BMW X1 vs Subaru Forester
Verdict
The BMW X1 asks RM250,800 against the Subaru Forester’s RM222,689, so the BMW is RM28,111 dearer. It buys the quicker SUV: 201 hp, 300 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, against 182 hp, 247 Nm and 9.7 seconds. The Forester answers with all-wheel drive, a taller 1,730 mm body, 496-litre boot, 63-litre tank, eight airbags and a five-year warranty. The X1 is the sharper pick on paper; the Subaru is the more practical family choice.
Pick the BMW X1 if you want the quicker C-segment SUV, with 201 hp, 300 Nm and a 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time.
Pick the Subaru Forester if you want all-wheel drive, more boot space, a bigger fuel tank, more airbags and a longer warranty for less money.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X1 RM250,800; Subaru Forester RM222,689
- Output: BMW X1 201 hp and 300 Nm; Subaru Forester 182 hp and 247 Nm
- Acceleration: BMW X1 0-100 km/h in 7.6 s; Subaru Forester 9.7 s
- Driven wheels: BMW X1 front-wheel drive; Subaru Forester all-wheel drive
- Boot and tank: BMW X1 476 L and 45 L; Subaru Forester 496 L and 63 L
- Warranty and road tax: BMW X1 2 years and RM439/year; Subaru Forester 5 years and RM838/year
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 250,800 | RM 222,689✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,998 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Power | 201 hp✓ | 182 hp |
| Torque | 300 Nm✓ | 247 Nm |
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | CVT Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 7.6 s✓ | 9.7 s |
| Top speed | 236 km/h✓ | 205 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 7.2 L/100km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,500 mm | 4,655 mm |
| Width | 1,845 mm | 1,830 mm |
| Height | 1,642 mm | 1,730 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,692 mm | 2,670 mm |
| Boot space | 476 L | 496 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 45 L | 63 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 8✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 5✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 439✓ | RM 838 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
X1
- Quicker 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time
- Higher 201 hp and 300 Nm outputs
- Lower RM439 annual road tax
- RM28,111 more expensive
- Front-wheel drive only
- Shorter two-year warranty
Forester
- All-wheel drive
- Larger 496-litre boot
- Five-year warranty
- Slower 9.7-second 0-100 km/h time
- Higher RM838 annual road tax
- Lower 182 hp and 247 Nm outputs
X1 vs Forester FAQ
Is the BMW X1 or Subaru Forester better?
The BMW X1 is better for performance, with 201 hp and a 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time. The Subaru Forester is better for family use, with all-wheel drive, a 496-litre boot, eight airbags and a five-year warranty.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X1 costs RM250,800 and the Subaru Forester costs RM222,689, so the BMW is RM28,111 more expensive.
Which has more space and practicality?
The Subaru Forester has the edge for carrying duties, with a 496-litre boot and 63-litre fuel tank. The BMW X1 has 476 litres of boot space and a 45-litre tank, but it is slightly wider and has a longer wheelbase.