Head-to-head
BMW iX1 vs BMW iX3
At $77,900 the BMW iX1 undercuts the BMW iX3 by $32,000 (29%) — but does the premium deliver enough of an edge to justify itself? Here's how the two compare on price, range, charging, safety and warranty.

Option A · SUV
BMW iX1
BMW's smallest electric SUV pairs the X1 body with a single-spec, AWD-only electric powertrain. Quick, well-resolved, and after a $8k price drop in 2026, finally a serious challenger to the Mercedes EQA and Volvo EX40.
- From
- $77,900
- Range
- 464 km
- Battery
- 64.8 kWh

Option B · SUV
BMW iX3
The all-new second-generation BMW iX3 (Neue Klasse) — a clean-sheet platform that targets industry-leading numbers. 805 km WLTP range and 400 kW DC fast charging are headline figures few rivals can match.
- From
- $109,900
- Range
- 805 km
- Battery
- 108.7 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the BMW iX1 and BMW iX3, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 goes 341 km further on a charge (805 vs 464 km WLTP).
- 2
DC charging · advantage BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 accepts 270 kW more DC peak charging (400 vs 130 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 3
Battery · advantage BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 carries a 43.9 kWh larger battery (108.7 vs 64.8 kWh).
- 4
Power · advantage BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 puts down 115 kW more (345 vs 230 kW).
- 5
Price · advantage BMW iX1
The BMW iX1 undercuts the BMW iX3 by $32,000 (29%) on starting price.
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the BMW iX1 wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $32,000
Where the BMW iX3 wins
- ▸ 341 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (4.9s vs 5.6s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (400 kW vs 130 kW)
BMW iX1
What we like
- ✓ Sub-6-second 0–100 from a small SUV
- ✓ Standard AWD
- ✓ Recent price cut sharpens the value case
What we don't
- ✕ Smaller battery than rivals at the price
- ✕ Only one electric variant (xDrive30)
- ✕ BMW-tax still applies on options
BMW iX3
What we like
- ✓ Class-leading 805 km WLTP range
- ✓ 400 kW DC charging is the highest figure in the segment
- ✓ Fresh Neue Klasse platform
What we don't
- ✕ ANCAP rating not yet established (testing due mid-2026)
- ✕ Pricing is a step above the older iX3
- ✕ Top numbers come from the larger battery variant
Frequently asked: BMW iX1 vs BMW iX3
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the BMW iX1 or the BMW iX3?
- The BMW iX1 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $77,900 versus $109,900 for the BMW iX3, a $32,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The BMW iX3 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 805 km, 341 km further than the BMW iX1's 464 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The BMW iX3 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 400 kW versus 130 kW for the BMW iX1. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The BMW iX3 does 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds — 0.7 s quicker than the BMW iX1's 5.6 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the BMW iX1 better value than the BMW iX3?
- On paper the BMW iX1 is $32,000 cheaper, but trails the BMW iX3 on the core measurable specs. The saving might still be worth it if you don't need the extra range, power or charging speed — but the BMW iX3 is the spec-sheet winner.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
BMW iX1
if…
- ✓ you want to save $32,000 on the sticker
- ✓ you match the profile: premium small-suv buyers
Choose the
BMW iX3
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (341 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly do long road trips (faster DC peak)
- ✓ you match the profile: long-distance drivers
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.