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Used 2017 BMW X1 Consumer Reviews

3.6 out of 5 stars
31 reviews
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5 out of 5 stars

Bigger than it looks Driving Dynamics Control with

RIchard, 11/19/2016
2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
96 of 100 people found this review helpful

I recently purchased a 2017 BMW X1 Xdrive. I have previously owned (2) 3 series and (1) 5 series. IMO, the 2017 X1 is the best value for the money of all the other BMW's I have owned. It is not the best handling or planted to the road BMW I've owned, actually it is the least. But, for its class, its absolutely the best handling and value for money. For this class(small CUV), I actually prefer the front drive platform to give it the best overall use of space. This little CUV(I consider it a cuv instead of SUV), because its actually more like a slightly raised hatchback or wagon but looks like a SUV. The 2017 is slightly revised from the complete remodel in 2016. The 2016 has a standard sport suspension but for 2017 they changed suspensions and made the sport or M suspension available as an option with the M sport package only. I assumed I would like the 2016 better but after test driving the 2016 and 2017 models, I actually preferred the 2017 suspension better. IMO, the 2016 is a little harsh and hard. I think the 2016 having a sport suspension and awd the handling is amazing but a little hard for many people interested in a suv. The 2017 has a more comfortable feeling but still offers terrific handling, especially for its class. I really enjoy the std "Driving Dynamics control" with Eco, comfort and sport settings. In sport it changes the heft and feel of the steering and even though it probably doesn't effect the suspension, some how it does effect the over all feeling of the handling and seems to improve it. I drive all the time in sport setting. I have not driven the FWD only model but I am pretty sure the AWD model provides better handling and a more planted feeling. For those of you that don't want to purchase the M sports package that includes sport suspension, the standard suspension with sport setting and awd still offers great handling in the 2017. This car zips around and goes into tight spots pretty easy. Its actually a small car but feels very big inside and that's because of the front wheel drive platform it offers a much better use of space. The back seats offer plenty room. The cargo space in back is plenty big and also there is space underneath the floor on the back that provides even more storage. There is also plenty of head room in the X1. The quality of the plastics are good, typical Teutonic German simple look but a luxury look and feel to dash. The std front seat probably needs a little more cushion but the standard vinyl seats look good. If you are looking for a small suv(cuv) I think the BMW x1 is clearly the best in its class.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

First BMW

Harry, 01/08/2017
2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
64 of 68 people found this review helpful

We shopped around for quite some time looking for a small/midsize crossover. We test drove literally dozens of vehicles: Mazda, Audi, Benz, Honda, Ford, to name a few. We were between the Volvo XC 60 and the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. We loved the Volvo but the price at $52K out the door was a little more than we were willing to pay. We were about to settle on the Hyundai (even though it didn't drive especially well) when the night before I read an article about the X1 and figured we'll go check it out before settling on the Hyundai. To our delight, we loved the way the X1 looked, drove, and its interior is bigger than it seems from the outside. The trunk was the biggest surprise to us with the underneath compartment. We loved the car. We compromised on the base X-Drive model MSRP of $36K but got them down to $33K. We took it home that night and have been enjoying it ever since. Nearly 1 month later, we have gotten a good feel for the X1. Our biggest complaints have to do with some basic features lacking in the base model which we knew going in. The fully loaded Hyundai had all the features I'm talking about i.e. LED Headlights, XM Radio, Blind Spot monitoring, Sunroof, backup camera, adaptive cruise, forward collision warning, integrated sunshades, heated seats, navigation to name some big ones. The X1 does have some of these features if you elect certain packages but the price will quickly climb into the 40's and beyond. Ultimately, we chose the BMW because it drove 100 times better than the Hyundai and at the end of the day, no matter how much you dress up a Hyundai it is still a Hyundai and drives as such. We've been averaging 25MPG combined which is better than all the other vehicles we tried especially with an all-wheel drive. Besides our lack of options our only other complaint really is the suspension. As expert reviewers have stated, the X1's suspension is very stiff and you feel it when you go over speed bumps or bumps in the road. But I still prefer the stiffness over the squishyness of the Hyundai's body roll suspension. Another weird thing our X1 lacks is the ability to control the rear dome light from the rear. It's an odd design flaw but we'll get over it. Ultimately, we are very pleased with our decision.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

agree to disagree

alan, 10/29/2016
2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
39 of 41 people found this review helpful

previous owner of earlier bmw's, mini cooper S', porsche and ferrari, as well as a slew of others, I am compelled to disagree with earlier gentleman' statement about harsher ride, this X-1 we bought precisely because as a small cross-over this rides impeccably well, so much more than we ever anticipated, which is why we bought it! Keep it out of sport mode! Or not I use it for performance purposes, my spouse does not, the choice is ours to make. We looked at four door clubman, f-pace jags, MB slams & c's, none do what this car does especially for the price, none!

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome

Dirk Durstein, 02/06/2019
updated 09/25/2023
2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful

Tremendous vehicle. Great engine with surprising performance. Quality build. Solid and fun to drive. Hints: [1] I keep the transmission in Sport mode. Does not seem to hurt MPG, and much better shift points. [2] Avoid the run flat tires at all costs. They significantly hurt the ride and handling. Replacing them soon. I'll take my chances with a donut spare (losing the extra cargo space). [3] Opt for the blind spot monitor. Had it on a loaner and it works. [4] Cannot quite believe this car approaches 30 MPG on the highway. Albeit with premium gas. [5] My first SUV. Handling is astounding for a car that sits this tall. [6] I would skip the leather seats, unless you're really into it. The fake stuff is durable and comfortable and looks good. [7] Look into a lease instead of purchase. Got a "lot car" (my Dad would have called it a "demonstrator") with 7,000 miles on it, never titled, full warranty. Take the lowest lease mileage and just plan to purchase or trade at the end of the lease, with no penalty. [8] Get Apple Car Play. It works, too. [9] BMW service (free during warranty) is great. [10] Not sure why anyone would want an X3 or X5 or X7 unless space was an issue and money was no object. The 2WD X1 is the lowest-price BMW in the states, and a great deal for the money. But buy the AWD. Just turned 40,000 miles and no issues. Zero maintenance cost. BMW replaced windshield at no cost due to imperfections. Looking forward to those new tires; although the run-flats have been quite durable. Handling much better with new tires - not run-flat. So, I decided to purchase the vehicle at the end of the three-year lease, for a good price, avoiding mileage charges. (Hint: If you know going into a lease that you will purchase the car at the end of the lease, for the price set in the lease documents, then opt for the lowest mileage possible, lower monthly charge, since you won't have to worry about excess mileage penalty if you buy...). At 61,000 miles, still going strong. Just drove south to Carolina and then Florida, through snow, sleet, freezing rain, storms, with no problems. Still around 30 mpg on the highway with the new tires, close to that around town. I use the "Sport" setting on the transmission, with better handling and performance, little loss of mileage. Still miss the manual shift. Thinking this will be my last gas-engine car ever. The next one will be full electric. 86K miles and no problems [knocks on wood]. Looking at new BMW EV fleet. Impressive; but not sure I want to be a beta tester. Still enjoying the X-1.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

2017 X1, My 13th BMW

Walter John S, 08/11/2017
updated 08/15/2019
2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
26 of 27 people found this review helpful

This is a small SUV, but it holds me very well, 6'3 255lbs. This small version of an SUV has an comfortable ride, a little stiff for some, but not for BMWers. It handles very very well. Superior acceleration for a 4cyl engine. Good visibility all the way around.This X1 is fully loaded, but a blind spot monitor was not available at any cost. It must be the only BMW without that option. Why? I think the BSP is a great option, it has saved me a couple of times from cutting somebody off or even an accident that would have been my fault. My wife drives the car mostly, and she loves it. Small enough so that she can park and maneuver around things fairly easily, but large enough to feel like you have some metal between you and the other idiots who drive so nutsy on our local roads. I find the interior of the X1 a little inferior in quality materials from other BMW's, still good stuff, but somehow it seems a little weak for a BMW. The technology and especially the layout of the interior is the best there is, anywhere. We test drove the Audi Q3, Lexus NX, BMW was a clear winner over these two comparable models. I would give this BMW 4.5 stars if not for the lacking BSP. It only gets 4 as is. My 2006 M3 convertible soft top is still my favorite, it gets a 5 along with my Porsche Macan S, the only two cars I have ever given a 5 rating to, and I have owned LOTS of high end cars and SUV's. Cheers............... Update......... 6 months in, very happy with the car. My wife drives it mostly and she loves it. Perfect size and good fuel economy for all the running around she does.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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