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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs BMW 1 Series comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 300 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or BMW 1 Series?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs BMW 1 Series: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • significantly more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly more trunk space

BMW 1 Series

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  • markedly cheaper
  • very slightly lighter

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

3 Series Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BMW 1 Series is markedly cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,142 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 3 Series Saloon uses 2.4 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the BMW 1 Series with 4.3 L/100km. The difference is about 1.9 L/100km.

1 Series

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers significantly more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 300 HP. That’s roughly 230 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the BMW 1 Series takes 4.9 s. That’s about 1.4 s quicker.

There’s no difference in top speed – both reach 250 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 3 Series Saloon delivers clearly more torque with 700 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 300 Nm more.

3 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 1 Series is very slightly lighter – 1,465 kg compared to 1,575 kg. The difference is around 110 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers visibly more boot space – 480 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 100 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries marginally more – 510 kg compared to 495 kg. That’s a difference of about 15 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £39,900
3 Series Saloon

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 530 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 96 - 101 km
BMW 3 Series Saloon
BMW 1 Series

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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BMW 3 Series Saloon

The BMW 3 Series saloon is a driver's car in a suit, blending poised handling with a cabin that feels more premium than its practicality suggests. It’s composed enough for daily duties yet playful enough to keep weekend drives interesting, making it a sensible choice for buyers who still want to have fun.

details

BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series is a compact premium hatchback that injects a proper sense of driving fun into everyday life, with sharp handling and a cabin that punches above its class. It’s a great pick for buyers who want sporty manners without losing practicality, and yes, you’ll still get that unmistakable BMW grin behind the wheel.

details
BMW 3 Series Saloon
BMW 1 Series

Costs and Consumption

Price
39,900 - 91,000 £
Price
28,800 - 51,100 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
19.5 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
112 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 59 L
Fuel tank capacity
49 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
4
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Length
4,713 mm
Length
4,361 mm
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,800 mm
Height
1,440 - 1,446 mm
Height
1,459 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,135 - 1,200 L
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
475 - 510 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Max Speed
218 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
210 - 250 km/h
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,024
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
Brand
BMW
Brand
BMW
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.