Overview & Reviews
With most of today's so-called compact SUVs bulking up to the size of yesterday's midsizers, finding a truly small crossover SUV can be a bit of a challenge, especially in the premium brand arena. But now that BMW has brought the X1 to the United States, shoppers have a truly compact BMW crossover to consider.
The BMW X1 may be lean, but its fun-to-drive personality is certainly plus-sized. Nearly 7 inches shorter in length and 5 inches shorter in height than its "compact" X3 sibling, the X1 also weighs about 400 pounds less and sports the same muscular engine choices. This imbues it with nimble handling and quick acceleration. The main downsides are that backseat and cargo space aren't abundant, and the price can escalate quickly. But overall the BMW X1 is a great alternative for sport sedan enthusiasts who'd like more utility -- or crossover fans who disagree that bigger is better.
Current BMW X1
The BMW X1 is offered in sDrive28i, xDrive28i and xDrive35i trim levels, where "sDrive" means rear-wheel drive and "xDrive" means all-wheel drive.
The 28i versions come with a turbocharged 2.0 liter inline-4 that generates 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The AWD-only 35i packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with 300 hp and 300 lb-ft. An eight-speed automatic is standard for the four-cylinder, while the 35i's six-cylinder is matched to a six-speed automatic.
Standard feature highlights of the 28i trims include 17-inch wheels, automatic climate control, leatherette upholstery, Bluetooth phone connectivity, the iDrive electronics interface and an eight-speaker sound system with an iPod/USB interface. The xDrive35i adds 18-inch wheels, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a panoramic sunroof and eight-way power front seats.
Desirable options are generally bundled in packages and include keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a navigation system with a larger display and a rearview camera. There's also a trio of "Design Lines" that add various cosmetic and performance-enhancing features, notably the M Sport with its aero body kit, sport-tuned suspension and highly supportive sport seats.
In reviews, our editors have found the turbocharged four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic to be a perfect match for the X1's nimble character. There's always plenty of power on tap, and highway fuel economy is well over 30 mpg according to the EPA. The six-cylinder model is swifter, of course, but it's probably not worth the efficiency trade-off for most people.
Even without the optional M Sport suspension, the X1 feels significantly more agile and responsive than BMW's X3, thanks to its smaller dimensions and lower center of gravity. Despite this sporty demeanor, the X1 also provides a fairly compliant ride that should please most shoppers in this segment. Rear passenger space is limited, however, and the baby Bimmer offers about 25 percent less cargo capacity than the X3. If you can live with that, the X1 is otherwise a pretty compelling overall package.
Used BMW X1 Models
The X1 debuted for the 2013 model year and has received only minor feature updates since.
User Reviews:
Showing 51 through 60 of 103.00-
My first BMW - wont be my last!! - 2016 BMW X1
By Pat P. - July 28 - 9:20 pmI have owned or leased MANY cars in my life..This is my first BMW and I just love it...What a great little SAV....
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My $600 phone is easy to use $39,000 car is not - 2015 BMW X1
By bdmccarthy - May 25 - 4:54 amThe car handles well and really shines on a 2 lane highway. Lags between 0-5 mph which is mildly annoying but otherwise is OK. I like the gas mileage and it is comfortable in the drivers seat. The problems: 1. Navigation - slow to acquire satellites and then 5 minutes later will alter your route based on traffic, this is sometimes too late to take a better route. My phone is much better. Also, if you decide to go a different route the system will keep trying to reroute you back to the original rather than recalculating. Once I went 70 miles and passed into the upper in Michigan before it recalculated. I was recently sent a notice that I could upgrade to current maps for $59 annually. This is pretty funny. 2. The bluetooth phone works OK, but it takes a minute or two to reload the phonebook from my phone each time. Why? Again my phone is better. At least the car bluetooth will pick up the call after I have made it on my phone. 3. Hands free control - you can speak controls but you have to know the exact sequence of words, for example for an address, you cant easily search for anything else, this is not really useful. Bottom line is that BMW should hire some Samsung or Apple engineers. Not sure I would buy again but would consider if they caught up with Fords on technology front.
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Great car, options expensive - 2016 BMW X1
By AB - May 13 - 10:16 am -
perfect crossover - 2014 BMW X1
By Albert Wimmer - April 7 - 2:00 amDrives very nimbly. Steering is easy on arthritic hands; in fact, that was one of the reasons we replaced a perfect 330xi. The only complaint I have is that the trunk release is near the hood release and not easily reachable. Still love the car.
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Love the x1 - 2016 BMW X1
By Juju - March 2 - 4:49 pmGreat visibility , handling , breaking , comfort , small and easy to drive ! Difficult criteria to find all in one vehicle , I found it in the X1
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owner for two years . a great grocery getter - 2014 BMW X1
By robert d - January 8 - 12:15 am35 mpg on a 3000 mile trip 24+intown in winter dont like run flat tires curbed one cost to replace 400.00 besides being noisy. fun to drive easy to park we are empty nesters so the size works for us .Good dealer service too
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VW TDI Sport-Wagon Replacement - 2015 BMW X1
By Tony C - November 26 - 1:07 pmGood VW TDI Sport-Wagon Replacement
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30days and 3000 miles - 2014 BMW X1
By Gone247 - September 20 - 9:22 pmThis is a great lil X1 and at a great price point for a 2014 used BMW. I downsized from my 2005 X5 which I loved and miss very much (had 160k miles and never a major repair or problem). Ive always been happy with BMWs. Ive owned 7, 5, 3 and X series throughout the last 20 or so years. The reason I down sized is because Im a commuter and was looking for something that can give me 30mpg on the hwy. It was the BMW or Subaru. Ive also enjoyed Subarus and nowadays these are my only two choices of go to vehicles for cars as a daily driver. Im a car enthusiast and have owned Ferrari, Mercedes, Lexus and plenty other luxury and sports cars. Im not posting to brag Im posting so the reader knows I have choices and know about many cars from first hand driving experience. This X1 is great in handling around town. I got this due to its looks, compact size for ease of downtown parking, cargo area for placing travel bags, groceries and 60/40 split that I can slide in my surfboard. The only reason I didnt choose the Subaru is I really dont visit the snow that much. But if you get the X1 in the xDrive itll be a very close match. I got the sDrive because it feels more like driving a sports car with that real wheel power and cutting in tight corners when I punch it around the twisties and I like that feeling. Go for the Ultimate Package as itll include many features like Navigation, Rear Camera and Parking Distance Control. What I miss is having that extra space or elbow room when I have passengers and sitting much higher up (comparing with my old X5). What I love better is the newer electronics and fuel efficiency and having the Ultimate Package amenities. If youre looking into a used X1 then go with 2014 or 2015 model years. 2013 was the first year this model hit the US and the 2016 has been completely redesigned in and out. The deals are on the 2014 for all the lease returns that hit and chances are youll still get the 4 year/50k miles free maintenance plan thats remaining and Certified Pre-Owned near bumper to bumper warranty if you buy it from a BMW dealer. All the BMW dealerships I checked out actually had better deals compared to other car lots.
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The worst seats imaginable - 2016 BMW X1
By Water bouy - August 28 - 11:50 pmThe good: its faster than other similarly sized small suvs and has good bmw looks The bad: these are the worst seats. my test drive seemed ok but once you sit in them for a while you know. its like sitting on a flat park bench. sport seats are only available in the m package, which dealers here dont order
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Great mult-purpose vehicle - 2016 BMW X1
By JimH - May 17 - 4:26 amI looked at the Mercedes GLA, Audi Q3, and BMW X1. The 2016 BMX X1 was by far the best. A very practical vehicle, with excellent cargo and passenger room for a compact SUV. Excellent performance and gas mileage from the 4 cyl turbo engine. BMW handling and overall driving experience is an added bonus. I have owned two BMW 3 series sedans. The handling is not as good a these, but the handling is better than any other compact SUV I have driven. The most value for the money compared to other luxury compact SUVs.
