BMW X1

Overview: Is the BMW X1 a good subcompact luxury SUV?

The BMW X1 is an excellent choice for a subcompact luxury SUV, offering a blend of agile handling, refined driving nature, and practical shape. The BMW X1 is serving as the entry point of BMW’s X lineup.

The BMW X1 enters the luxury SUV scene, offering a practical interior with lots of space for the passengers. Thanks to its powerful engines and sporty setup, the BMW X1 combines quick acceleration and agile handling, while benefiting from lots of available high-tech features. However, its transmission can be slow during downshifting, while the turbo-four engine has a noticeable turbo lag.

Note: equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for a used BMW X1 for sale.

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Related: BMW X1 Ground Clearance: What To Know

Key Features

The BMW X1 offers:

• A model that builds on the 2023 complete redesign
• Two rows of seats offering ample space for all occupants
• BMW's latest iDrive 9 infotainment system and a curved-glass display
• The xLine package is standard on the xDrive28i model
• A sportier M35i xDrive arrives as a new performance model
• A 312-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder joins powertrain choices

Trims

The BMW X1 is available in two trims: the BMW X1 xDrive28i with the entry-level turbo-four and the BMW X1 M35i xDrive model with a more potent turbocharged engine.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

All BMW X1 models feature dual-zone automatic climate control. This and the spacious BMW X1 interior contributes to the overall comfort. Optional features such as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel help make the X1 a mobile comfort zone. However, ventilated front seats aren’t offered on the BMW X1.

BMW's latest iDrive 9 infotainment system is making its way to the 2024 BMW X1, providing greater levels of usability and overall functionality. The BMW X1 also features Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as a wireless smartphone charging pad. The Premium package adds a head-up display, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a 360-degree exterior camera system.

The BMW X1, designed for the current generation, offers 26 cubic feet of cargo room, which is less than what its predecessors offered. However, cargo space can be expanded by folding the middle row of seats. The BMW X1 is not to be confused with the BMW X2.

How It Drives

The BMW X1 xDrive28i comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the BMW X1 M35 features a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 312 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

The BMW X1 xDrive28i counts nimble handling and fun-to-drive character as its strengths. It helps that the BMW X1 dimensions make it quite maneuverable in smaller spaces. However, turbo lag is noticeable during highway passing or merging maneuvers. The M35i model upgrades the BMW X1 in terms of performance, adding more power while delivering sharper handling and stronger brakes.

Safety

The 2023 BMW X1 marked the shift to a new generation and was a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ awardee by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The BMW X1 scored Good ratings on every crash-worthiness and crash avoidance criteria. While it only earned a Marginal score for its seat belt reminders, it received Good ratings for its LATCH system. The BMW X1 features daytime running lights, blind spot detection, and lane departure warning as standard.

Reviews

BMW X1 reviews from consumers at Edmunds gave the sports car a favorable overall rating of 3.8/5 stars. Around 44% and 25% of consumer reviews gave 5-star and 4-star ratings, respectively. They cited the combination of comfort, power, cargo space, and fun-to-drive nature for the high ratings.

Learn more: Here Are The BMW X1 Years To Avoid

BMW X1 FAQs

Is the BMW X1 a reliable car?

According to J.D. Powers, the 2024 BMW X1 has a 72 out of 100 predicted reliability score. This predicted reliability score is considered as Average. Previous model years of the BMW X1 had mixed reliability scores, with the subcompact luxury SUV scoring better as the model generation matures.

Is the BMW X1 a luxury car?

Just like any BMW vehicle, the X1 is a luxury car.

Is the BMW X1 an SUV?

BMW classifies the X1 as a Sports Activity Vehicle, although the X model is definitely an SUV.

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