2021 BMW X1 Review

Name: 2021 BMW X1 Review
Brand: BMW

Price Range: $19,441 - $32,990

BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV Exterior. European xLine Design Shown.

BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV Exterior. European M Sport Design Shown.

+182

The X1 is a quintessential BMW SUV just in a smaller package. It provides excellent cargo space and passenger accommodations along with a fun-to-drive demeanor. But if you value a cushier ride, a more fashionable interior or cutting-edge tech, you'll likely want to consider other strong options in this class.

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2021 BMW X1 Review

byRyan ZumMallen^{Contributor
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.}

Pros

Strong and responsive turbo engine
Sharp handling makes it fun to drive
Plenty of rear passenger and cargo room
High-quality materials and fit and finish

Cons

Ride quality gets a little jarring on rough roads
Not particularly quiet on the highway

What's new

The BMW X1 carries over unchanged for 2021
Part of the second X1 generation introduced for 2016

Overview

The BMW X1 is a new-school crossover SUV with a lot of old-school DNA. That means it's a comfortable and compact SUV with the latest tech and safety features. But the X1 also is a joy to drive in that old-school BMW sort of way. It comes standard with a powerful engine and gives you a nimble feel when going around turns. It offers the most cargo capacity in its class as well.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 BMW X1 sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$168/mo

$157/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

For 2021 there are no changes to the X1, which is just fine. The most glaring omission is the continued lack of support for Android Auto. Otherwise the X1 fares well against a crowded field of rivals — many of which are big on style but short on practicality. Closest competitors include the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB, although offerings from Cadillac, Volvo and Lexus are also vying for your attention. Check out our in-depth Expert Rating to learn more of our take on the 2021 X1.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

8.0

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.5/10

How does the X1 drive? For those who remember the Ultimate Driving Machine days of BMW, the X1 still feels like a vehicle of that era. Its all-wheel-drive system adds curvy-road agility and confidence, supported by responsive steering and excellent brakes. It may be an SUV, but it sure behaves like a performance hatchback.

Power delivery from its turbocharged engine is smooth and ample. In our testing, the X1's sprint to 60 mph took just 6.4 seconds, which is among the quickest times in its class. This would be all for naught if the X1 didn't perform at slower speeds as well, but we found it easy to drive in routine driving. Shifts from the eight-speed automatic transmission are quick and responsive.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the X1? The seat cushions are on the firm side but are also highly adjustable; even the lateral support can be adjusted, which is rare in this class. Ride comfort — or the lack thereof — is the X1's most glaring weak spot. You'll feel a lot of bumps in the road because of the stiff suspension tuning and run-flat tires. (The sidewalls of run-flat tires aren't as compliant as those of regular tires.)

The climate controls are old-school hard buttons and knobs, and they're easy to operate and do a great job of maintaining cabin temperature. Rear air vents ensure backseat occupants get their share of circulation. The cabin is also one of the quietest in the segment. Only mild wind and road noise seeps in. The engine is virtually silent at idle and only makes itself known under heavy acceleration.

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? Ample passenger space is one of the X1's defining traits. Generous space up front, plenty of rear toe room, and an airy cabin make the X1 feel larger than other subcompact crossover SUVs. It's easy to get in and out of the cabin, and a relatively upright greenhouse makes for good visibility all around.

The X1 has an older version of BMW's iDrive infotainment system, but we actually prefer it to the latest system in cars such as the 3 Series. It looks dated but it's easier to use. The combination of an 8.8-inch touchscreen and rotary controller is still fundamentally a great approach.

Technology

7.5/10

How’s the tech? The X1 has just enough tech to stay current but in no way pushes the envelope. The standard audio system will be fine for most people, but discerning audio enthusiasts may note the lack of richness. The voice controls use natural language, so you don't have to memorize a rigid command structure, but they lack the depth of Mercedes' MBUX system.

A total of four USB ports ensures plenty of charging options for passengers. Wireless Apple CarPlay is great, but there's still no Android Auto support. The native navigation system is thankfully quite easy to use.

BMW's driving aids generally work well. The operation of the optional adaptive cruise control system feels natural but won't automatically restart the car after it comes to a stop. Lane keeping assist and a 360-degree parking camera are not available.

Storage

8.5/10

How’s the storage? The X1 sports a healthy of 27.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seat as well as one of the lowest liftover heights in its class. We believe the cargo volume advantage is mainly due to the large underfloor storage where a spare tire might otherwise be. If so equipped, the 40/20/40-split second row can slide and recline. It folds flat for maximum flexibility, though we wish there was a release mechanism in the cargo area.

There are no super creative solutions for small-item storage, but there is a good amount of space for personal effects. In terms of installing a child seat, the car seat anchors are very easy to access, but you'll likely find that you'll have to slide up the front seats somewhat in order to fit a large rear-facing safety seat. That said, most competitors are smaller inside and have even less room for car seats.

Fuel Economy

8/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the X1 gets 26 mpg combined (23 city/31 highway). That pegs the X1 as one of the most fuel-efficient options in the class. We observed 28.2 mpg on our 115-mile highway-heavy evaluation loop, which is right where we'd expect the X1 to be.

Value

7.5/10

Is the X1 a good value? Like most modern BMWs, the X1 is solidly built. The quality of materials is up to class standards, with soft-touch surfaces and convincing wood and aluminum trim. But compared to the latest Mercedes-Benz SUVs, the design is somewhat plain and uncompelling.

In terms of cost, both the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 start at lower price points and ultimately cost less once optioned up. And despite the BMW's performance advantage, the perceived bang for your buck is greater in those models. Those buying an X1 will either value its sporty advantage or prefer BMWs in general.

Loyalist or not, BMW will provide you three years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, plus bumper-to-bumper and drivetrain warranties that last four years/50,000 miles. Roadside assistance is good for four years/unlimited miles.

Wildcard

8/10

The X1 is exactly what you'd expect. Though slightly restyled for 2020, it looks largely the same as it did when this generation debuted in 2016. It delivers on BMW brand's sporty core values yet remains one of the more practical subcompact SUVs in the segment.

Which X1 does Edmunds recommend?

Your first choice on getting an X1 is whether to get the base sDrive28i, which is front-wheel-drive, or the xDrive28i, which is all-wheel-drive. There's a strong case to be made for sticking with the sDrive28i and freeing up more of your budget for the X1's optional extras. The Premium package, for example, has features you're going to want, such as heated seats and keyless entry.

2021 BMW X1 models

The BMW X1 is a five-seat SUV available in two trims: the front-wheel-drive sDrive28i or the all-wheel-drive xDrive28i. Both are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (228 hp, 258 lb-ft) mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

sDrive28i
This base trim comes well-equipped with the following:

18-inch wheels
Roof rails
Rain-sensing wipers
Power liftgate
Front and rear parking sensors
Simulated leather seats
Power-adjustable front seats
Automatic climate control
8.8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
Seven-speaker sound system

Standard safety equipment includes:

Front collision warning with collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)

xDrive28i
Opting for this model nets you all equipment in the sDrive28i plus:

All-wheel drive
Hill descent control

A variety of optional packages are also available. They include:

M Sport package
Enhances the X1's sportiness with:

Unique wheel design
Sportier exterior trim
Sport-tuned transmission
Sportier steering wheel with paddle shifters
Sport front seats
Unique interior trim
M Sport suspension (optional)

Convenience package
Includes a few niceties, including

Power-folding mirrors
Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors
Adjustable lumbar support for the front seats
Ambient interior lighting
Panoramic sunroof

Premium package
Comes with desirable upgrades such as:

Contents of the Convenience package
LED headlights with cornering lights
Heated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Head-up display
Upgraded navigation

Luxury package
Upgrade the X1's interior with the following:

Authentic leather
Wood-grain or aluminum trim

Also be on the lookout for a few stand-alone options. They include:

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the X1 and the car in front)
Premium Harman Kardon sound system
Wireless charging pad

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#11 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the BMW X1 from 2008-2022.}

$711/yr

vs. $559/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.31x/yr

vs. 1.23x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

8.1%

vs. 8.6%
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 BMW X1.

5 (61%)

4 (22%)

3 (6%)

2 (3%)

1 (8%)

4.3

36 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 36 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Excellent

Ejb, 12/18/2020

2021 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Spent a lot of time researching smaller sporty high end SUV. Never owned a BMW before. Coming from an Acura RDX. The X1 is excellent. Drives like a sports car especially in Sport mode. Perfect size. Somehow Smaller than competition on outside but much bigger on the inside. Surprising how much room on the inside. Car is comfortable well appointed. Was headed for a bad collision and had …

Ripping around in my mom-car. LOL

Car Enthusiast, 03/21/2019

2019 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Coming out of new X6M and with a 911 and M4 in my garage you would think the X1 would be a huge step down. It kind of is, but... this thing just puts a smile on my face. It's zippy and it handles and brakes well. The powertrain runs smooth and fairly strong. It drives beautifully on the highway. I call it a GTI-plus because it feels light and flickable like a GTI but has AWD and more …

Safety concerns

Paul in Ottawa, 06/29/2021

2021 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Just picked up my BMW X1 which has the M sport package. Although the detail inside looks very nice, my vehicle has a highly reflective chrome panel on the dashboard. During daytime and especially during sunny days this chrome strip is reflected on both side mirrors which makes it difficult to see anything other than this strip in the side mirror. Only way to see through the drivers …

What I love most...

AB, 06/23/2019

2019 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I love the "Sport Mode" on the interstate . I felt as thought I was driving my 2 Series again - very responsive and agile. I moved down to this car, from a 2 series sedan, then an X3, to this (for fuel economy while driving in town), and within a few days I realized I'd made a mistake. While it's smaller, has great gas mileage (two things I wanted), I am paying for less quality …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 BMW X1, so we've included reviews for other years of the X1 since its last redesign.

See all 36 reviews of the BMW X1

Write a vehicle review

2021 BMW X1 video

Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?

Subcompact SUVs have been gaining in popularity over the last few years. For people who don't need or want the space of a midsize SUV or for those who just want to save a few bucks, a subcompact SUV is a smart and economical choice. These extra-small SUVs maintain that elevated ride…

2021 X1 Highlights

Trim:

sDrive28i

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$35,400
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$168/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	27.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the X1 models:

Remote Services: Allows the driver to use a special smartphone app to locate the car, lock and unlock the doors, and honk the horn or flash the lights.
Speed Limit Info: Informs the driver of speed limit changes by using a camera to read the sign and display the corresponding information in the dash.
City Collision Mitigation: Warns you about an imminent front collision and can automatically apply the brakes to help you avoid or mitigate an accident.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.7%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 BMW X1 Review

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2021 BMW X1 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 BMW X1 sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which X1 does Edmunds recommend?

2021 BMW X1 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Excellent

Ripping around in my mom-car. LOL

Safety concerns

What I love most...

2021 BMW X1 video

Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?

2021 X1 Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 BMW X1 sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}