BMW X1 review: is it the do-it-all SUV?

The BMW X1 might be the German brand’s entry-level SUV, but it has grown larger since the original model. It’s more practical than ever before, and should appeal to a wider audience, being offered as a petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid or even a fully electric iX1 model. The X1 offers a premium feel and engaging drive, but does the BMW manage to be the versatile do-it-all SUV it promises to be? Rich finds out.

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00:00 - Introduction
01:32 - Interior & Technology
03:15 - Trim levels & specifications
04:03 - Engines & driving impressions
07:32 - Running costs
08:05 - Practicality & boot space
09:56 - Dealmakers & Dealbreakers
11:01 - Verdict

[cp]

Great looking car with loads of brilliant tech; so good I bought one - the XDrive 23i! After 2 months the whole family loves it, it’s now plenty big enough for us and the petrol has great efficiency too, almost 40MPG averaged over the first 4000 miles. Not really missing the IDrive controller from our last BMW X3 as voice recognition is so good and the menus are so intuitive.

[EzaleyFredericSauhi]

Finally someone that likes the central infotainment wheel!!!!

[bengenovese]

I’ve had iX1 for a month now.

1. You forget about the iDrive wheel after a couple weeks.
2. I have the x line, the suspension isn’t too firm at all. Definitely not the best ride on some surfaces though. I imagine the ride on the m sports, with thin tyre walls would be poor.
3. Overall a great car

[prosserd]

I ordered the iX1 in Australia. In my opinion, in terms of safety, we should be using voice control when in motion and not looking at the screen while turning a wheel or pressing buttons. BMWs voice control was quite good when we tried it so the fact it is missing the wheel didn't play into our purchase decision.

[pferdeschorshi]

BMW putting the emphasis on voice recognition which is apparently very good - will do all the heating/aircon settings, open windows eg you can even say "open driver's window half way" open/close roof, blind, turn on/off/adjust level heated seats & steering wheel. I'm waiting for my iX1 in June/July & hope to make a visit to the island & drive on the wrong side to check how well the assisted driving copes!

[pocoyomc]

I completely agree with the reviewer. Absolutely spot on.
I have this car, ix1 m sport as a courtesy car from BMW and i can confirm the ride is incredibly firm and after doing a return trip to London back to Nottingham, my back was aching. The infotainment is a pain whilst on the move as there's no jog dial and thetr was quite a bit of wind around the wing mirrors. The conclusion of this video is spot on though.

[SJ-gvyj]

Shame 😢about the rotary dial. BMW set the trend for this in other cars, and other manufacturers wanting to emulate it. Then for someone reason they removed it. Whyyy? I love using it in my car so much that I have to remind myself that touchscreen exists.

[anthonystevens]

A good balanced review Richard. For new buyers who are not familiar with previous BMW offerings it may be a quicker purchase than those who are though. That lack of idrive click wheel could make some potential buyers look elsewher. given that the BMW golden egg has hatched and flown the nest. I'm not currently in the market to change my car but I'd certainly consider adding this to my future test drive list in a few of the engine options but the loss of that click wheel would remove any BMW head start.

[eugenereivillanueva]

The all New BMW X1 is a base a BMW 2 Active Tourer

[unrealenging]

I ordered an 72000euro X1 30e🎉
What an beast 327 HP fasted in its range
BMW for life💯

[philforest]

Great review. I’m thinking of getting one. Maybe a hybrid

[colincar]

Major Camera Problems with the new shape X1, mine was in the garage 7 times in 3 months, the Collison and lane departure lights come on with nothing in front, all BMW authorise is to keep re calibrating the camera, too dangerous to let my wife drive, Sold it (72 reg)

[davidshimwell]

As an owner of one of these cars for two months, having had the IDrive central console dial in the previous car, the lack of the dial in the X1 is not an issue as the voice control can control nearly everything the steering wheel buttons can not control.

[ZachAsaD]

Would have been much better to review the diesel or MSport at least

[rob]

Sliding rear seats is an extra £330 notes not standard

[rahulm]

I like this color. Its the standard one for 890€ right?

[jamphelbe]

Hello sir,
Can you please explain bmw x1 U11 and 11EE . What is different between this two?thank you

[picardlouis]

I have a question my dad wants to change his car but he doesn’t know what to chose the x1 or the q3 whitch is better

[DerHalbeEuro]

Sadly the wide screen is so much smaller compared the bigger car models as i4, iX, X5, X7, 3, 5 and 7 series (2023)

[annagoyal]

Hi there, I was wondering if you could help I’ve just taken delivery on bmw ix1. But the window mirrors do not close automatically, and nor does my phone charge on the wireless charger? I’ve been told it’s because I don’t have the tech pack. Is that correct? Thank you