The BMW X1 is the most affordable crossover SUV in the brand's lineup but hardly seems like it when you drive it. It's enjoyable to drive and pretty roomy for a little SUV. BMW has also packed in a lot of its latest technology features. A cumbersome engine stop-start system and odd transmission tuning, though, slightly tarnish what is otherwise a well-done vehicle.Read full review
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.
Clint Simone has worked in the automotive industry since 2015. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Before joining Edmunds as a senior reviews editor, Clint contributed to Motor1.com and InsideEVs, evaluating mostly electric cars. Clint loves hot hatchbacks more than any other type of vehicle but secretly enjoys driving big trucks when he gets the chance. He would never admit to that.
Pros
Roomy seating
Lots of available high-tech features
Quick acceleration and sporty handling
Cons
Transmission can be slow to downshift when you need it to
Rough-feeling engine stop-start system
Expensive option packages
What's new
A sporty new M35i xDrive model makes its debut
BMW's updated iDrive 9 infotainment system (late production)
xLine package becomes standard on xDrive28i model (late production)
Part of the third X1 generation introduced for 2023
Overview
The X1 is one of BMW's smallest and most affordable SUVs. It's the starting point of the brand's sizable X lineup of SUVs. The X2 is similar in price and size but boasts a sportier design. The X1 is a subcompact, but it still provides enough room for families. There's ample cargo room for this kind of SUV, too. The little BMW is fresh off a 2023 redesign that included a complete redesign inside and out, lots of new tech features, and improved passenger and cargo space. The big news for 2024 is the addition of the more powerful M35i xDrive model.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) 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 $3.89 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
The M35i is the X1's performance model. It differentiates itself from the xDrive28i with a unique front bumper and grille, four exhaust outlets and 19-inch M wheels. Performance upgrades include a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and more powerful brakes. Inside, the M35i sports M-specific details such as darker trim and unique doorsills. It also gives you the option to upgrade to the M sport seats. But the best part of the M35i is, of course, the engine. It's the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the base model, but thanks to several improvements, it cranks out 312 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is one of the quickest models in the class and a welcome alternative to pricier sporty SUVs like BMW's X3 M40i.
Competitors to consider
The X1 competes in the subcompact or extra-small luxury SUV segment. It's packed with compelling rivals but the X1 is one of the top contenders. Other entry-level luxury SUVs to consider include the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLB and Volvo XC40. The Lexus NX 350 is another alternative. The X2 is getting redesigned for 2024 and is also worth a look if you like its sporty design. For our test team's thorough review of the X1, check out the Edmunds Expert Rating below.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe 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.
Great
8.1
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The BMW X1 is the most affordable crossover SUV in the brand's lineup but hardly seems like it when you drive it. It's enjoyable to drive and pretty roomy for a little SUV. BMW has also packed in a lot of its latest technology features. A cumbersome engine stop-start system and odd transmission tuning, though, slightly tarnish what is otherwise a well-done vehicle.
How does the X1 drive? Our BMW X1 test car came with the M Sport package that adds 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance summer tires. At our test track, the X1 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, which is noticeably quicker than the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLB. The power from the four-cylinder is smooth and strong, but wonky transmission tuning keeps the car in too high of a gear a lot of time, leaving the X1 feeling flat-footed when you need a quick burst of power.
Around turns, the X1 provides huge amounts of grip and stays balanced and controllable. The M Sport package's summer tires and adaptive suspension are definite advantages here. Sport mode considerably firms up the steering feel, making the driving experience even better on tight roads.
At city speeds, the X1 is a mixed bag. We like the light-effort steering and smooth-stopping brakes. The steering and small size make it easy to park, too. But getting away from a stoplight is sometimes a challenge due to the horrid engine stop-start system. It turns off the engine at strange times, and the engine restart is rough and shoves the car forward.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the X1? While the M Sport-specific seats are a bit more firm than necessary, they're very supportive and hold you in the right places through a fast corner. In the same vein, the M Sport adaptive suspension is also on the firmer side and makes everyday driving a somewhat bumpy ride. Comfort-minded customers should skip the M Sport package to avoid these two components.
BMW doesn't offer ventilated front seats on the X1; Mercedes does for its GLB. BMW also routes all of the climate controls through the touchscreen interface. It results in a sleek-looking cabin, but in our experience, using the touchscreen to change climate settings is more distracting than using traditional physical buttons.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? As an entry-level crossover from a luxury brand, the BMW X1 doesn't feel like it's missing out on much. Overall space is plentiful for the class, mainly due to this car's boxy proportions. Considering the crossovers that it competes against, the BMW X1 has generous space in both rows with no shortage of either legroom or headroom.
The X1 is just tall enough to make getting in and out of the door openings a breeze for most people. Once you're in the driver's seat, there are no major blind-spot issues to report. That said, we found some shorter drivers had trouble seeing the head-up display without moving the seat to an odd position.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $2,943 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $2,943 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the M35i trim.
How’s the tech? To its credit, BMW makes its iDrive infotainment system a little bit better with each generation. It's a big step up from the last-generation X1, both in usability and overall functionality. We wish that it still had a rotary controller like prior iDrive systems, but the touch-only use isn't too bad. Wireless Apple CarPlay integration is improved, working just as well as a wired connection. Android Auto is also wireless and functioned seamlessly for us. Our test X1 had the optional Harman Kardon audio system. It sounds pretty good but not great. The selectable driving modes that tie in music and lighting to the different drive modes are super gimmicky. USB-C ports all around are perfect for device charging, but the wireless pad cooked our test phone more than it actually charged it.
Our loaded-up test X1 lacked the optional adaptive cruise control system, and we'd expect it to be standard on a luxury SUV. Not having that is a major issue. Blind-spot monitoring works well at least, as does the lane departure warning system. Neither system is overly intrusive or annoying to use.
Storage
8.5/10
How’s the storage? The X1 has less cargo space than its predecessor, but its 26 cubic feet of room is still generous among the competition. The middle row of seats folds with split functionality, making the cargo area pretty versatile. The cupholders are average size, though the open-space center console is a great backup option to store oversized water bottles.
Got kids? There is enough space in the back seat for a rearward-facing car seat, with easy-to-find anchor points on the bench.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The BMW X1 has an EPA estimate of 28 mpg in combined city and highway driving. This is an average number for an extra-small luxury SUV. On our real-world testing route, our X1 managed 27.1 mpg combined. That's not bad, but we'd expect a little more given that most cars we test do a little better than their EPA estimates on our route.
Value
7.5/10
Is the X1 a good value? The X1 can end up being pretty expensive, especially with a lot of options added. It is by no means a screaming value, but its size and fantastic build quality make it a worthwhile proposition. Everything in the interior feels sturdy, and there is a refreshing lack of cheap plastics — at least where it counts. BMW's warranty is par for the course among most luxury automakers. Three years of included maintenance is better than average, making the somewhat steep price easier to swallow.
Wildcard
8.5/10
The X1 is pretty fun to drive, especially if you get the optional M Sport package. It also looks pretty sharp and has obvious stylistic ties to BMW's larger and more expensive SUVs. Overall, this is an enjoyable driver's car (considering the segment) and a practical one too.
Which X1 does Edmunds recommend?
If you have the budget for the new M35i, we think it's worth the premium if you're looking for a sportier design and driving experience. But because the base xDrive28i is more feasible for most buyers, it's the one we recommend. Look to also get an X1 with the Active Driving Assistant Pro package. Its extra driver assist features can make long commutes in traffic easier and less tiring.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
BMW X1 models
The 2024 BMW X1 is available in the xDrive28i model and the sportier M35i xDrive model. The xDrive28i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful M35i xDrive packs the same engine but it's tuned to produce 312 hp and 295 lb-ft. The xDrive moniker means these small SUVs feature all-wheel drive, and both engines are backed by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Keep reading for our breakdown of the X1's standard and optional feature highlights.
X1 xDrive28i
Starts you out with:
18-inch wheels
Power liftgate
Synthetic leather seating
Digital instrument panel
Configurable ambient lighting
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Navigation system
10.7-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity)
The X1 also comes with these advanced driver assist features:
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
As with other BMWs, the xDrive28i is available with a long list of optional packages. These include:
Convenience package
Keyless entry
Panoramic sunroof
Auto-dimming mirrors
Wireless charging pad
Premium package
Convenience package
Interior camera
12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Augmented reality overlay for navigation system
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Drive recorder (records an image of the road ahead or the vehicle while parked, which can be reviewed at a later time)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the X1 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking function
xLine package (standard on late production models)
Uniquely styled 18-inch wheels (upgradable to 19- and 20-inch wheels)
Differentiated exterior styling elements
Expanded list of interior trim materials
Dashboard covered in synthetic leather
Shadowline package
Mirror caps and exterior trim in gloss black
M Sport package
Shadowline package
Uniquely styled 18-inch wheels with all-season tires (upgradable to 19-inch wheels with all-season or summer performance tires, or 20-inch wheels with summer performance tires)
Aerodynamic bumpers
Adaptive suspension dampers (help improve ride comfort and handling stability)
Sport steering wheel with shift paddles
Sport front seats
Active Driving Assistant Pro package
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the BMW and the car in front)
Lane centering system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Low-speed hands-free driving function
Front cross-traffic alert
X1 M35i xDrive
Besides the more powerful engine, the sportier X1 adds:
19-inch wheels
Adaptive suspension dampers (help improve ride comfort and handling stability)
Upgraded brakes with blue calipers
Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Wireless charging pad
The M35i is available with these packages:
Driving Assistance Plus Package
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the X1 and the car in front)
Lane centering system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Driving Assistance Professional package
Driving Assistance Plus package
Active Driving Assistant Pro package
Shadowline package
Mirror caps and exterior trim in gloss black
Premium package (bundles features similar to those in the Premium package for the xDrive28i)
2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Best all around pick in its class when looking at both the luxury and mainstream competition.
Pros:
Driving dynamics - Has more than enough power and is surefooted in corners. Braking is superb and has good braking feel.
Comfort - Very quiet ride for its class and delivers a very supple ride. M sport seats provide ample lateral support though it is a bit hard to get in and out of due to … the high bolsters.
Fuel economy - Better than expected for the performance this car delivers.
Build quality - Everything is well put together with high quality materials. Zero creaks, rattles, or noticeable panel gaps.
Cons:
Auto start/stop function - Can only be disabled through the touch screen menu and defaults to "ON" every time the car starts. Produces significant lag when at a stop and must be finessed in order to get the car to take off smoothly.
Infotainment - Lack of physical switches and removal of rotary knob. iDrive8 feels like a downgrade from iDrive7.
Steering feel - Feels highly assisted and lacks feedback.
Overall this car is well worth the money, even when fully loaded at $50k.
2023 X1 broken hearted
3 out of 5 stars
CeeCee, 04/12/2024
2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
The 2023 X1 is my sixth BMW and my 4th X1, I turned in my 2020 and picked up the 23 in October, the car was riding perfect then about a week ago, I started hearing banging when I put on the brakes and when I turned left it got louder. My car has been at the dealership since Tuesday and they still don't know why, they opened a case with BMW to see if any other vehicle had the same issues. … They called today and told me to come and pick up the car that BMW said this is the way all new X1's perform. I told them that this is unacceptable the car ran perfect for over 5 months and now this happens and I have to accept it. No, I won't the service department is contacting upper management to see what they can do. They even told me that they took another vehicle just like mine for a ride and the same thing happened. I wanted to know if anyone else's vehicle is doing the same thing. They are supposed to call me back tomorrow. Thank You for listening
Awful electronics and poor quality construction
1 out of 5 stars
Joe R, 12/12/2023
2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
We purposely invested in a BMW for its reputation for quality -- and we were sorely disappointed. The fancy display was trouble from the start; hard to navigate and operate, and cutting out the CarPlay connection at critical times. We reached our limit when the vehicle wouldn't start on a trip to Vermont; we had to have it jumped and wasted a day of our trip, losing hotel deposits and … time. The repairs involved replacing parts in the system that were defective -- and would have cost $2,000 if not under warranty. This was not the experience we signed up for, so we sold the car after less than a year of use.
Technology problems
4 out of 5 stars
Gabriel, 08/03/2023
2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
I have to say that I downgraded to this vehicle from the 2019 X1. The 2019 was a refined piece of machinery, but I am struggling to appreciate the 2023 the same way. The auto-park feature hit the curb the other day, I am just happy it was not another car. The walk-away lock (and approach unlock) works - sometimes. The sport seats have negative lumbar support, and unless you purchased … "active seats" you are out of options. I am about to duct tape support where I need it. Can't just crank up the heat with a spin of a button - there is no button any more. You need to tap tap tap tap a + button which is small enough that while driving, your finger drifts off and then you touch something else on the screen. Many actions have a latency, even the engine start button. You push.... then, after a small delay, it starts. You floor it, and after a small delay, it will downshift. You are unloading groceries, the hatch is open, you walk away, the car locks. You come to get more bags from the car, the car unlocks. The other day, the engine was off, my wife was sitting in the drivers seat with her keys inside. I walked away, the car locked, mirrors folded... She was just going to start the car and drive away. Oh... and a street that has been there for many years near our house apparently does not exist in the navigation system. It did exist on the 2019's nav. I sincerely regret upgrading.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 BMW X1, so we've included reviews for other years of the X1 since its last redesign.
These Are the Best Luxury SUVs You Can Buy in 2024
Got a taste (and a budget) for the finer things in life? A luxury SUV might be right up your alley, and there are a whole lot to choose from. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of all the best. In this video, Edmunds’ Nick Yekikian tells you all about the best luxury SUVs on sale in 2024 and why we love them.
The X1 and GLB are two of our top extra-small luxury SUVs. Both rivals are similar in price, size and power. The GLB boasts excellent ride quality, comfortable seats and class-leading tech. The Mercedes also sports a distinctive boxy design, something most of its rivals lack, and its available third row is rare for an SUV of its size. On the downside, it provides less cargo space than the X1 and isn't as fuel-efficient.
The Q3's attractive interior and superb tech plus a lower starting price make it an alluring alternative. And like the X1, it comes standard with all-wheel drive. However, the Audi is less powerful and less efficient, and it provides less passenger and cargo space. The Q3 is a solid choice but is outperformed by the newer X1 in many ways. Of note, though, options can quickly inflate the X1's price and it has a rough engine stop-start system.
The XC40 sports a distinctive design and boasts an elegant interior that is well built but not as luxurious as the X1's. It also offers less cargo space than the BMW and has a firm ride. On the plus side, it comes equipped with a large package of advanced driver aids and an excellent Google-based infotainment system that has Google Maps and gives you access to your Google account. As for price, the Volvo starts higher, but adding options to the X1 can easily make it more expensive.
The X1 is BMW's smallest SUV, and for 2023 it got a major redesign. It's better to drive than before, packs a much more advanced tech suite, and finally ditches the boring looks that have long saddled BMW's lowliest SUV. For 2024, things get even more interesting with the addition of a new M35i model. Yes, BMW is slapping an M badge on its smallest crossover, but the changes are more than skin-deep.
But the skin is where we'll start because the new-for-2024 X1 M35i gets a handful of cosmetic upgrades to set it apart from the base X1. The biggest giveaways are the formerly optional M Sport front bumper that's now standard, and the M-specific double bar kidney grille. At the back there are four exhaust pipes, which is something typically reserved for full-on M cars but we won't complain about the sporty design flourish here. Other new performance goodies include slick new 19-inch wheels, a standard adaptive suspension, and the option for M-compound brakes, which measure 15.2 inches up front and 13 inches at the rear.
Other parts of the X1 stay the same; passengers still enjoy plenty of head- and legroom, and rear storage space remains generous. Neat features like the upgraded Harman Kardon hi-fi and wireless charging mat are both standard on the M35i.
What's under the X1's hood?
Normal X1s are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that kicks out 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The M35i uses the same engine, but a host of improvements turns up the wick to 312 horsepower and the same 295 lb-ft. Changes to the camshaft timing, injection system, ignition system, and exhaust gas routing all account for the bump in power, and there's a stronger crank to handle the increased load.
The engine sends its power through a seven-speed double-clutch automatic transmission to all four wheels. BMW says this new hopped-up X1 is good for a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds, but the Bavarians tend to be a little conservative with these figures and we wouldn't be surprised if it was quicker at our test track. In order to make maximum use of the power, BMW has also fitted a mechanical limited-slip differential to the front axle, which should result in better traction through corners.
How's the X1's interior?
As with most of BMW's performance-oriented M models, the interior for the M35i gets a little shakeup. The biggest addition are the new (optional) M performance seats. They feature aggressive side bolstering and illuminated M logos near the headrest, and seem to crib the design from the carbon-fiber buckets found in more hardcore models like the M5 CS and M4 CSL. There is also a plethora of M-specific details dotted around the interior like darker interior trim elements, a black headliner, M doorsills and M-specific pedals — just to keep you from ever thinking you're in a bog-standard X1.
How's the X1's tech?
BMW's latest interior design ethos is also on full display in the second-gen X1. You get a singular glass enclosure for the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.7-inch touchscreen, with the latter angled toward the driver. The center stack is also cleaned up, so there aren't several tiers of climate controls and preset buttons. Instead, these functions are all contained within menus and submenus of the infotainment system. We've seen this system in recent BMW models like the all-electric iX and flagship 7 Series sedan. The new M35i model adds BMW's quick select functionality, which embiggens the icons and makes them easier to select while on the move.
Also of note is that — unlike the iX and 7 Series — the X1 no longer has an iDrive controller knob. This has been a BMW infotainment staple for more than 20 years, but its removal in the X1 means you have to use the touchscreen or robust voice controls to access the system's features and settings. The system is responsive and packs a lot of features, but the menu system can feel cumbersome to navigate and requires taking your eyes off the road for longer than we'd prefer. BMW suggests using voice commands, and while they do work well, it feels like a crutch for a somewhat flawed design. Removing the iDrive controller does open up the center console, so the X1 feels spacious and has better storage than its previous iteration.
The BMW X1 is available with loads of cutting-edge tech. The X1 supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, and a standard blind-spot warning system adds a safe exit feature that sounds an alert if you're about to open your door into approaching traffic. Other highlights include an augmented reality display for the navigation system, video recording capability for crashes and theft, and hands-free driving capability during certain situations.
Edmunds says
The X1 is a much more well-rounded and impressive machine since its redo, and we think it's easily one of the best cars in its class — the added performance of this new model makes it just that much more appealing.
FAQ
Is the BMW X1 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 X1 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 X1 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 22 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the X1 has 25.7 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
What's new in the 2024 BMW X1?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 BMW X1:
A sporty new M35i xDrive model makes its debut
BMW's updated iDrive 9 infotainment system (late production)
xLine package becomes standard on xDrive28i model (late production)
Part of the third X1 generation introduced for 2023
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 2024 BMW X1 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 BMW X1 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 X1 and gave it a 8.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 X1 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 22 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 X1 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 BMW X1?
The least-expensive 2024 BMW X1 is the 2024 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $40,500.
Other versions include:
xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $40,500
M35i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $49,900
If you're interested in the BMW X1, the next question is, which X1 model is right for you? X1 variants include xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), and M35i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM). For a full list of X1 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more