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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  x! REVIEW - 2016 BMW X1
  By Mark OMalley - May 23 - 6:14 pm

  BUY PRICE SHOULD BE FOR INVOICE

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  AVOID THE X1! - 2017 BMW X1
  By Karla - April 9 - 3:31 am

  I recently got into a 2017 X1 and it was a huge mistake. After test driving the car a few times I decided to transition from my 328i into an X1 as I was looking for more space and comfort. After driving off the lot and sitting in the car for 15 minutes I immediately noticed the seat was off. THESE ARE THE MOST UNCOMFORTABLE SEATS. The drivers seat is now causing me BACK PAIN which Ive had to visit a chiropractor to help manage. Unfortunately, both the dealer and BMW corporate have not been helpful - they claim theres nothing they can do to help me. I unfortunately will have to to exit my lease early and get into another make and model.

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  2017 X1 a Different Car From the 2015 X1 - 2017 BMW X1
  By Robert Gilbert - October 14 - 3:36 am

  We had a leased 2015 X1 whose lease was up and opted to go inot a 2017 X1. Our 15 was 12K miles over the agreement and BMW let us out of the lease early and forgave the extra miles, so it was the best path. The 17 X1 is a different car then the 15 model year. The seats are smaller/shorter and are not as comfortable for me, a 510", 150# male, but for my wife, a petite 51" 110# female they are great. She likes the seating position more than the 15 X1. IMO, the interior is cheaper than before. For example, the shifter is a simpler analog type vs. the electric fly by wire on the 15 model. The buttons and switches, while still of high quality are noticeably different in feel. Our model has the iDrive knob/buttons in the center console, no nav, and is OK, but a distraction, IMO. To the positive, the turbo charged engine has plenty of power, and brakes are good. I really like the LED headlights, they put out a nice bright white light. The cabin noise is about the same as the 15, and is I believe, affected by the OEM tires used by the factory. Overall, BMW says this is the lowest cost Bimmer, and on this count they are right, they accomplish this feat by using cheaper components. We have been a BMW family for 15+ years owning 7s, Z3, Z4, 535i, X3 (still owned and going strong with 118K on the odometer) and 2 X1s, so I am a bit conflicted that they are producing such entry level cars. It is becoming harder to rationalize BMWs cost premium for this class when there are so many other competitive SUVs on the market.

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  Satisfied with my car. Had the car only a couple o - 2016 BMW X1
  By wayne cromer - July 4 - 6:31 pm

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  X1 not a BMW - 2017 BMW X1
  By Jlk - June 14 - 11:09 am

  Take car out for a day drive.

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  Completely different car from earlier X1s - 2017 BMW X1
  By Gary from Austin, Texas - April 25 - 11:54 am

  My wife and I test-drove a 2017 X1 last week. Happily, we also test-drove an X3, which, in our opinion, made the X1 look terrible. She ended up buying a new X3, which she finds, at this point, to be a wonderful car. Anyway, I own a 2013 X1, which I like very much. I have nothing but good to say about it. But the 2017 we drove was definitely a different car from mine. It looks pretty much the same, although I think it is a little larger. The turbo-four still has the nice kick to it. But the ride was hard -- bumpy and uncomfortable compared to my 2013 and especially compared to the X3 we drove. So, if you are interested in an X1, keep in mind that you are considering a car so different from the older X1s that perhaps it should have been renamed.

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  Love it! - 2016 BMW X1
  By Char - April 10 - 8:43 am

  I had an older series 328. I decided to make the break and trade it in on the X1. I am so glad I did! I love the car! Fun to drive and handles like the sporty car!

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  X1 a poor mans Macan S - 2015 BMW X1
  By Terry Johnson - January 5 - 5:46 pm

  We needed to replace our car in the mountains for our vacation home and decided on the BMW X1 SAV. This is our 1st BMW (currently I drive a Porsche 997 C2 Cab and my wife drives a Porsche Cayenne S at our main home) and initially after test driving liked it (but I was leaning toward a Volvo V60 Cross Country...but was unable to work out the deal that I wanted) but after driving it for 2 weeks I more than like it! Amazing performance (for a turbo 4) and great gas mileage. Handling is superb....not my 911 type of handling...as it is not a sports car, but for what it is and for its price tag superb. The best I have driven up to the Macan (which is in a totally different category all together!). There are a few downsides which are lack of storage inside the vehicle (ours is a 2015 and I have been told that it has been somewhat rectified with the 2016 year model) and...maybe just 1 downside then! Very happy so far.

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  We love our 2016 BMW X1 / Chestnut Bronze Metallic - 2016 BMW X1
  By John Gibson - December 8 - 7:59 am

  This is our first BMW, but after a test drive and seeing all the features, we were sold. It drives great, tight and solid, everything in the car seems high quality. Our dealer spent hours explaining the long list of features and options. Our dealer made it a great buying experience. The CAR DETAILS below are wrong but I cant edit them. Its too soon to know its reliability, but I expect it will be great. Our zip code is 36784, south west Alabama.

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  Great vehicle - 2017 BMW X1
  By MC - December 6 - 8:27 pm

  Amazing handling. Very sporty.