BMW X1 Review 2024

BMW X1 At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
BMW's smallest SUV is better than ever, thanks to a new platform, fresh technology and a strong engine line-up. The only real question mark is whether you can justify the high price tag.

+Spacious and upmarket cabin with excellent new infotainment system. Comfortable yet fun to drive. Impressive electric range from PHEVs.

-The most desirable models are pretty expensive. You could pick up a bigger, mainstream alternative for less. Diesel engines are a bit noisy.

New prices start from £34,600, brokers can source from £31,894

The new BMW X1 is one of the poshest little SUVs you can buy. Now in its third generation, it's better than ever, thanks to a roomier cabin, impressive infotainment and an expansive engine line-up.

Of course, the BMW X1 needs to be pretty good to make a splash against rivals like the Volvo XC40, Lexus NX, Mercedes GLA and Audi Q3 - not to mention the stylish new Alfa Romeo Tonale and ever-popular Range Rover Evoque. Mainstream competitors like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are edging further into premium SUV territory, too.

So how does it stand out? For a start, BMW's shifted the X1 onto the same platform as the 2 Series Active Tourer. That means it's an extremely family-friendly small SUV - with neat touches like a floating centre console and a sliding rear bench adding to the overall feeling of spaciousness.

It's also got one of the biggest boots in its class, while the new platform means even adults should be comfortable in the rear seats.

There are various BMW X1 trim levels to choose from, ranging from the entry-level X1 Sport to the mid-spec xLine and range-topping M Sport. Obviously, the BMW X1 M Sport is ultra-desirable, but it soon starts to get quite expensive and doesn't really add any essential kit. Be careful with the option packs, too, as the BMW X1 can soon start to cost quite a lot of money.

There's also a wide range of engines available in the BMW X1, including petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and even pure-electric power. The latter is badged the BMW iX1 (hit the link to read our review), while the plug-in hybrids ought to be very cheap to run thanks to their impressive electric range. The most powerful petrols and diesels are offered with mild-hybrid tech, too, boosting both efficiency and performance.

Whichever engine you go for, the BMW X1 should be pretty good to drive. No, it's not quite as sporty as low-slung BMW models like the 3 Series, but it feels more agile than a Volvo XC40. A slick automatic gearbox is standard across the range, while you can choose between standard passive suspension or the adaptable M Sport setup. There's a long list of standard driver-assistance tech, too, including an autonomous emergency braking system which can detect other vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists.

Prices for the new BMW X1 start from around £34,000 but you can soon start to spend upwards of £40,000 on an X1 - particularly if you're looking for a plug-in hybrid. The BMW badge should help residual values, though, and relatively low running costs will also make it easier to justify.

Looking for the old model? You'll want our BMW X1 (2015-2022) review.

BMW X1 handling and engines

Driving Rating
A wide range of engines mean there's a BMW X1 to suit every driver. It's an easy car to drive, too, with lots of driver-assistance tech and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It's not quite as fun to drive as some BMWs, but it feels sportier than certain stodgy rivals.

BMW X1 2024: Handling and ride quality

The BMW X1 is easy to drive, striking a good balance between comfort and sportiness. It's certainly on the sportier end of the spectrum compared to rivals like the Volvo XC40, but it generally feels comfortable - especially with the adaptive M Sport suspension fitted to our test vehicles. This lets you firm up the ride at the touch of the button - or, perhaps more significantly, prioritise a softer ride when you just want to get home in comfort.

If you live in a rural area or are worried about driving in wintery conditions, it might be worth looking for a BMW X1 with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Not that the standard two-wheel-drive models will be too much of a handful; they send their power to the front wheels, unlike a BMW 3 Series, so will have more than enough grip for day-to-day driving.

BMW X1 2024: Engines

If you're looking for a BMW X1 to pound the motorway, we'd recommend one with a diesel engine. Your options include the entry-level sDrive18d, which uses a 2.0-litre turbodiesel producing 150PS and 360Nm of torque, or the punchier BMW X1 xDrive23d. This produces 211PS and 400Nm of torque. The latter comes with BMW's all-wheel-drive system which can shift torque between the axles to help maintain traction in slippery conditions - potentially very useful if you live in a rural area or plan to use the BMW X1 as a tow car.

The low-down pull of the diesels mean they feel pretty flexible, although there's a surprising amount of engine noise that makes its way into the cabin. The petrol and hybrids are a more refined choice.

The entry-level petrol is badged the sDrive20i. Its a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is actually quite sprightly. With 170PS, it'll accelerate to 62mph in 8.3 seconds.

The only petrol BMW X1 we've driven so far is the xDrive23i. This uses a fairly punchy 2.0-litre petrol engine, aided by a small amount of electrical assistance in the form of mild hybrid technology. Buy one with M Sport trim and you'll be able to pull a paddle behind the steering wheel for an extra boost of acceleration. Officially, 0-62mph takes a fairly swift 7.1 seconds.

The stars of the range are set to be the plug-in hybrids. There are two, the xDrive25e and xDrive30e. Both combine the 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. A fairly meaty 7.4kWh battery means they have an official electric-only range of up to 55 miles. We expect this'll be slightly less in the real world, but it'll be more than enough for covering the average commute in zero-emission silence.

BMW X1 2024: Safety

The BMW X1 has been awarded a maximum five stars for safety by Euro NCAP, which means it's fundamentally a very safe car for transporting your family in.

Driver-assist highlights include a front-collision warning system with brake intervention, capable of detecting other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. If the system thinks there's going to be a collision, it can apply the brakes to prevent a bump (or at least reduce the severity, anyway).

A Lane Departure Warning system is standard, as well as an Active Park Distance Control feature which - in theory - should avoid any awkward parking scrapes.

BMW X1 2024: Towing

An electric tow bar is fitted as standard on xLine and M Sport Premier models. It pops out at the touch of a button, with the BMW X1 capable of towing up to 2000kg.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
sDrive 18d Automatic - 8.9 s 130–136 g/km
sDrive 18d MHEV Automatic - 8.9 s 131–134 g/km
sDrive 20i MHEV Automatic - 8.3 s 136–139 g/km
xDrive 23d MHEV Automatic - 7.4 s 129–132 g/km
xDrive 23i MHEV Automatic - 7.1 s 150–153 g/km
xDrive 25e Automatic - 6.8 s 16–17 g/km
xDrive 30e Automatic - 5.6 s 18–19 g/km
xDrive M35i - 5.4 s 176 g/km

BMW X1 interior

Interior Rating
You can see where your money goes with the BMW X1's interior. It's well-equipped and extremely spacious, while we really like the latest generation of BMW's infotainment system.
Dimensions
Length 4500–4505 mm
Width 2104 mm
Height 1622–1642 mm
Wheelbase 2692 mm

Full specifications

BMW X1 2024: Practicality

BMW has prioritised interior space in the new X1. It's bigger than its predecessor, while the wheels have been pushed further apart to increase room for passengers. Combine that with relatively low seats and a floating centre console, and the X1 feels cavernous inside.

While the front of the BMW X1 feels almost as roomy as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer people carrier, passengers in the rear in particular will appreciate the space on offer. There's plenty of headroom and legroom, and you can even slide the bench backwards and forwards depending on where you need space the most.

The boot can accommodate 540 litres of luggage, which is quite a lot for a small SUV.

BMW X1 2024: Quality and finish

The more you spend on an X1, the posher it'll feel inside. The BMW X1 xLine comes with Sensatec faux-leather trim and gloss black interior highlights, while the M Sport takes things up a notch with sporty Alcantara seat coverings and aluminium interior finishes.

That said, all BMW X1s feel pretty plush inside. You will find a few hard plastics low down in the cabin if you go hunting for them, but these feel like they'll stand up well to abuse from day-to-day family life.

BMW X1 2024: Infotainment

All BMW X1 trim levels come with the same twin-screen infotainment setup. This pairs a central 10.7-inch display with a 10.25-inch digital driver's display.

It looks really impressive and adds significantly to the overall premium vibe of the BMW X1's interior. It's generally easy to operate and customisable, too, although it does lose points for lacking the rotary controller you'd find in other BMW models. That means you have to lean forward and use the touchscreen, or shout 'hey BMW' commands at the Intelligent Personal Assistant. This always feels a bit silly to us, but it's no worse than using Alexa or Siri. It can do some pretty useful stuff, too, including opening a window or turning on the heated seats.

BMW X1 value for money

Value for Money Rating
You could easily spend quite a lot of money on a BMW X1 but, thanks to the expansive engine line-up, it shouldn't cost a fortune to run. Do your research and make sure you're buying one with the right engine to suit your needs.

BMW X1 2024: Prices

From launch prices start from around £34,000 for an entry-level BMW X1 sDrive20i Sport, while the diesels are closer to £35,000 and you'll pay upwards of £41,000 for a plug-in hybrid.

If you want the desirable BMW X1 M Sport, you'll be spending at least £38,500 with the sDrive20i engine, while the M Sport plug-in hybrids top out at more than £48,000. That sounds like a lot of money - but you can spend that kind of cash on a plug-in hybrid Vauxhall Grandland X.

BMW X1 2024: Running Costs

The plug-in hybrids are the winners in terms of fuel economy, at least according to the official WLTP fuel economy tests. We'd take the quoted figure of 353.1mpg with a pinch of salt but, if you keep the battery topped up and rarely exceed the 55-mile electric range, a BMW X1 PHEV should be a very efficient car.

Cover a lot of motorway miles? The diesel sDrive18d and xDrive23d return up to 57.7mpg and 58.9mpg respectively. With some gentle driving, you should be able to get pretty close to these figures in the real world.

The petrols are less efficient, with the sDrive20i managing up to 46.3mpg and the xDrive23i officially returning 42.2mpg.

Fuel costs aside, the BMW X1 should be relatively cheap to run. It's worth watching out for tax, though - cars with a list price of more than £40,000 (when new) will be stung by an extra £355 in premium car tax for five years (from the second time it's taxed). That means you could be paying up to £520/year in tax if you buy a high-spec BMW X1.

Of course, for ultra-low running costs, you could look at the electric BMW iX1 instead.

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BMW X1 models and specs

The BMW X1 is available in three core trim levels: Sport, xLine and M Sport.

The BMW X1 Sport comes with LED lights, 17-inch alloy wheels and an automatic tailgate. Inside, the BMW X1 Sport comes with a sport leather steering wheel and two-zone climate control, while infotainment is provided by a curved display merging a 10.25-inch information screen with a 10.7-inch control display. The BMW X1 Sport also features the Parking Assistant pack (including Active Park Distance Control and a Reversing Assist Camera) as well as cruise control.

The BMW X1 xLine is equipped with dark grey mirror caps, a radiator grille finished in matt aluminium and aluminium door sills. Inside, the xLine features perforated Sensatec (faux-leather) seats and high-gloss black interior trim.

The top-spec BMW X1 M Sport comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara/Sensatec seats finished in black with blue stitching and aluminium interior trim.

Dimensions
Length 4500–4505 mm
Width 2104 mm
Height 1622–1642 mm
Wheelbase 2692 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1625–1935 kg
Boot Space -
Warranty
Servicing -
Costs
List Price £34,600–£48,910
Insurance Groups -
Road Tax Bands A–I
Official MPG -
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall -

Currently on sale

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
M35i xDrive xDrive M35i DCT Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 5.4 s
sDrive18 M Sport sDrive 18d 48v MHEV Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr £39,930 - 8.9 s
sDrive18 Sport sDrive 18d 48v MHEV Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr £34,600 - 8.9 s
sDrive18 xLine sDrive 18d 48v MHEV Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr £36,600 - 8.9 s
sDrive20 M Sport sDrive 20i 48v MHEV Auto Start/Stop (Edrive upto 14kW) 5dr - - 8.3 s
sDrive20 Sport sDrive 20i 48v MHEV Auto Start/Stop (Edrive upto 14kW) 5dr - - 8.3 s
sDrive20 xLine sDrive 20i 48v MHEV Auto Start/Stop (Edrive upto 14kW) 5dr - - 8.3 s
xDrive23 M Sport xDrive 23d 48v MHEV Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr £42,795 - 7.4 s
xDrive23 M Sport xDrive 23i 48v MHEV Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr £41,195 - 7.1 s
xDrive23 xLine xDrive 23d 48v MHEV Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr £40,675 - 7.4 s
xDrive23 xLine xDrive 23i 48v MHEV Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr £38,445 - 7.1 s
xDrive25e M Sport xDrive 25e 245 16.3kWh Auto Start/Stop 109ps/80kW electric drive 5dr £45,995 - 6.8 s
xDrive25e Sport xDrive 25e 245 16.3kWh Auto Start/Stop 109ps/80kW electric drive 5dr £41,245 - 6.8 s
xDrive25e xLine xDrive 25e 245 16.3kWh Auto Start/Stop 109ps/80kW electric drive 5dr £43,245 - 6.8 s
xDrive30e M Sport xDrive 30e 326 16.3kWh Auto Start/Stop 177ps/130kW electric drive 5dr £48,910 - 5.6 s
xDrive30e xLine xDrive 30e 326 16.3kWh Auto Start/Stop 177ps/130kW electric drive 5dr £45,445 - 5.6 s

On sale until September 2023

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
sDrive20 M Sport sDrive 20i 48v MHEV Auto Start/Stop (Edrive upto 14kW) 5dr - - 8.3 s
sDrive20 Sport sDrive 20i 48v MHEV Auto Start/Stop (Edrive upto 14kW) 5dr - - 8.3 s
sDrive20 xLine sDrive 20i 48v MHEV Auto Start/Stop (Edrive upto 14kW) 5dr - - 8.3 s

On sale until November 2022

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
sDrive 18 M Sport Premier Pro sDrive 18d Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 8.9 s
sDrive 18 M Sport Premier sDrive 18d Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 8.9 s
sDrive 18 Sport Premier sDrive 18d Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 8.9 s
sDrive 18 xLine Premier Pro sDrive 18d Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 8.9 s
sDrive 18 xLine Premier sDrive 18d Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 8.9 s
xDrive 23 M Sport Premier Pro xDrive 23d 48v MHEV Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 7.4 s
xDrive 23 M Sport Premier Pro xDrive 23i 48v MHEV Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 7.1 s
xDrive 23 M Sport Premier xDrive 23d 48v MHEV Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 7.4 s
xDrive 23 M Sport Premier xDrive 23i 48v MHEV Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 7.1 s
xDrive 23 xLine Premier Pro xDrive 23d 48v MHEV Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 7.4 s
xDrive 23 xLine Premier Pro xDrive 23i 48v MHEV Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 7.1 s
xDrive 23 xLine Premier xDrive 23d 48v MHEV Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 7.4 s
xDrive 23 xLine Premier xDrive 23i 48v MHEV Step Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 7.1 s

Model History

June 2022

New BMW X1 priced from £35,130

Featuring a new distinctive design, a high level of electrification across the range and the latest in connectivity, the new BMW X1 builds on the concept of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) for the premium compact segment.

BMW says an expanded standard specification, increased interior spaciousness with a premium ambience, new BMW Operating System 8 and BMW Curved Display, and a large selection of automated driving and parking systems ensure the new BMW X1 stands out against its rivals.

From launch, the new BMW X1 will be available with one petrol engine and two diesel engine options, as well as the all-electric BMW iX1. A pair of plug-in hybrid models will join the range immediately after launch.

Offered in a choice of five models – Sport Premier, xLine Premier, xLine Premier Pro, M Sport Premier, and M Sport Premier Pro – the new BMW X1 will be available to order now, priced from £35,130 RRP.

Model

Max Power (hp)

Peak Torque (Nm)

0-62mph (secs)

Top Speed (mph)

Electric Range  (WLTP) (miles)

CO2
Emissions
(WLTP) (g/km)

Fuel Consumption Combined (WLTP) (mpg)

Electric Power
Consumption
(WLTP) kWh/62 miles

Price (RRP)

BMW X1 xDrive23i

218

360

7.1

145

-

162 - 146

39.2 - 43.5

-

£40,600

BMW X1 sDrive18d

150

360

8.9

130

-

145 - 129

51.4 - 57.7

-

£35,130

BMW X1 xDrive23d

211

400

7.4

140

-

142 - 125

52.3 - 58.9

-

£42,150

BMW X1 xDrive25e

245

477

6.8

118

48 - 55

24 - 17

256.8 - 353.1

18.2 - 16.4

TBA

BMW X1 xDrive30e

326

477

5.7

127

48 - 55

24 - 17

256.8 - 353.1

18.2 - 16.4

TBA

BMW iX1 xDrive30

313

494

5.7

112

257 - 272

0

-

18.4 - 17.3

TBA

 

What does the BMW X1 cost?

Buy new from £31,894(list price from £35,410)