.

Nahoa · 03-23-2011, 09:14 PM

Subarus seem quite popular here, why not 3 touring? I don't get it.

Mako · 03-23-2011, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MA78

If there was a 335gt, I'd be all over that.

I remember seeing an article on here a few months ago on how BMW was making a GT version of the new 3 series, and for the M versions they would only do the coupe, vert, and maybe the GT but not the sedan anymore. I am sure there will be a 335GT in the states and hopefully an M3GT if there is no M3 Sedan.

gareth12468 · 03-24-2011, 10:01 AM

Tried the X1 in Toronto Auto show and the X1 interior feels like smaller than the 2005 Hyundai Tucson I have.....

03-22-2011, 03:47 PM	#1
Mako (Sold) '00 M Roadster '06 M Coupe '16 M3 '20 X3MC 1549 Rep 2,588 Posts Drives: '23 M3 comp Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Chicago suburbs iTrader: (0)	X3 vs X1 didn't really see any threads on this, and in the US its really hard to compare them since the X1 isn't here yet. My goal is to get the smallest SUV/SAV that I can without losing features/comfort. Currently I have a LR2 and actually don't need all the cargo space, but I am worried a X1 will be too small so for the time being we are thinking the X3 is our choice come this fall. We looked at the Mini Countryman All Four and its just too small. For those of you in Europe that have compared the two side by side, what can you say about them? I need something that can fit two car seats and a double stroller in the back plus maybe a few other things if needed. Is the X1 too small for this? If we think the Mini Countryman is too small will we think the X1 is too small? It seems as though all the options on the X3 are there on the X1, at least all the options I would get, M Sport kit, Nevada leather heated seats, Navigation, comfort access, moonroof, rear camera...
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

03-22-2011, 03:57 PM	#2
sfax Brigadier General 91 Rep 3,855 Posts Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Berkshire, UK iTrader: (0)	There is an X1 on the next road from mine and it looks quite a bit smaller than my X3. It's always parked on his drive so I can't really pull up and take a picture of them side by side - well not during the day anyway! I think the back seats have less room and the boot capacity is 420L as opposed to the X3's 550L. From what you've described you might even be tight for space in the X3. We have one baby seat and when we use the larger buggy the boot fills up pretty quickly. X3 or even X5, not X1 __________________ F25 xDrive20d SE __ professional multimedia package \| dynamic package \| climate package \| 309s \| xline \| xenons \| electric seats \| folding mirrors \| business speakers
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-22-2011, 03:59 PM	#3
BIMMER UK 76 Major 52 Rep 1,089 Posts Drives: BMW F25 X3 20d SE Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Interior materials just dont seem to do the badge justice on the X1 __________________ BMW F25 X3 xDRIVE 20d SE Black Sapphire \| Oyster Leather \| Fineline Sienna Wood \| 307 V Spokes \| Auto \| Prof Multimedia Package \| xLine Package \| Xenons \| Business Radio \| Sports Steering Wheel \| Sports Seats \| Panoramic Sunroof \| Sun Protection Glass \| Sun Blinds \| Folding Ext. Mirrors + Titanium Grille \| Chrome Exhaust Trim \| Mudflaps
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-22-2011, 04:05 PM	#4
sfax Brigadier General 91 Rep 3,855 Posts Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Berkshire, UK iTrader: (0)	You could ask the opinion of fellow forum member julesjen. Now the proud owner of an X3 having previously owned an X1 __________________ F25 xDrive20d SE __ professional multimedia package \| dynamic package \| climate package \| 309s \| xline \| xenons \| electric seats \| folding mirrors \| business speakers
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-22-2011, 04:42 PM	#6
Batman2000 Enlisted Member 0 Rep 32 Posts Drives: E53 X5/F25 X3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Panama iTrader: (0)	Driver position is quite lower in the X1. Passenger space in the rear is also smaller, especially for taller people. Cargo space is deceptive, in numbers is lower but visually it is deeper and seems longer (yet not taller). I'm looking forward on having an X1 as a second car, couldn't live with it as a main one.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-22-2011, 05:09 PM	#7
acey81 First Lieutenant 48 Rep 313 Posts Drives: F15 X5 40d M-sport; F80 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Stockholm, Sweden iTrader: (0)	I'd say that the X3 is closer to the X5 than the X1 is to the X3. Before the X3 was out I had the X1 on the list together with the GLK and the Q5. But I was quite disappointed. The ride was harsch, the interior felt cheap and it was to small to be useful. Impossible to compare with the X3, Q5 and the GLK.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-22-2011, 06:32 PM	#8
Spitfire Private 6 Rep 50 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 28i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	X1 not enough room for a double stroller.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-22-2011, 07:00 PM	#9
MA78 TK-421 18 Rep 610 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	If the X1 had be available, I would have bought it. The size is perfect for my needs. If there was an X1 35i available, that would have been my choice. Love my X3 though.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-22-2011, 09:07 PM	#10
Beyu Lieutenant 13 Rep 579 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	Haven't seen the X1 in person yet since they aren't available in the US. However I believe it may be too small for your needs as I think the current X3 is the perfect size. I've been looking for a new car since August of last year and initially when looking at BMWs decided on the X5 or 135i and wasn't even consider the X3. I wasn't sure what category to put the old X3 in, the car had barely any legroom and just seemed like a slower 3 series with more trunk space. The X1 most likely will be around the same size as the old X3 if not smaller, if this is the case you might as well just buy a sedan or stay with the MY X3 since the X1 seems to be a car that can do a bit of everything yet excel at none of them.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-23-2011, 09:17 AM	#12
Hawkshaw Major 100 Rep 1,013 Posts Drives: X3 xDrive28i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fredericton, NB, Canada iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	X1 is more like a small station wagon and the X3 a small SUV __________________ Paul
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-23-2011, 10:03 AM	#15
roders Second Lieutenant 37 Rep 299 Posts Drives: BMW X3 3.0D MSport F25 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Perth, WA, Australia iTrader: (0)	Interesting that the US Market hasnt had the X1 yet......are there plans for it or just going to be skipped cause most american market vehicles are larger cars. Here in Australia we had the X1 last March, and thus the X3 is about a year after. Personally I went for the X3....X1 is more of a station wagon than an SUV.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-23-2011, 08:54 PM	#17
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	The X3 is pretty much a tall 3 series touring. Americans just won't buy the touring for some reason. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-23-2011, 09:13 PM	#19
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	gt? I was looking for a 335xi touring and ended up with the X3. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-23-2011, 09:14 PM	#20
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Subarus seem quite popular here, why not 3 touring? I don't get it. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-24-2011, 10:01 AM	#22
gareth12468 First Lieutenant 8 Rep 325 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 xDrive 28i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW X3 [0.00]	Tried the X1 in Toronto Auto show and the X1 interior feels like smaller than the 2005 Hyundai Tucson I have.....
	Appreciate 0 Quote