BMW X1

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LEXUS UX

The difference between space and weight, which is a question of the balance between usability and driving performance

The body dimensions of both vehicles are: BMW X1 length 4500mm x width 1845mm x height 1625mm, Lexus UX length 4495mm x width 1840mm x height 1540mm. The UX is noticeably lower in height, and its rear hatch is gently sloping, giving it coupe-like proportions.

The interior of the UX is a little tighter than the X1, but the seats offer a firm hold and a high-quality finish, making it a highly satisfying package for a front-seat-focused vehicle. However, the X1 also boasts exclusive equipment and seat design as an M Performance model, encouraging drivers to concentrate on driving.

The X1 also has a larger luggage space, with a standard luggage capacity of 540L, which can be expanded to a maximum of 1600L by folding down the 40:20:40-split rear seats. In contrast, the UX’s luggage capacity is a modest 312L, and even with the rear seats folded down it is still smaller than the X1’s. The UX’s smaller luggage space is due in no small part to the difference in body shape, as well as the installation of a hybrid unit and battery pack.

BMW X1 M35i xDrive

Body size = Length 4500mm x Width 1845mm x Height 1625mm

Wheelbase = 2690mm

Vehicle weight = 1680kg

Tire size = 245/45R19 (front and rear)

Lexus UX300h F Sport

Body size = Length 4495mm x Width 1840mm x Height 1540mm

Wheelbase = 2640mm

Vehicle weight = 1600kg

Tire size = 225/50RF18 (front and rear)

Inline 4-cylinder turbo and hybrid: two distinct personalities with different driving force and refinement

The X1 M35i is equipped with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 317 PS and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, and is powered by a 7-speed DCT and a front-wheel drive xDrive system. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time is said to be 5.4 seconds, which is more than enough for a C-segment SUV.

Meanwhile, the UX300h (AWD) engine, which is equipped with a hybrid system, has a maximum output of 152 PS, and is combined with a front motor with a maximum output of 113 PS and maximum torque of 206 Nm and a rear motor with 41 PS and 86 Nm, each controlled to operate optimally depending on the situation.

The UX’s motor-driven acceleration is sharp, and at practical speeds it offers sufficient power performance for a sporty SUV, but in a flat-out acceleration contest it will likely lose ground to an M Performance-tuned X1 as the speed increases. However, the UX300h’s fuel economy in WLTC mode is 23.4km/L, significantly better than the X1’s 12.4km/L.

The X1 M35i is a model that boasts overwhelming power and driving performance, while the UX300h’s greatest strengths are the quietness and fuel efficiency that only a hybrid system can provide.

BMW X1 M35i xDrive

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine

Displacement = 1998cc

Maximum output = 317PS/5750rpm

Maximum torque = 400Nm/2000-4500rpm

Transmission = 7-speed DCT

Drive system = AWD

Lexus UX300h F Sport

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine + motor

Displacement = 1986cc

Maximum output = 152PS/6000rpm

Maximum torque = 188Nm/4400-5200rpm

Transmission = Electric CVT

Drive system = AWD

Performance or refinement? A clear choice based on your value.

The price of the X1 M35i is set at 7.98 million yen, which is relatively reasonable for a high-performance BMW model.

Considering the specially tuned engine and suspension, the interior and exterior exclusive to the M Performance model, as well as the high driving stability provided by xDrive, it can be said that it offers value that is commensurate with the cost. This high level of perfection will surely appeal to users who want to cover everything from everyday driving to sports driving in one car.

On the other hand, the price of the UX300h is 5,506,000 yen, which is about 2.5 million yen cheaper than the X1. This price difference is thought to be due to the “performance orientation” in a broad sense, rather than differences in power output or equipment.

The X1 is a vehicle that caters to users who don’t want to compromise on driving performance even when using an SUV, and who want both driving performance and practicality. The UX is a model that focuses on the fuel efficiency and quietness of a hybrid, as well as high quality, and is suitable for users who mainly drive around town or who want a high-quality transportation space.