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:

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  So far so good - 2017 BMW X1
  By Beth Rodriguez - March 26 - 12:28 pm

  I have had this car for a month. I am still not used to the quieting of the motor at stops and then kicking in when accelerating. Storage console is very small and I like to have things at hand. Where do I store my CDs? Compartment not big enough for this. Hairbrush doesnt fit. Turn signal is also something I am slow to get used to. The car is just the right size for me and so far so good.

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  Bigger than it looks Driving Dynamics Control with - 2017 BMW X1
  By RIchard - February 7 - 11:31 pm

  I recently purchased a 2017 BMW X1 Xdrive. I have previously owned (2) 3 series and (1) 5 series. IMO, the 2017 X1 is the best value for the money of all the other BMWs I have owned. It is not the best handling or planted to the road BMW Ive owned, actually it is the least. But, for its class, its absolutely the best handling and value for money. For this class(small CUV), I actually prefer the front drive platform to give it the best overall use of space. This little CUV(I consider it a cuv instead of SUV), because its actually more like a slightly raised hatchback or wagon but looks like a SUV. The 2017 is slightly revised from the complete remodel in 2016. The 2016 has a standard sport suspension but for 2017 they changed suspensions and made the sport or M suspension available as an option with the M sport package only. I assumed I would like the 2016 better but after test driving the 2016 and 2017 models, I actually preferred the 2017 suspension better. IMO, the 2016 is a little harsh and hard. I think the 2016 having a sport suspension and awd the handling is amazing but a little hard for many people interested in a suv. The 2017 has a more comfortable feeling but still offers terrific handling, especially for its class. I really enjoy the std "Driving Dynamics control" with Eco, comfort and sport settings. In sport it changes the heft and feel of the steering and even though it probably doesnt effect the suspension, some how it does effect the over all feeling of the handling and seems to improve it. I drive all the time in sport setting. I have not driven the FWD only model but I am pretty sure the AWD model provides better handling and a more planted feeling. For those of you that dont want to purchase the M sports package that includes sport suspension, the standard suspension with sport setting and awd still offers great handling in the 2017. This car zips around and goes into tight spots pretty easy. Its actually a small car but feels very big inside and thats because of the front wheel drive platform it offers a much better use of space. The back seats offer plenty room. The cargo space in back is plenty big and also there is space underneath the floor on the back that provides even more storage. There is also plenty of head room in the X1. The quality of the plastics are good, typical Teutonic German simple look but a luxury look and feel to dash. The std front seat probably needs a little more cushion but the standard vinyl seats look good. If you are looking for a small suv(cuv) I think the BMW x1 is clearly the best in its class.

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  Exactly what I was looking for - 2016 BMW X1
  By kayos - October 16 - 7:18 am

  My commute used to be 4 miles, so I bought a cute little Mercedes coupe. Then my commute changed and was taking 2 busy highways for 45 minutes. I felt very insecure in my little car. I really like driving a car, so although I wanted a higher vehicle, I didnt look forward to the parking issues of having a bigger vehicle. Then I came across the X1. It is actually 6" shorter than my coupe was and not much wider. However, it has the height I wanted, and great interior and cargo space! Just blown away! When I test drove it, I immediately felt comfortable with the location of all the controls. I am only 54" and everything is easily reached. Ive always really liked the controls to be in the gear shift area and using a dial. Someone commented it isnt safe to look down. You arent supposed to look at it at all. That is the point of it being down there, so you can adjust things by touch instead of by sight. You just need to learn where the buttons are and how to use the dial effectively. The visibility is great and since I dont have any depth perception, I LOVE the parking help. Now I can go around tight spaces without worrying about hitting something. There are 2 negatives only, the rear window is small and blocked by the rear center head rest. Ill just fold down the center to improve viewing. Also, the seat is very firm. Ill have to bring a seat pad for long trips. For a daily driver with lots of stop and go traffic, I am ecstatic. It is great looking and fun to drive. ***update after driving for a month. The seat has softened from use, so now it is quite comfortable.

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  A (very) entry BMW.... - 2014 BMW X1
  By Albert - September 23 - 6:18 pm

  Base model X1, 2.8xDrive (very basic interior) + sporty feel and drive + great handling and feel on windy roads and highway - tight feel up front for 6ft male -very tight leg room for adult, tight leg room for 10 y/o male behind 6ft driver - Unless low price is most important or harsh, but sporty drive is wanted, strongly consider 2016 model. Traded in for base model Acura RDX 2016, and after 6 months, very happy with the Acura. Albert [HTML removed]

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  A Great Sporty SUV! - 2014 BMW X1
  By CG - August 24 - 9:22 pm

  Drives like a nice little SUV sports car. I would recommend the xdrive over the sdrive, the xDrive has a much better drive feel.

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  Good second car - 2015 BMW X1
  By Arthur Caughey - August 19 - 8:09 pm

  A fun little car with really good performance, responsive, ride is very stiff when on long hauls.

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  Should NOT have the BMW badge - 2014 BMW X1
  By JW - June 18 - 6:32 pm

  I have the 2014 xDrive28i model. The seats are cheap and not comfortable for a long drive. The acceleration is more like a Ford Escort than a BMW. The sales guy said it is because it is a 4 cylinder. No excuse. The BMW engineers should be ashamed of what they created. The navigation is ok, but feels more like my 2004 Infiniti G35 than a 2014. The steering and suspension are stiff. This is good for me. Its very loud on the road. You hear everything. The tires wear down very quickly. The dealer was telling me to replace them at around 13,000 miles. Ridiculous. Anyone, besides my kids, who gets into the car has a little trouble, no matter how I position the passenger seat. Ive taken the car to the dealer a dozen times over the past 2 years for different problems (wiper blades not contacting windshield, bluetooth wouldnt connect, valve cover leaking oil onto intake manifold, and the list goes on). Thankfully, I only have one year left on my lease. It kills me to have to drive this car for that long, but its the commitment/mistake I made. I feel like I got taken by the BMW logo. Wont happen again.

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  Best small SUV currently available - 2016 BMW X1
  By Bret Jensen - May 16 - 12:52 am

  Every car is a series of compromises. In the areas that are priorities to me - safety, quality, performance - the X1 scores well. Its chief limitations are modest cargo capacity and a somewhat cramped (for adults at least) rear seat. However, given that the X1 has a footprint barely bigger than a Prius, it is roomy by the standards of small vehicles. If you need substantial cargo capacity you should look at the X3 or X5. If you need to seat adults in the rear seats on a regular basis look at the X3 or ensure that you get an X1 with the sliding/reclining rear seat option. But for my family only small children sit in the back, and the standard X1 is just about ideal. We have a second car which is a good deal larger than the X1. Parking tends to be difficult where we live, and it is significantly easier to find a parking place for the X1 than it is to find a parking place for the larger vehicle. Fuel economy is noteworthy, I did not believe the stated 32mpg on the highway was really achievable, but we took a road trip with the X1 and I can report that figure is absolutely attainable. Overall great small SUV.

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  WOW!! What a car!! - 2016 BMW X1
  By doublej1013@gmail.com - April 20 - 7:10 am

  I am a TDI victim and found this gem at the local dealer. Its the greatest car Ive ever owned. Its the perfect size, not to big, but big enough. The creature comforts are unbelievable. The handling, acceleration and seats are all fantastic. The other car companies must pay people to write bad reviews. Please at least go and test drive one and you will be amazed. The lighting at night is really neat. Also, BMW rebuilds their cars on the inside, not some new plastic molding like other car companies. Get it! Enjoy it! I just wanted to let people know. Ive never written a review before... yeah I like it that much.

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  Out With The Old..In With The New - 2017 BMW X1
  By Wayne - December 7 - 2:22 pm

  We have had our X1 2017 for 8 months. Positive comments include terrific pick up, unencumbered interior, a nice tight turning radius, huge panoramic moon roof, bold styling ,outstanding heater/air conditioning and a good value for a new Beemer. As well, if living in a colder climate, DO spring for the heated front seats and steering wheel. They are worth every penny. Lastly, in 2017 many options were stand alone so the cost was individualized, not part of a more expensive package.Needed improvements include 1.MUCH more comfortable front seats. Our options included sport seats after reading the consumer reviews, which were right on. Even the sport seats are narrow and too firm. We have had 5 other Beemers and never had an issue with the seat comfort. 2. Considerable road noise. We have 19" upgraded tires[run flat] and they might contribute to the level of noise. 3. BE CAREFUL!! The sliding rear seat option does provide for more cargo room but since the regular position of the rear seat almost abuts the rear wheel well, you only gain about an inch of additional rear legroom by paying for this option. Its simply not worth it unless additional cargo room is a priority. I am 6 3" and need to move the front seat all the way back, leaving a tight area for legroom behind my drivers seat. BMW did cheapen their warranty so be advised that items covered in the past now cost the consumer[e.g. windshield wipers replacement on warranty] The length of the warranty has been modified as well. As for the title of this review, we did have an older version of the X1 and loved it....until a texting individual decided to join us in the back seat, totaling the car we had for only 6 months. For what its worth, it took the rear and frontal impact very well and there were only a couple of broken ribs and lacerations. Her speed was at least 50 mph on impact.