The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Strong turbo engines
- Comfortable ride
- Good transmission tuning
- Classy cabin
- Reasonable base price
Dislikes
- Not terribly sporty
- Small back seat
- Could use a few more buttons inside
- Can get expensive
Buying tip
features & specs
Slick, comfortable, and well-priced if you’re careful with options, the 2024 BMW X1 is a strong small luxury SUV choice.
What kind of vehicle is the 2024 BMW X1? What does it compare to?
The 2024 X1 is the entry to BMW’s SUV lineup with seating for five passengers and turbo-4 power. Compare it to the Mercedes-Benz GLA- and GLB-Class models as well as the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40.
Is the 2024 BMW X1 a good car/SUV?
It’s a solid overall choice, with a refined feel rather than a sporty one. We rate its tech highly, which leads it to a 6.5 out of 10 on the TCC scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2024 BMW X1?
The X1 lineup grows with the addition of a new M35i model with 313 hp underhood, an M suspension, and a few styling tweaks.
This small luxury SUV wears formal styling outside over a clean, screen-heavy cabin. It’s not rugged, but it can be utilitarian thanks to standard roof rails.
The cabin’s 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.7-inch touchscreen sit under a single pane of glass, which gives them a spaceship appearance. Thankfully, BMW’s infotainment system is pretty easy to sort through since there are few buttons and knobs in this cabin.
The standard 2.0-liter turbo-4 churns out 241 hp, which goes to all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Opting for the new M35i slices the sprint to 60 mph from 6.2 to just 5.2 seconds.
The X1 rides softly in base form, though it doesn’t lean too much into corners. Its quick steering has a light feel, which means it can be nimble around town. It’s not especially sporty, but it is comfortable. Fuel economy ranges from 26 to 28 mpg combined.
Inside, the X1 has decent space up front and an SUV-typical large cargo area. Nice materials help justify prices that can climb rapidly. Just don’t look for three abreast in row two, even though two passengers will be fine.
All models have automatic emergency braking, active blind-spot monitors, parking sensors front and rear, and lane-departure warnings. BMW offers adaptive cruise control with stop and go as well as active lane control and automatic lane change, but that tech is walled off behind a pricey option package.
A Top Safety Pick+ score from the IIHS is an asset when it comes to safety.
How much does the 2024 BMW X1 cost?
The entry-level X1 runs north of $40,000, which buys all-wheel drive, synthetic leather seats with power adjustment up front, a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.7-inch touchscreen for infotainment. It also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but you’ll pay extra for heated seats, Harman/Kardon audio, and adaptive cruise control.
Where is the 2024 BMW X1 made?
In Germany.
2024 BMW X1 Styling
The 2024 BMW X1’s formal exterior gives way to a high-tech cabin.
Is the BMW X1 a good-looking car?
It’s not the prettiest small SUV, but it’s hardly unattractive. We score the 2024 X1 at a 6 for styling thanks mostly to its sleek, modern cabin.
Outside, the X1 has an upright, formal look. Big kidney grilles flanked by angular headlights give way to muscular fenders. Models with M styling bits look a little zippier with their extra air intakes, which stand in contrast to unpainted fender flares and lower trim in other versions. From the side, the X1 has a tall wagon look with a relatively modest greenhouse compared to, say, the Volvo XC40 and Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class. L-shaped LED taillights round out the rear end. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches.
Inside, the tech-rich cabin includes a big, curved pane of glass that houses the digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen. Most controls are handled via the screen, though a smattering of buttons and knobs can be found just ahead of the high center console. BMW offers a few chances to ritz things up, though there’s no real leather option.
2024 BMW X1 Performance
While not as sporty as some BMWs, the X1 is a quick little SUV.
The 2024 BMW X1 has a frisky feel thanks to its ample turbo power. It’s not as sporty as other BMWs, but its comfortable ride is right in line with most commuting needs.
Is the BMW X1 4WD?
Yes, the X1 comes standard with all-wheel drive.
How fast is the BMW X1?
It’s pretty peppy. Base models use a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 241 hp for a 0-60 mph sprint in 6.2 seconds. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox rips off quick shifts for easy passing, and it’s docile enough around town.
The new X1 M35i ups the ante to 313 hp, which slices a second off of the zip to 60 mph. It should be noticeably quicker in any situation, though we haven’t had the opportunity to test one out just yet.
Underneath, the X1’s front-drive-based platform has a soft, comfortable ride in base form. Well-controlled lean helps give it a confident feel when driven with gusto. It’s a bit plump for a small SUV, checking in at 3,750 pounds in its lightest form, but it feels zippier than that. Light, quick steering has a pleasantly direct response. The optional M Sport package—which is standard on the M35i—ups the ante with a lowered suspension, adjustable dampers, and 20-inch alloy wheels that give it a slightly firmer feel. We’ve yet to drive one so-equipped.
2024 BMW X1 Comfort & Quality
BMW packs the X1’s small cabin with nice trim.
The 2024 BMW X1’s cabin feels dressier than its size would otherwise suggest. It’s not all that spacious, but nice trim and an SUV-typical cargo area conspire for a 7 on the TCC scale.
The front seats come with power adjustment, though we’d spend the $400 BMW charges for sports seats mostly because they include adjustable lumbar.
Rear-seat riders will find tight space for three, but two can squeeze in for decent head and legroom, even with the optional sunroof.
The X1’s cargo bay grows from 25.7 to 57.2 cubic feet when the second-row seatbacks are flopped down. That’s not tremendous, but it’s plenty for a short road trip or a big-box store run.
Synthetic leather is the only upholstery choice. BMW scatters soft-touch trim and available wood or metallic accents throughout for an upscale feel.
2024 BMW X1 Safety
The 2024 BMW X1 has top crash-test scores.
How safe is the BMW X1?
It’s a safe choice, though BMW charges extra for most driver-assistance tech. We rate it at 7, with room to grow once the NHTSA crashes one into a wall. That score is based on standard automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warnings, parking sensors, and active blind-spot monitors, plus a Top Safety Pick+ score from the IIHS.
Optional features including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, active lane control, automatic lane changes, and a surround-view camera system.
2024 BMW X1 Features
While not cheap, the 2024 BMW X1 offers a wide lineup and plentiful options.
BMW offers a broad range of options to spruce up its smallest SUV. We rate the range at 9 out of 10 thanks to decent standard equipment, a big touchscreen, a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty with included maintenance, and a wide range of options.
Base models run about $40,300 including a mandatory $995 destination charge. That money buys all-wheel drive, 18-inch wheels, roof rails, synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a power tailgate.
Which BMW X1 should I buy?
To the base X1, we’d spend up for extra-cost paint, sports seats wrapped in brown synthetic leather, and wood or metallic trim. And then we’d add the Active Driving Assistant Pro package that mandates the Premium Package as well as heated seats. At around $48,000, a so-equipped X1 is less of a bargain, but it would meet our needs just fine.
How much is a fully loaded BMW X1?
A base X1 M35i costs $51,000 or so, and it’s not much dressier than the base model. You’ll still pay extra for metallic paint, adaptive cruise control, and heated seats. It’s possible to build an X1 M35i and spend $60,000 if you’re feeling spendthrift.
2024 BMW X1 Fuel Economy
The 2024 BMW X1 lacks a hybrid version, but it’s reasonably frugal.
Is the BMW X1 good on gas?
In base form, the X1 is rated at a decent 25 mpg city, 34 highway, 28 combined. That’s a 3 on the TCC scale.
Unlike many of its other models, BMW suggests mid-grade rather than premium fuel for the X1.
The more powerful X1 M35i is rated at 23/31/26 mpg and it needs costlier premium unleaded.
