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BMW X3 vs VW Passat comparison

Compare performance (398 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (51,700 £ vs 36,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW X3 or VW Passat?

BMW X3 vs VW Passat: Key differences

BMW X3

3.5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more power
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

VW Passat

4.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • significantly more efficient
  • visibly more electric range
  • visibly lighter
  • moderately more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

X3

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Passat is considerably cheaper – starting at 36,500 £ , while the BMW X3 costs 51,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 15,223 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Passat uses 1.2 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the BMW X3 with 2.8 L/100km. The difference is about 1.6 L/100km.

As for electric range, the VW Passat offers visibly more range – reaching up to 135 km, about 47 km more than the BMW X3.

Passat

Engine and Performance:

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 BMW X3 offers markedly more power – delivering 398 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 126 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW X3 is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.6 s, while the VW Passat takes 7.1 s. That’s about 2.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW X3 delivers clearly more torque with 670 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 270 Nm more.

X3

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 terms of curb weight, VW Passat is visibly lighter – 1,573 kg compared to 1,930 kg. The difference is around 357 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Passat offers moderately more boot space – 690 L compared to 570 L. That’s a difference of about 120 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Passat carries marginally more – 577 kg compared to 570 kg. That’s a difference of about 7 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Passat is clearly superior overall 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 £36,500
Passat

VW Passat

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 122 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
  • Electric Range 124 - 135 km
details

Frequently compared as well

VW Passat
VW Tayron
VS
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BMW X3
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VW Passat

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW X3

The BMW X3 blends sporty handling with premium comfort, making it a strong choice for drivers who want an engaging everyday SUV. Its well-appointed interior and confident road manners give it broad appeal for families and commuters who value style and versatility.

details
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Reviews BMW X3

3.5 (2 Reviews)
rate
Franck
3 Aug 2026, 09:01:46

I've been driving an X3 30e for a year. Vibration problems that BMW can't resolve and ultimately considers everything normal, even though an independent assessment says otherwise.
Too firm despite the adaptive suspension (20-inch wheels).
Excessive road/rolling noise.
Finish and presentation quality deplorable for a vehicle at this price.
The personal assistant is less effective than on my previous X3 (G01).

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

VW Passat

The VW Passat is the grown-up family car that gets the basics absolutely right — roomy, comfortable and built to handle weekday commutes and weekend getaways without fuss. It won't set your pulse racing, but its calm composure and sensible packaging make it boring in the best possible way: a dependable, no‑drama choice for buyers who value practicality over flash.

details
DB2019AU00685_large
DB2019AU00698_large
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DB2019AU00642_large

Reviews VW Passat

4.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
Voller
28 May 2026, 16:12:12

That's just a Passat. Too expensive in my opinion, but it's up to each person to decide whether to throw their money into VW's maw. The car itself is somehow a legend.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Sjaak
5 Dec 2025, 19:42:23

Spacious car that drives nicely and keeps its value for a long time.

Jack
5 Dec 2025, 15:24:16

Pleasant to drive, roomy and solid. The hybrid version is also very economical.

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BMW X3
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption
Price
51,700 - 73,000 £
Price
36,500 - 58,500 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 7.7 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
88 km
Electric Range
124 - 135 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
64 - 175 g/km
co2
28 - 153 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,930 - 2,140 kg
Curb weight
1,573 - 1,858 kg
Trunk capacity
460 - 570 L
Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,920 mm
Width
1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
570 kg
Payload
501 - 577 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
197 - 398 HP
Power HP
122 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 10.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
330 - 670 Nm
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
145 - 293 kW
Power kW
90 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B
Brand
BMW
Brand
VW
Is the BMW X3 offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW X3 is offered with All-Wheel Drive.

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.