2023 BMW X1

The outgoing X1 had a bit of a rake to it, and the new model chooses to stand more uptight. It’s highlighted by a twin-kidney grille with larger, more square grille sections. They’re flanked by thin LED headlights. Angular lower air intakes sit at the bottom corners on either side of a black plastic lower front fascia. Active air flaps in the grille and lower fascia take in air when needed and close at speed to contribute to a very slippery 0.27 coefficient of drag. 

The sides get black cladding around the wheel wells and the lower body, as well as a straight shoulder line and a lower character line that dips between the wheels to break up the visual weight of the tall doors and fenders. Low-profile roof rails come standard. The wheels are standard 18-inchers, but 19s and 20s are offered. A roof spoiler at the rear sits over L-shaped LED taillights and side air curtains that mimic the look of the front air intakes. 

The X1 has a modern, tech-rich look inside first seen in the iX electric crossover. It features a digital instrument cluster and a center touchscreen that share a piece of glass, and the touchscreen is angled toward the driver. The whole cabin aesthetic is more angular and has flourishes of design that include metal speaker plates, crosshatch-patterned plastic, a variety of interior colors to brighten the cabin, and synthetic leather-covered surfaces with contrast stitching. An upright wireless smartphone charger is available to let drivers see their phone screens, and the floating center console has a top arm with an open storage area beneath it, a la Volvo. 

Yes, it comes standard with all-wheel drive that can disconnect the rear wheels when cruising to save fuel.

How fast is the BMW X1?

It’s reasonably quick thanks to updates to its standard 2.0-liter turbo-4. Output increases from 228 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque to 241 hp and 295 lb-ft. It feels even quicker than its power might suggest, and BMW’s quoted 6.2-second 0-60 mph time confirms that feeling. The turbo-4 sends its power smoothly through a standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and gets the X1 up to highway speed quickly with plenty in reserve for freeway passing. The power comes on sharply in the Sport driving mode, but the transmission dawdles and the throttle pedal feels dull in Eco mode. 

The X1 rides an updated version of the front-wheel-drive-based platform of the last model. The damping has been tuned and the chassis components have been strengthened to make a pleasant driving experience even more so. The X1 controls its body lean well through corners, and feels nimble given its small size and chunky weight (3,750 pounds). The steering has a light touch but direct responses, and the ride quality is quite forgiving, even with the available 19-inch wheels. An available M Sport package offers 20-inch wheels, a 0.6-inch lower ride height, and adjustable dampers, so it should feel sportier, but we haven’t tested it yet. 

The back seat is similar. The extra space for 2023 gives the X1 a little more space in the rear to fit three across, though two will still be much better served. It has decent headroom and legroom to fit a pair of 6-footers behind a pair of 6-footers.

BMW hasn’t provided specs on the cargo space, but the 2023 model’s larger size should improve upon the 27.1 cubic feet of the outgoing model, which expanded to 58.7 cubes with the 40/20/40 rear seats folded flat. Either way, it has plenty of space for a trip to the grocery story or big box hardware store. 

The X1 takes a step forward in interior materials. Many of the interior surfaces are covered in synthetic leather, and buyers have a choice of trim materials that starts with black plastic but also includes aluminum and eucalyptus open-pore wood. The wood especially lends an upscale feel we welcome in an entry luxury model.

Every X1 comes standard with automatic emergency braking, active blind-spot monitors, lane-departure warnings, front and rear parking sensors, an exit warning system, and automatic high beams. The options list includes a surround-view camera system, automatic parking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, active lane control, and automatic lane changes.

The standard 4-year/50,000-mile warranty with included maintenance is a nice bonus.

Which BMW X1 should I buy?

BMW offers only one model, so that’s the choice. However, we like the features of the $4,200 Premium package, which adds a heated steering wheel, keyless entry, heated front seats, an interior camera, a Harmon Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone charging, a head-up display, and several safety features. 

How much is a fully loaded BMW X1?

Add the Premium package, the M Sport package with adaptive dampers, unique trim, some safety features, a premium color, and 20-inch wheels, and the X1 can approach $50,000.

X1 infotainment

The 10.7-inch infotainment screen responds to touch, voice, and steering wheel controls, and no longer has the center dial that BMW has used for more than a decade. The BMW Personal Assistant can even open windows and operate the panoramic sunroof, and owners can sign up to use their phones as a digital key. The infotainment system is laid out like a cell phone with easy-to-access tiles. It comes standard with navigation with augmented reality overlays that appear as video on the center screen to better point out turns when using the navigation system.

An available Drive Recorder can record 60 seconds of driving on fun roads or when the vehicle is involved in a crash. An available Theft Recorder can also record using the available surround-view cameras when the alarm is triggered. An interior camera allows owners to check if they’ve left something in the vehicle with their phones or take pictures during the journey. Over-the-air updates will let the system keep up with the latest technology.

BMW recommends mid-grade fuel, which will cost a little more at the pump.