2021 BMW X1

Price Range: $17,394 - $27,998

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

Good

The 2021 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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BMW X1 for Sale

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Average price: $35,745

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Appraise My 2021 BMW X1

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

Overview

Written by automotive expert Ryan ZumMallen

10/21/2020

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.

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

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

8.0

out of 10

We drove the 2021 BMW X1 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

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.

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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2021 BMW X1
xDrive28i 4dr SUV
$17,394
great price
$2,329 below market
- 73,001 miles
- 5 Seats, 23 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- 17 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Manassas, VA
KEY FEATURES AND OPTIONS Comes equipped with: Black Sapphire Metallic, Convenience Package, Heated Front Seats & Steering Wheel, Parking Assistant. Th...
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (23 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
WBXJG9C02M3M71039
Stock:
71039
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
04-21-2025
Price Drop
2021 BMW X1
xDrive28i 4dr SUV
$20,300
good price
$1,494 below market
- 54,538 miles
- 5 Seats, 23 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- 46 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Westminster, MD
This 2021 BMW X1 xDrive28i delivers refined performance and contemporary luxury in a compact luxury SUV package. The turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engi...
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (23 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
WBXJG9C03M5T87302
Stock:
MUT87302
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
08-26-2026

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2021 BMW X1 trim level differences

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. Compare the 2021 BMW X1 trim levels in-depth.

Which X1 trim 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.

BMW X1 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

38 reviews

5(58%)

4(21%)

3(7%)

2(5%)

1(9%)

See all 38 reviews of the BMW X1

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Most Helpful Owner 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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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2021 X1 Features & Specs

Trim:

sDrive28i

Est. Market Value	$19,897
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$222/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	27.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Reliability

The 2021 BMW X1 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2021 BMW X1

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 12 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

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BMW X1
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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.

Research other X1 years

FAQ

Is the BMW X1 a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 X1 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2021 X1 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 38 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the X1 has 27.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a BMW X1. Learn more

Is the BMW X1 reliable?

To determine whether the BMW X1 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the X1. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the X1's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2021 BMW X1 a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 BMW X1 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 X1 and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2021 X1 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 38 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 X1 is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2021 BMW X1?

The least-expensive 2021 BMW X1 is the 2021 BMW X1 sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $35,400.

Other versions include:

sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $35,400
xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $37,400

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What are the different models of BMW X1?

If you're interested in the BMW X1, the next question is, which X1 model is right for you? X1 variants include sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of X1 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more