2023 BMW X1 | Review & Road Test

For the latest BMW X1 pricing and information:

This is the new redesigned BMW X1, an entry-level subcompact luxury SUV that’s come a long way. It’s now longer, wider, and looks sportier, almost like a shrunken version of its larger sibling the X5 and that’s not a bad thing. Its brawny and boxy look gives it a proper SUV appearance than that raised wagon look seen in previous generations. There’s only one model of the X1 and that’s the xDrive28i, and yes the xDrive means all wheel drive is standard.

What’s not standard is the M Sport package that we have on our tester here which I think makes the X1 look great. The grille is blacked out WITH functional grille shutters for aerodynamics, you get sportier bumpers, adaptive suspension, and these wheels and paint job are optional, but they look great. Along with the boxy dimensions there's a lot to like about the X1.

Those boxy dimensions translate to some very workable cargo room. There’s 25.7 cu-ft behind the second row and folding down the 40-20-40 split seats increases cargo capacity to 57.2 cubic feet.

Having some functions integrated into the touchscreen isn’t my cup of tea, and there’s no longer a knob to control the iDrive system so you’ll interact with the touchscreen to operate certain functions, but hey look on the bright side! The system looks clear, is intuitive and easy to operate, there’s this ledge you can use to place screen inputs, and there’s wireless phone charging with a small piece to prevent your phone from falling over, WITH some space below for slim items like a bag or some snacks.

The X1 delivers 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine linked to a dual clutch transmission. As an improvement from last generation, the bump in power translates to peppy acceleration and the fun driving nature you’d come to expect from a BMW.

The power in the X1 feels more than adequate and the shifts from the dual-clutch transmission are quick, however this start stop function is not the smoothest. You can disable it in the iDrive system but you must do that once every time you start the car, and when you're accelerating off the line, there's a little bit of lag. But when you get it up to speed, everything feels fine. There's also sport mode which changes throttle response steering feel and hold your gears longer if you want a more spirited ride, and some added sound pumped inside the cabin. And just for fun, the M Sport package includes paddle shifters and a BOOST mode which puts this in its most aggressive setting for roughly 10 seconds.

The AWD system works great on the X1. Through corners the small SUV feels composed and balanced, and the lack of body roll gives the driver more confidence to have more fun with sharp turns. Even though this SUV looks more SUV’ish, the driving dynamics feels almost hot-hatch’ish. Those are words, look them up. As far as fuel figures go, the X1 gets 25 city / 34 highway.

The steering with the X1 is nice and precise and I like the way the steering wheel feels, but the Adaptive suspension that comes with our M Sport package does make the ride a little bit firmer and there’s some road and wind noise coming into the cabin.

Pricing for the X1 now starts at ($38,600) plus a destination charge, and that includes 18-inch wheels, LED lighting, power tailgate, dual zone climate control, synthetic leather seating, usb-c ports, and large curved display.

For different styling aesthetics there’s xLine and M sport packages, and a long list of stand-alone features and optional packages which include larger 20 inch wheels, keyless entry, heated front seats and steering wheel, Panoramic sunroof 12-speaker audio system, head up display, and remote start.

The 3rd generation of the BMW X1 is a KBB best buy award winner for a reason. With a strong engine, fun driving dynamics, matured exterior and good looking interior, I’d say this lil guy earned has earned it.

00:00 2023 BMW X1
0:35 Exterior
1:26 Cargo Space
2:04 Passenger Space
3:45 Infotainment i-Drive System
4:54 Engine
5:12 Driving Impressions
7:24 Safety Features
7:45 Pricing
8:34 Competitors

[georgecerda]

As a tall person i love seeing this guy testing out cars. He's definitely found his groove.

[lunisan]

I'm also 6'4" and seeing your ability to fit into cars and how it affects the rear seat passengers is very helpful.

Love the car, won't work for my family of 4

[desimo]

I think BMW has done a really nice job with this. Looks great on the outside and inside. Will be a big hit for them I predict.

[macmanmpls]

The X1 is 🔥. Love the matte paint. I would love a B & O sound system. Good job Mike.

[musicwithmisspepper]

I really love your practical and helpful review !

[theyouknew]

Thank you KBB and Mike Danger! Really enjoy the humor and b-roll, also feel there's room to improve the commentary a bit. Manually adjustable steering wheel position is a "good thing" by itself, but probably not worth calling out on a BMW review.

[kevinn]

Cute baby photo bomb! (when phone goes onto the charger....) dad appreciating other dads. ;). My girls change my Home Screen to their pics if I have something else on there.

[chocolatemilk]

I hated my 2018 after a couple months. My biggest complaint was the seat comfort. I’m average at 5’10/160lb, so that was unacceptable. This looks rad and so much better.

[hanbury]

I’m normally a Lexus fanatic 😅 but I’ve always wanted to drive a BMW. Wow such a great detailed review 😊

[farcinue]

I’d like to see some lower priced competition in this category from Lexus and Acura. The sub compact size is perfect for LA commuting and parking.

[Jonsc]

Awesome job!!! Best review for th X1 🔥

[bobconnell]

Could all Car content providers spend a few seconds on the gear selector instead of the infortainment? Since so many manufacturers seem to be reinventing the basic funtion of getting the car to move, I'd like to know more if you have time. Lynn from KBB is the only person I remember touching on that subject.

[aydenreese]

Love the video can’t wait to see you in another review

[futurepaver]

How does keyless entry work with those new old door handles? Previously there was a button on the handle to lock the door but now how do you lock it? The entire handle flips up, and cars back in 2001 didn't have keyless entey

[johnbrews]

I’m also 6’4” with a 36” trouser leg. If I sit behind myself with my knees touching the dash in front, in back my knees are pressing into the back of the front seat. So yes, front accommodation is good, but 4 people inside requires those in front be five footers.

[hardcoreep]

Given the last one, there was no way but up. Nice video.

[RCooper]

Very nice X1 redesign! I like the rugged-hot-hatchback-ish dimensions. Please BMW-- offer a BMW X1 M40! Thanks!

[xorbitman]

Your review of the new BMW X1 is awesome. You do know that at 6'4" you're 6" taller than the average male. So for average height guys like myself or for most women this vehicle is perfect, even in the back with the reclining rear seats. I'm currently driving a 2019 X1 executive package which I believe was only available in the UK and Canada which includes thicker glass for a quiter ride. I added a lot of personal touches to mine like a box under the empty space under the arm rest which looks OEM. I added 19" wheels with larger tires for summer makes for a nice and precise ride. I have the sports options and self parking. I also hired tuner who added hidden options in the software and for a bit more, a software tune for the motor that added HP and TQ. I love the styling of the X1 and especially that new curved and cantilevered screen. Too bad they removed the buttons and the idrive controller. BMW tech and especially their infotainment systems are among the very best. The HUD display is perfect too.

[jean-francois]

Looks great and great review. Too bad that they made it less safe by removing buttons on the dashboard.

[ningnodalo]

I’ve watched several reviews about this car and yours is the only one that made me realize that this car may not actually be for me. The start/stop button for one is gonna annoy me and that integrated screen is a little too techie to handle and would definitely distract me. And heaven forbid, if something wrong happens to it, everything goes down the drain with it 😢.