LOOKS

For the X1’s 2023 and 2024 models, the divisive dual kidney grille grows larger and will no doubt inspire a variety of opinions. I'm a fan of the design, but can see why some disagree.

The new look on the X1 features unique headlight shapes, sharp wheel designs, and a sleek overall design. It’s an excellent redesign on the whole, and all materials used are top-notch and up to BMW standards, both outside and inside the vehicle. The exterior clearly patterns itself after some of the larger SUV offerings from BMW.

Changes were made to the front and rear of the vehicle for the new design, and overall dimensions (length, height and width) all grew slightly over the previous generation to boost roominess.

Among the exterior features on the X1 are: Roof rails, Satin Aluminum exterior trim, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and LED headlights with cornering,

The optional M Sport package includes: 19-inch double-spoke bi-color wheels, adaptive suspension, sport seats, an anthracite headliner, and more. Wheels on the base model start at 18 inches.

Moving inside the X1, the interior is classy all around and ranks among the segment leaders, with high-quality seating and materials used throughout. It features a slick-looking metallic dashboard, and a massive rectangular frame houses both the center screen and digital driver info screen as one continuous unit. The sunroof will be a welcome feature in warm weather, and the vehicle offers some unique storage setups.

The only downside of the X1 is the small size, as it is BMW’s smallest SUV. The front seats are comfy, but the rear is cramped for larger adults. To be fair, this is the case for not only the X1, but all of its competitors.

If you have a large family and excessive cargo to carry around and like BMW’s style, I recommend upgrading to a larger SUV (Their X line ranges all the way from X1 to X7, so there’s plenty of options.)

The cargo space available in the X1 maxes out at 57 cubic feet with the second row down, and 26 cubic feet with the rear seats up. These are respectable storage numbers for the class.

Other interior features included: SensaTech (synthetic leather) upholstery, a 3-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, multi-zone Climate Control, and ambient interior lighting.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

BMW has upped the ante starting with the 2023 models, which are powered by a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that boasts 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

This is an impressive boost from the previous edition, which offered 228 hp and 258 pound-feet. The new models also come standard with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system.

If you like to get off the line quickly, the X1 doesn’t disappoint, coming in at just over 5 seconds for its 0-to-60 time. It offers multiple drive modes, and in the end delivers a consistently smooth and enjoyable ride that lives up to the lofty BMW name, in part due to a redesigned suspension.

You will love to drive the X1. It offers multiple personalities depending on the situation. it can be fast and sporty, or smooth and comfortable. It brakes instantly in a pinch. And it’s very agile and grippy on curvy roadways due to its compact size, plus the smaller size means it’s easy to park anywhere.

Also, it’s worth noting that with the 2024 X1 lineup, BMW has added an M variant (the M35i) that is even more powerful and sporty than the 2023 model I tested.


TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

The BMW X1 features the iDrive 8 infotainment system, which is a solid overall system that works especially well when using voice commands. Almost all controls are linked to the sharp-looking center rectangular touchscreen, which is sized at an ample 10.7 inches and pairs with a 10.3-inch digital information display in front of the driver to form one long curved unit.

One area of the tech setup that disappoints is that only touch controls were used for the climate system, making it more complicated to control than it would have been with traditional physical buttons or dials included. Even the center console is stripped down to just a few limited buttons and controls. The trusty center control knob that’s forever been featured in BMW models is no longer included, which some people will not like.

With almost everything on the touchscreen, the menus are a lot to figure out, so it definitely takes some time to master.

All X1 models come with a navigation system, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for phone mirroring. You also get satellite radio (with a one-year subscription included), and a wireless smartphone charger is optional. Other options include a head-up display, a booming Harman/Kardon stereo system, and a 360-degree camera system.

Other tech features include the Connected Package Pro, which features Real-Time Traffic, On-Street Parking Info  in select cities), and BMW Remote Services.

The BMW X1 features a large number of helpful safety systems, and most of them worked very effectively. I did, however, find the lane departure warning system to be overly sensitive at times.

Other safety features include:
— Parking Assistant and Back-up Assistant
— Front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags
— Frontal Collision Warning
— Active Blind Spot Detection
— Front and Rear Park Distance Control 
— LED Headlights w/ Cornering
— Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection

One optional feature is adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, a helpful feature that I was surprised to find was not standard on the X1.

Overall, the X1 was chosen as a top safety pick for 2023.

MPG

The official fuel mileage numbers on the BMW X1 are 25 city/34 highway/28 combined, and these numbers were confirmed in my testing. These numbers are quite impressive considering how strong the performance of the X1 is.

They are also some of the best mileage numbers you’ll find in a class stacked with solid entries from luxury competitors such as Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Audi, Lexus and Jaguar.
 

PRICE

The BMW X1 I tested was priced just under $48,000; and the base price starts about $39K.

There is only one trim level for the 2023 models, the xDrive28i, and the base price is on the same level or less than many rivals in the segment. But once you start adding options, the price does go up quickly, so be careful about what you choose to include. 

Warranties on the BMW X1 include:
— 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty
— 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty
— 4-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance program 

You’ll also get free scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years/36,000 miles, which is a nice addition.

BOTTOM LINE

The BMW X1 is small, yet classy and powerful at the same time. It’s a solid option if you want to get into a luxury ride with advanced tech features and an agreeable drive quality, but are willing to sacrifice some space.

Across the board, it competes very well against other small luxury SUVs, and is worth a test drive.

===

AutoTechReviews.com can be found on Twitter @AutoTechReview, or stay updated at the AutoTechReviews Facebook page. Follow AutoTechReviews on Instagram at @Autotechreviews. Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu