[seamaster222]

Trying to decide. We want the smaller SUV that will fit an infant car chair behind a 6 feet driver.

I have watched a lot of videos of the X1 but I have't found good videos on the new X3.

I did read that the X3 is not much bigger on the back seats vs the X1.

Any experience?

[arunr55]

I had the same confusion and finally went with X3 because of B58. I test drove both cars(it was m40i) and found that rear seat space/trunk space was similar(x3 little bette of course), but X3 had a much better comfortable rear seat. X3 is longer in the hood to accommodate B58. What I heard from the reviews is that M50 has a little more space in the rear. But no personal experience yet.

[MidnightLight]

Another aspect to consider: do read up on the DCT lag issue that many X1 owners are struggling with. Like you, I was intrigued by the X1 because I wanted the smallest SUV that could accommodate my needs. But the DCT issue was one of the key reasons I ultimately decided against the X1.

[seamaster222]

Originally Posted by MidnightLight

Another aspect to consider: do read up on the DCT lag issue that many X1 owners are struggling with. Like you, I was intrigued by the X1 because I wanted the smallest SUV that could accommodate my needs. But the DCT issue was one of the key reasons I ultimately decided against the X1.

oh wow. That bad?
Im exactly on the same situation. I need an infant car chair to fit on the back seat and Im 6'. And avoid dealing with the salesperson for too long. I like to have everything decided and price negotiated before walking in the dealership.

[LostInSpace]

The x3 g01 cabin is appreciably better than an x1. G45 may be another story.

[Ravenous666]

When my wife was looking for a new car we testdrove a X1. She ended up ordering a X3.

The engine / transmission combination was not what she expected from a BMW after she had a M240iX and compared to my X3.

I would make a testdrive first before deciding for a X1.

[jimmym1981]

We were in the same scenerio. Took the 28i X1 out and we did enjoy it. Then we took the M35 out and while the car was very quick, it just didn't feel right. The throttle delay is present the the torque steer is real.

As much as we didn't love the look of the new X3, we ultimately decided to take it for a spin. After going about a mile, we were sold on the driving aspects and the more comfortable and quiet cabin. Is it the perfect looking BMW, no, but it drove really nice and that is where we spend 99% of the time vs looking at it from the outside.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by seamaster222

Trying to decide. We want the smaller SUV that will fit an infant car chair behind a 6 feet driver.

I have watched a lot of videos of the X1 but I have't found good videos on the new X3.

I did read that the X3 is not much bigger on the back seats vs the X1.

Any experience?

Is there much difference in price between the X1 and X3 ?

There are so many cars in this segment it’s worth looking around, as not everyone chooses a BMW, so clearly priorities vary.

[MidnightLight]

Originally Posted by seamaster222

oh wow. That bad?
Im exactly on the same situation. I need an infant car chair to fit on the back seat and Im 6'. And avoid dealing with the salesperson for too long. I like to have everything decided and price negotiated before walking in the dealership.

Yes the DCT lag issue is indeed that bad. It's a showstopper in my opinion. Though I've heard that if you're used to driving manual, then your driving style may naturally compensate for it. But otherwise it may just keep bothering you throughout your ownership of the X1.

I get what you're saying about wanting to avoid the whole sales dance. But in this particular case, you really should at least test drive the X1 yourself to get a first hand feel of the driving dynamics, paying special attention to the potential DCT lag. Also, if you're aiming for the M35i trim, in my opinion it's just simply not as fun to drive as the X3 M40i/M50 with its B58 engine. But that last point is subjective and may or may not matter much to you.

[jimmym1981]

Originally Posted by MidnightLight

Also, if you're aiming for the M35i trim, in my opinion it's just simply not as fun to drive as the X3 M40i/M50 with its B58 engine. But that last point is subjective and may or may not matter much to you.

This was exactly our experience as well. We were looking at the M35i and drove the M50 X3. The dynamics were night and day. I agree, definitely go drive both. For the 10-12k difference, it's well worth it if it's in your budget.

But even the non M X3 drove really well and had plenty of pickup for daily driving. When we built that one out heavily optioned like the M35, the price was almost identical. Much better of a car and since they aren't being received well, you might be able to get a better discount currently.

[BobBMWX3]

Just from readings, the newest X3 has more space in seated positions than the previous model (and thus more than the X1). Reviews seem positive in regard to your size and car seats in the latest model X3.

[Ravenous666]

I would clearly go for a X3 30 instead of a X1 M35.

The ZF8 with the rear biased xdive in the X3 is worlds better than the DCT paired to the front wheel drive plattform of the X1.

DCT lag is the most anoying thing you can have in a car. After having various Audis with DCTs, I would never go back again to a car with DCT.

So book a testdrive for both cars and I'm sure you will go for the X3.

[seamaster222]

Very helpful! Thank you all!

I will have to go and try both. The Audi Q5 may also be a good deal considering a new will launch next year.

[jimmym1981]

Originally Posted by seamaster222

Very helpful! Thank you all!

I will have to go and try both. The Audi Q5 may also be a good deal considering a new will launch next year.

We looked at the Q5 as well and had the same thought about the refresh. In our opinion, the 2024 just didn’t feel luxury enough for the current price tag. But then again, the new ones haven’t been released so that might change. We don’t need to take delivery till March so keeping our options open. But from our X3 experience, it is going to be hard to beat.

[RussB]

I drove an X2 M35i and didn't care for the torque steer when driven hard. On a positive note, the door panels and dash are both nicer than the '25 X3.

[Ravenous666]

Originally Posted by seamaster222

Very helpful! Thank you all!

I will have to go and try both. The Audi Q5 may also be a good deal considering a new will launch next year.

The Q5 has a DCT as well.

And the price tag is a few thousend higher, than a equally equiped X3.

[BokTroy]

Originally Posted by Ravenous666

The Q5 has a DCT as well.

And the price tag is a few thousend higher, than a equally equiped X3.

DCT itself is not the problem here. It’s the tuning on BMW X1 to the goal of “sacrificing DCTs sportiness towards comfort” that in natures introduce lag on low speed. Think about you always has clutch half engaged/feathered when creeping forward. I had mk7.5 GTI that has VAG version of DCT called DSG and they work extremely well, almost no lag on start and very crisp and sporty, in turn, you get some level of jerkiness. Unfortunately BMW chose to use DCT on a SUV application that in my mind is not a great combo from get-go.