BMW X1 - Should You Buy One?

Market and Model

X1 pricing starts from around £29,000 but most variants are sold in the £30,000-£35,000 bracket. The standard specification is pretty complete, running to include BMW's iDrive operating system with its high-resolution 8.8-inch colour display, a six-speaker audio system, plus a USB socket. Also standard are LED daytime driving lights, an automatic tailgate, front foglamps, remote-controlled central locking and keyless ignition, plus electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors and a leather steering wheel adjustable for height and reach. Options across the range include a panoramic glass roof, a DAB radio, a larger control screen and a Head-up display.

The various 'SE', 'xLine', 'Sport' and 'M Sport' trim levels are differentiated by different colour grilles, side skirts and air intakes, as well as by various different kinds of sports seat. The 'M Sport version' comes equipped with upgraded M Sport suspension and the M Aerodynamics package. It also features Heated Front Seats, Folding Exterior Mirrors, Extended Lighting as well as Dakota Leather upholstery as standard. The front apron, side skirts, wheel arch trim, diffuser and cladding on the BMW X1 M Sport come in body colour. Particularly eye-catching are features such as air intakes for the newly designed bumper (with Air Curtain Technology) that are even larger than on the other model variants.

Cost of Ownership

All the fuel figures we'll quote are WLTP-rated; the CO2 readings are NEDC-spec. The sDrive 18i petrol model manages up to 56.5mpg and up to 122g/km of CO2. The 2.0-litre petrol X1 xDrive 20i model is quick, but its official WLTP combined cycle fuel consumption is up to 51.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of up to 140g/km. Turbocharging and common-rail direct injection imbue the preferable diesel engines with strong efficiency. With auto transmission as standard, the 190hp xDrive 20d diesel posts figures of up to 55.4mpg and 123g/km. For the xDrive 18d, it's up to 55.4mpg and 122g/km. For the sDrive 18d, it's up to 53.3mpg and up to 113g/km. All these figures assume that you've chosen to use the standard 'Drive Performance Control' system in its most frugal 'ECO PRO' setting. If you want to do better, then you need to ask your dealer about the xDrive 25e petrol/electric plug-in hybrid version. This blends its petrol engine with a 9.7 kWh battery that enables it to cover more than 31 miles on electric power alone.

Summary

In second generation form, the X1 set its sights a little higher in terms of quality and drive dynamics and has reaped the rewards in this growing market. This revised version builds on that step forward. Yes, there are smarter and more purposeful-looking SUVs and Crossovers you could buy for the same kind of money, but against those, this BMW offers a range of unique selling points. It's alone in this segment in offering the option of a rewarding rear-wheel drive layout. And a smooth and sophisticated 8-speed automatic gearbox. Plus you get ride quality that's arguably best in class.

It all adds up to a car very well worth short-listing if you're looking for a satisfying ownership proposition amongst the many premium compact SUVs and Crossovers now on sale. It still isn't an obvious choice. But now, it's one you might just enjoy making.

[cp]

The X1 is a brilliant car. Best family car we’ve ever had. We love it. 😊

[annhelenandresen]

I’ve had X1 for 4 years, the first one 2017 mod, for theee years and the newest one since january 2020.
Never had any problems at all with them! So incredible reliable!!

[kingdon]

My wife has a 2015 xdrive28i and she loves it...just got it last week and it's amazing..I probably won't like working on it but it's fun to drive...I love the twin turbos, awd, gas mileage and the little 2.0 has alot of pep in it. I drive a 2010 liberty 3.7 so being able to get into something smooth and comfortable when we go out is nice. Big difference, and now I'm thinking of getting a BMW or Mercedes once my jeep is paid off.

[BionicRusty]

My MY17 18d SE, X1 is every car I’d ever want. ♥️ I love it to bits.
Stylish, comfortable and spacious.

My only gripe. And it is a BIG one. The latest ‘packs only con’ means that I cannot spec my 2020 car as I want it.
If you only want folding mirrors? That’ll be £1, 600 please Sir/Madam!
If you only want a dimming rear view mirror? £700
Etc, etc.
No longer can you spec individual options even though many are costed singularly. You have to buy a ‘pack’ consisting of a number of options.
They’ve added lesser sought after options, such as a heated steering wheel, to more popular options to shift them.
It’s not just BMW though. Nearly all are at it now.
They say it’s to streamline manufacturing but it’s not. It’s a con.

End on a high. That new colour is absolutely fantastic. ♥️👏👏
And very informative vid. 👏👏 Thank you.

[thedippytribe]

Stumbled on this review. Excellent honest and well presented- might need to now test drive one of these 😉

[dillathehun]

Just got my x1 today 2012 literally just drove it well happy with it. Had the Audi q3 before although the Audi is quicker the x1 is far more roomy and seem to get a lot more with it the engine is nice n quite also

[RedNekLvr]

In America, we have the X1 in either sDrive28i (FWD) or xDrive28i (AWD), of which we have only one engine choice, a 228hp 2.0 liter twin power turbo 4 cylinder, with an 8-speed automatic being our only choice of transmissions. Our base model starts at $36, 195.

Needless to say, I America, where bigger will always be better in their minds, the X1 is selling well enough, just not 1 out of every 10.

[STICKYBOY]

Love my X1 1.8, but being petrol it’s only returning 31mpg, ouch! But big enough to get a mountain bike in the back and very comfortable. I’ve nearly had it three years and never had a single issue with. Will probably replace it with another next year... I considered the X2 which is similarly priced but looks too small..

[VervBav]

We have a 1.6d automatic which is more ten enough for normal driving. Excellent multimediasystem, premium quality. Really the best in class...

[bennytuomolin]

Got the 2021 X1 xDrive 25e (hybrid). Fast, and 4x4 is great in Finland in winter-really like it!

[iaincampbell]

Had my X1 20d auto for 3 years after changing from a 320i xdrive touring. Couple of faults, EGR sensor failed and have had a front wheel bearing fail at 25, 000 miles. Add a tdi tuning box and you have a fast, smooth and economical vehicle. Will probably go for another one however the xc40 does look nice.

[바리플]

넘 예뻐서 갖고싶어요 ^^
I want a new X1 so much ^^
It looks beautiful !

[buns]

I enjoy driving on my MY17 X1 18d msport which I feel is one of the best car I ever had cause it's good looking, fun to drive and practical. Reliability is one of my big concern for imported cars to Japan like this as I think reliability of Japanese cars is the best in the world but my X1 has never had any problem so far. I had several problems on my old VW or Volvo but quality of them could be getting better these days.

[oddities-whatnot]

Ive always liked the newer shape X1, its not bloated like the X3 or the nasty X5 which is just vulgar. Drove the X drive version 2 litre diesel recently, it was impressive. Really good ride quality and handling.

[EPCRh]

Pleased with my 2020 model. Very smooth and easy to drive. Only irritating points are the indicator that is not easy to cancel without indicating in the opposite direction.. Can be dangerous. The other is the great idea of having a digital speedometer displayed next to the speed limit disappears when you use the satnav. Really silly.

[HgHg-ypft]

I have been watching lately reviews of the new french wagons and suv in this segment and the one above. I know, the reliability talk and so on but still for the money paid one might get more of a car if not hypnotized by the badge.

[jfeld-gpqe]

Why cant the US get the Diesel versions of BMWs? Our politicians talk big about Green energy, yet deny us efficient vehicles that are available elsewhere.

[gerryvickers]

I rented one of these on holiday recently, and I want one for myself!

[annhelenandresen]

I’m on my second x1 now👍I love it even more now❣️❣️

[stevenmichael]

I will be buying one myself very soon. Must include 10.5 inch screen, blue calipers, upgraded sound system.