Two cars, one duel: BMW iX1 meets VW ID.3.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!
As we move further into the era of electric mobility, automakers are showcasing their prowess with models that promise to redefine the driving experience. Two notable contenders leading this charge are the BMW iX1 and the VW ID.3. This article delves into their technical aspects, innovations, and how they stand out in the electric vehicle (EV) segment.
The BMW iX1, as expected from the German marque, offers a performance blend of elegance and power. Equipped with an all-electric engine, it provides an impressive 204 to 313 horsepower, depending on the variant. The acceleration is noteworthy with a 0-100 km/h time as fast as 5.6 seconds, ensuring that this SUV doesn't just fit the utility mold but also satisfies the adrenaline rush.
On the other side, the VW ID.3 caters to those who prefer hatchbacks but with a solid performance punch. It boasts a diverse power range from 170 to 326 horsepower, proving that hatchbacks can be both versatile and powerful. With acceleration times ranging from 7.6 to an electrifying 5.7 seconds, the ID.3 ensures engaging drives whether in urban landscapes or freeway escapades.
BMW’s iX1 finds itself comfortably in the sweet spot of efficiency and range with consumption figures from 15.8 to 17.1 kWh/100km. Its generous electric range of up to 463 km effortlessly caters to long-distance trips without frequent recharges, a testament to BMW's focus on efficiency.
The VW ID.3 is no slouch either, offering a slightly lower consumption from as low as 14.5 kWh/100km and a maximum range extending up to a gumption-filling 604 km. For those concerned with efficiency without compromising variety, the ID.3 has several battery capacities from 52 to 79 kWh, tailoring options that suit different needs.
The BMW iX1, as an SUV, brings excellent trunk capacity at 490 liters, making it a fantastic choice for families or those who value extra space. Its dimensions (4500 mm length, 1845 mm width, and 1616 mm height) craft a presence that's hard to ignore on the road while offering ample interior comfort.
In contrast, the VW ID.3, being a hatchback, provides a compact solution with a trunk capacity of 385 liters. Despite its smaller dimensions (4264 mm length, 1809 mm width, and 1564 mm height), it still comfortably seats five, making it a phenomenal option for city dwellers who need space without the bulk of an SUV.
A heavier vehicle often means more stability, and the iX1 serves that with a curb weight between 1940 to 2085 kg. The added weight contributes to the SUV's handling, keeping it grounded even in dynamic driving scenarios.
Meanwhile, the VW ID.3 is slightly lighter, ranging from 1787 to 2000 kg depending on the configuration. This lighter profile assists in nimble handling, making sharp turns and tight city driving more manageable.
Both the BMW iX1 and VW ID.3 bring unique attributes to the EV market. The iX1 shines with its SUV demeanor and performance prowess, while the VW ID.3 embraces versatility and range efficiency wrapped in a hatchback form.
The choice between the two depends on your preference for size, range, and driving dynamics. Nevertheless, both vehicles symbolize the innovative strides automakers are taking towards a sustainable and electrifying future.
Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.
VW ID.3 has a clearly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 28600 £, while the BMW iX1 costs 41800 £. That’s a price difference of around 13260 £.
In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the VW ID.3: with 14.50 kWh per 100 km, it’s slight more efficient than the BMW iX1 with 15.80 kWh. That’s a difference of about 1.30 kWh.
As for range, the VW ID.3 performs distinct better – achieving up to 605 km, about 142 km more than the BMW iX1.
Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.
When it comes to engine power, the VW ID.3 has a minimal edge – offering 326 HP compared to 313 HP. That’s roughly 13 HP more horsepower.
In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW iX1 is barely noticeable quicker – completing the sprint in 5.60 s, while the VW ID.3 takes 5.70 s. That’s about 0.10 s faster.
In terms of top speed, the VW ID.3 performs barely noticeable better – reaching 200 km/h, while the BMW iX1 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 20 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: VW ID.3 pulls barely noticeable stronger with 545 Nm compared to 494 Nm. That’s about 51 Nm difference.
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 curb weight, VW ID.3 is minimal lighter – 1787 kg compared to 1940 kg. The difference is around 153 kg.
In terms of boot space, the BMW iX1 offers distinct more room – 490 L compared to 385 L. That’s a difference of about 105 L.
In maximum load capacity, the BMW iX1 performs slightly better – up to 1495 L, which is about 228 L more than the VW ID.3.
When it comes to payload, BMW iX1 barely noticeable takes the win – 495 kg compared to 473 kg. That’s a difference of about 22 kg.
The VW ID.3 proves to be outperforms in nearly all aspects and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW ID.3 is the better all-rounder in this comparison.
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
The BMW iX1 wraps BMW's electric ambition into a compact SUV package that feels unexpectedly premium, with sharp handling and a crisp, modern cabin that keeps the driver in charge. It's ideal for buyers who want a stylish, quiet daily driver with useful practicality and tech-savvy touches — plus enough character to make the commute feel less like a chore and more like a short joyride.
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@ BMW Group Press
@ BMW Group Press
@ BMW Group Press
@ BMW Group Press
@ BMW Group Press
The VW ID.3 is a crisply styled electric hatch that masks serious practicality behind a friendly, modern face, making city runs and longer trips pleasantly fuss free. For buyers seeking a sensible, well-equipped EV that doesn't take itself too seriously, the ID.3 strikes a neat balance of comfort, tech and everyday usability with a cheeky smile.
details
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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@ BMW Group Press
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@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Costs and Consumption |
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|---|---|
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Price
41800 - 54600 £
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Price
28600 - 49300 £
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Consumption L/100km
-
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Consumption L/100km
-
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|
Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 - 17.1 kWh
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Consumption kWh/100km
14.5 - 15.8 kWh
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Electric Range
436 - 463 km
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Electric Range
383 - 605 km
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Battery Capacity
64.80 kWh
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Battery Capacity
52 - 79 kWh
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|
co2
0 g/km
|
co2
0 g/km
|
|
Fuel tank capacity
-
|
Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
|
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Doors
5
|
Doors
5
|
|
Curb weight
1940 - 2085 kg
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Curb weight
1787 - 1993 kg
|
|
Trunk capacity
490 L
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Trunk capacity
385 L
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Length
4500 mm
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Length
4264 mm
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Width
1845 mm
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Width
1809 mm
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Height
1616 mm
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Height
1564 mm
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|
Max trunk capacity
1495 L
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Max trunk capacity
1267 L
|
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Payload
495 kg
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Payload
437 - 473 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Electric
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Engine Type
Electric
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
204 - 313 HP
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Power HP
170 - 326 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.6 - 8.6 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 8.2 s
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|
Max Speed
170 - 180 km/h
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Max Speed
160 - 200 km/h
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Torque
250 - 494 Nm
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Torque
310 - 545 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
-
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Number of Cylinders
-
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Power kW
150 - 230 kW
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Power kW
125 - 240 kW
|
|
Engine capacity
-
|
Engine capacity
-
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2022 - 2023
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Model Year
2024 - 2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A
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Brand
BMW
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Brand
VW
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The BMW iX1 is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.
The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.
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