2023 BMW X1 vs X3

[UPDATE: The story has been updated with photos of another prototype that appears to be the base-spec X3 due to the smaller-diameter wheels and the hidden exhaust pipe. We also get the first glimpse of the dashboard featuring a fully digital cockpit similar to the current BMW range]

BMW is already working on the next generation of the X3 as proven by a camouflaged prototype of the SUV caught by our spy photographers during transport for the very first time.

While the fourth generation of the X3 is presumably in the early stages of development, the prototype appears to be wearing its production body. The new model looks like a larger brother to the recently-revealed 2023 BMW X1, sporting similar shaped headlights and a familiar windowline.

See Also: Facelifted 2023 BMW X5 M60i Won’t Get Big Brother X5 M’s Sportier Grille

2023 BMW X1 vs X3
The fourth-gen BMW X3 (above) compared to the facelifted third-gen model (below) that is currently on sale.

2023 BMW X1 vs X3

BMW’s signature connected kidney grille doesn’t look much bigger compared to the current X3 which is a good thing – in fact, we suspect it might even be a bit smaller, at least on this early prototype. The profile remains recognisable but it incorporates the latest BMW design language with cleaner surfacing, pronounced front and rear fenders, and slightly boxy wheelarches similar to its predecessor. We can also see a new set of alloy wheels featuring a more complex iteration of the classic five-spoke design.

At the back, the taillights appear to be dummy units, hiding the LED signature of the model. However, we expected them to be smaller than in the current X3, mimicking the angular shape of the X1. Still, we can see the quad exhaust tailpipes with a round shape and the extended rear spoiler hinting at a performance-focused derivative. In this regard, our sources suggest that the pictured prototype is the M40i variant which is a step down from the full-blown X3 M.

2023 BMW X1 vs X3

We don’t have information about the specifications of the new X3 but we guess it will share its architecture with the 3-Series. The SUV is expected to be offered in ICE-powered, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric (iX3) variants, just like the current model, although with cleaner and more efficient powertrains. This is in line with BMW’s strategy for offering many different options for each model, although we suspect it will be the last X3 coming with an ICE under the bonnet before the Bavarian automaker goes fully electric.

The current third-generation of the BMW X3 was introduced in 2017 and received a facelift in 2021. This means that a new model could be revealed in 2024 the earliest, possibly as a 2025MY, marking a seven-year lifecycle that is typical of BMW products. A coupe-style BMW X4 will likely follow soon after the X3, alongside the performance-focused M-branded models that will certainly live on to the next generation with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

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Image credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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2023 BMW X1 vs X3

2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i

MSRP starting at:

$47,135

84 months financing

$164 @ 6.99 %*

+tx/wk $0 cash down

Sports Activity Vehicle

2023 BMW X1 vs X3

2022 BMW X3 M Competition

MSRP starting at:

$95,845

84 months financing

$315 @ 5.25 %*

+tx/wk $0 cash down

X3 M Competition Sports Activity Vehicle

* Rounded payments, for information only, excluding taxes, registrations, options and accessories

  • Overview
  • Technical
  • Mechanical
  • Exterior
  • Interior
  • Safety

Mechanical
ABS Standard Standard
4-Wheel Disc Brakes Standard Standard
All Wheel Drive Standard Standard
4 Cylinder Engine Standard N/A
Turbocharged Standard Standard
Gasoline Fuel Standard Standard
Power Steering Standard Standard
Aluminum Wheels (Option) Standard Standard
Aluminum Wheels Standard Standard
A/T (Option) Standard N/A
A/T Standard Standard
Transmission w/Dual Shift Mode (Option) Standard N/A
Transmission w/Dual Shift Mode Standard Standard
Tow Hitch (Option) Standard N/A
Tire Pressure Monitor Standard Standard
7-Speed A/T (Option) Standard N/A
7-Speed A/T Standard N/A
Locking/Limited Slip Differential N/A Standard
Straight 6 Cylinder Engine N/A Standard
Active Suspension N/A Standard
8-Speed A/T N/A Standard
Exterior
Generic Sun/Moonroof (Option) Standard N/A
Sun/Moonroof (Option) Standard N/A
Panoramic Roof (Option) Standard N/A
Tires - Front Performance (Option) Standard N/A
Tires - Front Performance Standard Standard
Tires - Rear Performance (Option) Standard N/A
Tires - Rear Performance Standard Standard
Generic Sun/Moonroof N/A Standard
Sun/Moonroof N/A Standard
Panoramic Roof N/A Standard
Interior
Climate Control Standard Standard
Multi-Zone A/C Standard Standard
A/C Standard Standard
AM/FM Stereo Standard Standard
Cruise Control Standard Standard
Rear Defrost Standard Standard
Floor Mats Standard Standard
Keyless Entry (Option) Standard N/A
Keyless Entry Standard Standard
Power Door Locks (Option) Standard N/A
Power Door Locks Standard Standard
Heated Mirrors Standard Standard
Power Mirror(s) (Option) Standard N/A
Power Mirror(s) Standard Standard
Navigation System Standard Standard
Power Driver Seat (Option) Standard N/A
Power Driver Seat Standard Standard
Power Passenger Seat (Option) Standard N/A
Power Passenger Seat Standard Standard
Pass-Through Rear Seat Standard Standard
Bucket Seats (Option) Standard N/A
Bucket Seats Standard Standard
Adjustable Steering Wheel Standard Standard
Power Windows Standard Standard
Intermittent Wipers Standard Standard
Premium Sound System (Option) Standard N/A
Satellite Radio Standard Standard
MP3 Player Standard Standard
Heated Front Seat(s) (Option) Standard Standard
Privacy Glass Standard Standard
Variable Speed Intermittent Wipers Standard Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers Standard Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls Standard Standard
Immobilizer Standard Standard
Woodgrain Interior Trim (Option) Standard Standard
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror (Option) Standard N/A
Driver Vanity Mirror Standard Standard
Passenger Vanity Mirror Standard Standard
Driver Illuminated Vanity Mirror Standard Standard
Passenger Illuminated Visor Mirror Standard Standard
Mirror Memory Standard Standard
Rear Parking Aid Standard Standard
Driver Adjustable Lumbar (Option) Standard N/A
Passenger Adjustable Lumbar (Option) Standard N/A
Seat Memory (Option) Standard N/A
Seat Memory Standard Standard
Leather Steering Wheel (Option) Standard N/A
Leather Steering Wheel Standard Standard
Remote Trunk Release (Option) Standard N/A
Trip Computer Standard Standard
Universal Garage Door Opener (Option) Standard Standard
Bluetooth Connection Standard Standard
Telematics Standard Standard
Remote Engine Start Standard Standard
Back-Up Camera (Option) Standard Standard
Back-Up Camera Standard Standard
Keyless Start (Option) Standard N/A
Keyless Start Standard Standard
Auxiliary Audio Input Standard Standard
Cargo Shade Standard Standard
Power Folding Mirrors (Option) Standard N/A
Heads-Up Display (Option) Standard Standard
HD Radio Standard Standard
Rear Bench Seat Standard Standard
Premium Synthetic Seats (Option) Standard Standard
Premium Synthetic Seats Standard N/A
Hands-Free Liftgate (Option) Standard N/A
Automatic Parking (Option) Standard Standard
Heated Steering Wheel (Option) Standard N/A
Smart Device Integration Standard Standard
Aerial View Display System (Option) Standard Standard
LED Headlights Standard Standard
Requires Subscription Standard Standard
Rear A/C N/A Standard
Security System N/A Standard
Cruise Control (Option) N/A Standard
Leather Seats (Option) N/A Standard
Leather Seats N/A Standard
Premium Sound System N/A Standard
Heated Front Seat(s) N/A Standard
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror N/A Standard
Driver Adjustable Lumbar N/A Standard
Passenger Adjustable Lumbar N/A Standard
Remote Trunk Release N/A Standard
Power Liftgate N/A Standard
Heated Rear Seat(s) (Option) N/A Standard
Cooled Front Seat(s) (Option) N/A Standard
Power Folding Mirrors N/A Standard
Hands-Free Liftgate N/A Standard
Heated Steering Wheel N/A Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control (Option) N/A Standard
LED Headlights (Option) N/A Standard
Cruise Control Steering Assist (Option) N/A Standard
Safety
Driver Air Bag Standard Standard
Passenger Air Bag Standard Standard
Passenger Air Bag Sensor Standard Standard
Knee Air Bag Standard N/A
Front Side Air Bag Standard Standard
Front Head Air Bag Standard Standard
Rear Head Air Bag Standard Standard
Child Safety Locks Standard Standard
Daytime Running Lights Standard Standard
Traction Control Standard Standard
Automatic Headlights Standard Standard
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors Standard Standard
Stability Control Standard Standard
Brake Assist Standard Standard
Blind Spot Monitor Standard Standard
Headlights-Auto-Leveling Standard Standard
Lane Departure Warning Standard Standard
Cross-Traffic Alert Standard Standard
Front Collision Mitigation Standard Standard
Automatic Highbeams Standard Standard
Lane Departure Warning (Option) N/A Standard
Cross-Traffic Alert (Option) N/A Standard
Lane Keeping Assist (Option) N/A Standard
Front Collision Mitigation (Option) N/A Standard
Driver Monitoring N/A Standard
Evasion Assist (Option) N/A Standard
Rear Collision Mitigation (Option) N/A Standard

What is difference between X1 and X3 BMW SUV?

X1 has 1998 cc (Petrol top model) engine, while X3 has 1998 cc (Petrol top model) engine. As far as mileage is concerned, the X1 has a mileage of 19.62 kmpl (Diesel top model)> and the X3 has a mileage of 16.55 kmpl (Diesel top model).

Is the X1 bigger than the X3?

The X1 offers 58.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo room, which is still quite commendable. On the other hand, the smaller BMW X1 offers slightly more rear legroom at 37 inches vs. the 36.4 inches in the BMW X3. Its larger legroom gives the BMW X1 extra space if you need to accommodate adults in the second row.

Is the 2022 BMW X1 bigger?

The latest X1 is slightly bigger in all dimensions than the outgoing model, and sits on the same underpinnings as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer MPV.

Is X3 2022 worth it?

Though it doesn't stand out in any one category, the BMW X3 is a capable all-rounder. It's comfortable and enjoyable to drive. The cabin isn't as pretty as those of its contemporaries, but overall the X3 is a solid pick for a small luxury SUV.