2023 BMW X1 | Something's Not Right

We discuss and review the newest BMW X1 Crossover. This latest update to their affordable urban hauler starts at around $38,000 and brings some of the revised styling and technology people want. But sadly, there are some big question marks here, so we cover the good and bad of this semi-luxury product.

#cars #technology #bmw

00:00 Interior and Exterior Impressions
3:02 Mechanical Impressions
6:13 Driving Impressions
13:15 Final Thoughts

[RevTiberius]

I can't say it often enough - the lack of physical controls isn't just annoying, but outright dangerous. Will they ever learn?!

[pmusic]

Glad someone else noticed it: when I test drove it, the take off from a dead stop was taking what felt like forever. It was slightly better in sport mode, but still noticeable. The lack of physical HVAC controls was my other big issue, and the instrument cluster itself looked too busy and not legible enough.

[dylanjutagir]

Shame about the jerky DCT. I was hoping for a transmission that doesn't upset the balance of the car as I turn into the Trader Joe's parking lot.

[nathanielross]

Thank you for the honesty of this review. Most other reviewers gush over how great it is. I’d trust Savage Geese over all the others. This is what makes this channel superior.

[timothycc]

Not a fan of SUV's nor BMW but these Savages get me to watch anyways! Can't get enough of Mark and Jack. Long live the Savage Geese!

[Xolition]

We ultimately instead of this picked up a CX-5 Turbo at invoice and 0.9% financing from Mazda. Great deal and has all the bells and whistles, cooled seats, heads up display, manual interior controls, etc. Plus soul crystal red metallic is one of my favorite all time paints.

[Kenadian]

Idrive 8 is one thing, but entirely ditching the D-pad is a deal breaker.

[wnsr]

Ah yes, entry-level Premium Luxury CUV content from one of my favorite car channels uploaded right as I'm looking for videos to watch on company time on a Monday morning.

[MadDaCube]

The European versions are all either mild hybrid, plugin hybrid or fully electric meaning they have electric motors which help fill all the drive train lags. Seems like they just threw out the electric motors here and didn't bother making any adjustments. In Europe the new X1 is reviewed really well compared to the outgoing model.

[jfhdhiwdhwhsyffuso]

thumb up for savagegeese for daring to speak about the transmission, other journalist never mentioned it, you got a sub.

[ebsupra]

We just bought one. Biggest gripes are the removed idrive wheel, followed by no physical HVAC buttons, and last the inability to permanently disable auto start/stop.

But the drive is awesome. Very sporty and planted with great handling and MPG. Plenty of pick-up and torque for daily use. The sport seats are great. Tons of tech. The dual clutch can be a bit wonky from a stop, but other than that I'm very pleased with it, especially as a daily for the wife.

I'll also note there is already a recall. I inquired what it's for but haven't been given any answers other than the dealer needs to order parts to perform it.

[Theocurrie]

Great review and production quality as per usual and now with HDR it really pops 👌 thank you for all your hard work

[FreshYoungDude]

I can relate to this car because it doesn’t need to exist.

[kaileysweeney]

Thank you for this video. I think that I am part of this car’s demographic, single female professional, no little kids and I like to reward myself with nice things from time to time. Not long ago I was car shopping. I watched your video on the Mazda CX-30 Turbo. I was looking at Mini’s, the Tesla Model Y, and the Volvo XC-40. I tried out the Mazda and bought it, it was just enough of everything I wanted so I forwent purchasing a premium nameplate. Listening to today’s video concerning the X1, I’m happy that I went for a well sorted vehicle. It’s not my forever car and I may move on to something else before to long (I’m liking the Genesis brand of late), especially something that is more driver oriented, and it’s good to know that this BMW is not my next car. I’m happy with my choice of current car and my next won’t be this one. Thank you for an informative video. I always go to you guys before looking at cars, you are thorough, throughly enjoyable and you test cars that real people buy and drive. Keep it up.

[pascutia]

Funnily enough, I was expecting to hate the previous generation X1 because of the switch to a FWD platform. I actually enjoyed it very much for the 5 days I had it as a loaner. A lot more space than the E84, and the steering feel was way better tuned than it was in the F30 I had at the time. It was comfortable, relatively refined, and most importantly did not feel FWD biased. I can confirm that with DSC off the rear would slide extremely easily in the snow. The transmission calibration was great (Aisin 8 speed not the DCT in this gen), and they’ve been reliable from what I’ve heard. Lastly, physical controls for everything. I’d recommend looking at a certified pre-owned one over this newer one. Or just call it a day and get a certified pre-owned X3😂.

[Gokhanaj]

HDR looks amazing, btw. This is the first time I’ve seen this in a car channel, so thank you for pushing the envelope a bit.

[DanDan-ttgv]

Yes Mark, I am also going crazy too with the ASS feature in my suv, and yes it’s a safety issue!!

My x7 doesn’t have the button that disables the ASS feature. Only in sport mode disables it.
It’s extremely annoying, inconvenient, and jumpy when taking off from a stop/stoplight. It feels like there is transmission problems, even thought there is not, it’s just the lag of the startup.
Another inconvenience is the lack of buttons for the climate options, fake speaker noise, and no more real exhaust. Feels like a big step down from the previous M50i I had.

[sdfasdfvccvvc]

Man, I remember first gen E84 X1 - it had just right interior space for mostly solo driving, good ZF auto transmission (especially later 8-speed version), proper mechanical buttons and turn knobs for HVAC and other controls, either RWD or rear-biased xDrive drivetrain and perfectly weighted, responsive hydraulic steering. It was a joy to drive, both in heavy city traffic and on highway. The current gen X1 feels like the car made specifically for people who pay for blue checkmark on Twitter.

[AmilcarP]

I have an X1 and I do not have any issues with the vehicle. I love it. I did not get the X3 because it is outdated compared to this one. Maybe in 2024-25 when they change Generation I will switch to the X3. For now, I think X1 is a nice vehicle. IDrive 8 is not an issue for me. All of us should have a touchscreen phone by now. I doubt any of you want a keyboard like a blackberry. I do not see any safety issues at all. If you change the air conditioner or heat every time you hit the traffic light, then maybe I can see a problem. It's true it is an entry-level vehicle but for me it is about practicality.

[n.beezy]

I ordered mine in January, and I’m excited; it’s not for everyone, so no need to bash the vehicle. 😊