It may finally be time BMW X1 to shine
The first generation (E84) had a toe in the water; A 3 Series Touring with a compact X5 look. It was well ahead of its time, as it beat the Audi Q3 to market by two years and the Mercedes-Benz GLA by four years.
The then F48-generation car is currently being phased out, and traded its 3 Series chassis for front- and all-wheel-drive bones with the Mini Countryman.
Both were strong sellers, but neither was a standout. The new one is out to replace it.
Its interior is a high-tech showcase that borrows heavily from significantly more expensive members of the BMW range, and the brand promises more space for passengers and their belongings.
As for driving? We got behind the wheel to find out.
How much does the BMW X1 cost?
BMW has priced the X1 competitively with its premium rivals.
base on sDrive18i ($53,900) Comfortably undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLA200 ($60,688), though it’s more expensive than the base Audi Q3 35 TFSI ($50,600) – prices excluding on-road costs.
At the top end, xDrive20i ($65,900) That’s undercut by the Audi Q3 40 TFSI quattro S Line ($64,200), but it’s below the asking price of the Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic ($73,436).
Among the pigeons is the cat Volvo XC40, which is cheaper at the bottom end ($52,990) and at the top ($63,990).
2023 BMW X1 Price
- BMW X1 sDrive18i: $53,900
- BMW X1 xDrive20i: $65,900
Prices exclude on-road costs.
What is the BMW X1 like inside?
BMW has styled the 2023 X1 in line with the screen-heavy approach adopted by Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
The curved dual-screen dashboard is a small nod to what’s on offer in the flagship iX SUV and the latest 3 Series, running the shiny new BMW iDrive 8 software. There is no longer a rotary iDrive dial, instead all the major controls are housed in the touchscreen.
The digital dash in particular is a huge improvement over the analogue setup in the last X1 and the 10.7-inch central screen is clear, with some excellent graphics. BMW has put some serious time and effort into making all the transitions, backgrounds, and menus look and feel incredibly polished.
The screen is a bit of a reach, and passengers may struggle to make out the shortcut buttons sitting to the right of the central display. It’s a shame that BMW has moved away from physical climate control as well.
atleast Hey BMW Voice commands generally work well, and the touchscreen menu is smart enough that you don’t have to spend a lot of time thinking about changing the fan speed.
Front seats are best. They’re supportive and offer acreage adjustment, but they’re only heated as standard in the xDrive20i. In the 18i you get the hardware, but need to pay extra to actually use it.
This can be a one-time payment that lasts for the life of the car, or a monthly subscription fee.
BMW says the hot spots give owners the option to save $589 by not specifying a function they don’t need. Of course you’re paying for them anyway provided they fit the car already, and BMW has to cover the cost of that hardware in its list price even if you decide to. Subscribe.
Heated or not, the front seats offer a commanding view of the road ahead that makes the X1 feel more like a proper SUV than its predecessor.
BMW made huge strides in many key areas over the previous model. The floating central tunnel not only looks dramatic, but it frees up a lot more usable storage space than previously offered.
The wireless phone charger now has room for a modern iPhone, and the underarm bin now has room for wallets and keys.
For the most part, the materials you touch feel high-quality – the dash, doors, and center console are nice, the lower dash and door pockets less so – and it looks suitably modern. Is. Rather than a dressed-up mini, it feels like a proper BMW SUV.
Space in the rear has also taken a huge step forward. The tall windows make the X1 feel light and airy back there, and the bulging exterior (it’s almost as big as the first X3) means you’ll be able to transport tall teenagers or adults more comfortably.
Even the optional panoramic sunroof headroom is solid by class standards, and you can slide the bench to free up more legroom or prioritize boot space. Dual USB ports and a fold-down central armrest round out the amenities.
Boot space is an impressive one. 540 liters On paper, expanding to 1600 litres 40/20/40 with second row folded flat. That first figure is similar to what you’ll find in the X3, but the X1 doesn’t have the same amount of usable space in practice.
That’s not a big problem – it has a bigger boot than that offered by the Q3 or GLA, with a lower floor and wider space – but part of that quoted space is under the flip-up floor, meaning practicality. It still is. A size class below the X3.
What’s under the bonnet?
gave X1 sDrive18i Uses a Turbocharged 1.5 liter three-cylinder engine to create 115 kW Power and 230Nm of torque.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. BMW claims a 0-100km/h time. 9.0 seconds.
gave X1 xDrive20i Uses a Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to create 150 kW And 300Nm of torque. It has a seven-speed dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive, and has a claimed 0-100km/h time. 7.4 seconds.
Uses X1. 6.5L/100km On a shared cycle in the guise of the sDrive18i, and 7.4L/100km In the xDrive20i.
Both models drink 95 RON premium unleaded, and feature. 45 liters Fuel tanks
How does the BMW X1 drive?
Our time in the X1 was limited to X Line cars rather than the sporty M Sport model.
The base sDrive18i has a distinct three-cylinder character about it, as has always been the case with entry-level BMWs and Mini products featuring this engine. A hint of hesitation is off the mark, but once you get around to tuning the engine it feels reasonably muscular.
Peak torque comes on tap at just 1,500rpm and hangs around 4,500rpm, so it doesn’t need to work too hard to rev at city speeds, and the seven-speed transmission is smart enough to kick down low. Hang on to the gear. When you lean heavily on the accelerator.
It creates a distinctive three-cylinder thump, but it’s never obtrusive or timid in the cabin.
If you’re spending most of your time pottering from home to shops, that’s fine. If you’re spending time on the open road, you’ll want to step up to the xDrive20i.
It’s not a hot hatch either, but the way it gets off the mark is more immediate, and if you’re pushing highway speeds above 80km/h its response is more confident. affects
Speaking of confidence, the addition of all-wheel drive will be perfect for owners who want to take their lifestyle-oriented city crossover down gravel fire trails or across snow fields. When you’re not exploring the beauty of the outdoors, the light and fluid steering makes the X1 easy to maneuver around tight city streets.
Regardless of which model you choose, BMW has clearly listened to feedback about refinement levels in the latest X1. Road noise is still present on coarse chip country roads, but it’s no longer the dominant sound in the cabin at 100km/h.
Instead, you can more easily communicate with your passenger or crank up the (optional) Harman/Kardon sound system. Even the base three-pot engine is impressively muted in the cabin when you’re not asking it to accelerate up difficult climbs.
Ride comfort on the standard X-Line suspension setup is refreshingly consistent. The base 18i rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, and was largely untroubled by some pretty average roads on our relatively short launch drive.
There’s a bit of body roll in the corners, and the car occasionally feels a bit wobbly on mid-corner bits, but the X1 doesn’t really need to put it on. the game I Sports utility vehicle. M Sport cars get adaptive dampers capable of unlocking a sportier character.
One of the biggest criticisms leveled at the last X1 was the fact that it no longer came with industry standard technology such as blind spot monitoring. Now, the car is equipped with a comprehensive suite of support from the base level.
Adaptive cruise control is smooth and smart, and BMW’s lane-keeping assist doesn’t intervene unless it really needs to. The range-topping 20i also gets lane centering as standard, which will more actively take control to center you between the white lines.
With its more compliant ride, advanced suite of driver assists, and more refined interior, the new X1 is a significantly more grown-up car than its predecessors.
what do you get
X1 sDrive18i Highlights:
- 18 inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Power tailgate
- Keyless entry and start
- BMW Live Cockpit Professional
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite navigation with augmented reality view
- Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Reversing Assistant
- Attached Package Professional
- Drive recorder
- Mirror package with anti-diesel, auto-dipping functions
- Heads up display
- Sensatec leatherette upholstery
- Sensatec wraparound instrument panel
- Front sports seats
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Dual zone climate control
- Automatic headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 4 x USB-C ports
- 2 x 12V power outlets
The X1 xDrive20i adds:
- 19 inch alloy wheels
- Heated front seats.
- Power front seats
- Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assistant
authorities
Enhancement Package: $4615 (sDrive18i), $4000 (xDrive20i)
- Metallic paint
- Panoramic sunroof
- Harmon/Kardon Sound System
- Sliding rear seats
- Driving Assistant Professional (sDrive18i)
- Powered Front Seats (sDrive18i)
M Sport Package: $3000 (xDrive20i)
- 19 inch M Sport alloy wheels
- Adaptive M suspension.
- M Aluminum Hexacube Interior Trim
- M Leather steering wheel
- M High Gloss Shadow Line Trim
- M High gloss roof rails
Is the BMW X1 safe?
The new BMW X1 is yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- AEB including pedestrian, cyclist detection
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane Keep Assist
- Safe exit warning
- Traffic sign recognition
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- All-around cameras
- Front, rear parking sensors
How much does the BMW X1 cost to drive?
BMW has finally shifted to a Five-year, unlimited kilometer warranty In Australia, that means its coverage is now in line with what its luxury rivals offer.
The X1 requires maintenance every 12 months or 20,000km, and a five-year ‘basic’ service plan will see you through. $1800.
CarExpert takes on the BMW X1
The BMW X1 feels like it has come of age.
Its interior is on par with (or better than) what’s offered in rivals, there’s finally a full suite of driver assists, and it drives the way most owners would consider their small SUV. use
While the sDrive18i is usable, the xDrive20i with all-wheel drive is a more rounded car. Not only does it come with a decent helping of extra standard equipment, but it also packs the performance needed to make the smaller X1 feel bigger.
Head-to-head with the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Volvo XC40 is necessary to confirm whether it’s truly a class leader, but there’s no doubt it’s up there.
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More: Everything BMW X1