@ BMW Group Press
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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BMW X3 vs VW Golf Variant – Which car suits you better?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether BMW X3 or VW Golf Variant fits your lifestyle better.

BMW X3

VW Golf Variant

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

X3 @ BMW Group Press

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Golf Variant has a convincingly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 26100 £, while the BMW X3 costs 51300 £. That’s a price difference of around 25119 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: BMW X3 manages with 2.80 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the VW Golf Variant with 4.30 L. The difference is about 1.50 L per 100 km.

Golf Variant @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 X3 has a a bit edge – offering 398 HP compared to 333 HP. That’s roughly 65 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW X3 is minimal quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the VW Golf Variant takes 4.80 s. That’s about 0.20 s faster.

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

There’s also a difference in torque: BMW X3 pulls distinct stronger with 670 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 250 Nm difference.

X3 @ BMW Group Press

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Golf Variant is decisively lighter – 1366 kg compared to 1930 kg. The difference is around 564 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers minimal more room – 611 L compared to 570 L. That’s a difference of about 41 L.

In maximum load capacity, the BMW X3 performs barely noticeable better – up to 1700 L, which is about 58 L more than the VW Golf Variant.

When it comes to payload, BMW X3 hardly perceptible takes the win – 570 kg compared to 547 kg. That’s a difference of about 23 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the BMW X3 shows itself to be leaves the rival little chance and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

BMW X3
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis
from about £51,300
X3 @ BMW Group Press

BMW X3

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 197 - 398 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.8 - 7.7 L
  • Electric Range : 88 km

BMW X3

The BMW X3 mixes Bavarian poise with everyday practicality, delivering a composed ride and a cabin that feels both premium and lived-in. It’s the sort of SUV that lets you enjoy sporty handling without sacrificing family-friendly space, so you get fun and sense in one neat package.

details

VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

details
BMW X3
VW Golf Variant
X3 @ BMW Group Press
Golf Variant @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
51300 - 72400 £
Price
26100 - 48700 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 7.7 L
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 8.2 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
88 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
64 - 175 g/km
co2
114 - 185 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
50 - 65 L
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1930 - 2140 kg
Curb weight
1366 - 1621 kg
Trunk capacity
460 - 570 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
4755 mm
Length
4631 - 4651 mm
Width
1920 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1660 mm
Height
1462 - 1487 mm
Max trunk capacity
1600 - 1700 L
Max trunk capacity
1624 - 1642 L
Payload
570 kg
Payload
489 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
197 - 398 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.8 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
215 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 250 km/h
Torque
330 - 670 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
145 - 293 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1995 - 2998 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, G, F, C
Brand
BMW
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the BMW X3?

The BMW X3 is offered with 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.