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- Highs Smooth and zesty engine, athletic handling, large cargo capacity.
- Lows Unsupportive standard seats, some cheap interior touches, disappointing infotainment system.
- Verdict The X1 combines upscale features, a handsome interior, and plenty of cargo room with enough performance to satisfy driving enthusiasts.
Overview
Our testing reveals that the BMW X1 is the best crossover in the small-luxury segment. It’s quick, nimble, spacious, well-built, and undeniably upscale. BMW’s baby crossover belies its boxy shape with athletic handling and peppy performance, but it still provides class-leading cargo and passenger space. The X1 fulfills its mission so well that we included it on our 10Best Trucks and SUVs list for 2017.
What's New for 2017?
This year, BMW has made few changes to the X1, which was fully redesigned and introduced as a 2016 model. While the previous generation was available with an inline-six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive, the new model rolled out on an all-new front-drive platform with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder as its sole engine.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- X1: $34,745
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
There is only one powertrain for the X1: a silky 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel-drive available. The turbo four provides plenty of pep as well as good fuel efficiency. In our test of an all-wheel-drive X1, we managed a 6.3-second zero-to-60-mph time, which is one of the quickest times in this segment. The X1’s ride is firm, and it does not suppress the nastiest road imperfections; it’s sportier than some rival SUVs in this regard. However, the X1 has all the cornering ability anyone could want in a family hauler. It's very responsive and fun to drive, with plentiful zip and a satisfying athleticism in the way it slices into corners.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
A well-made and spacious interior with rich leather, handsome wood trim, and intuitive controls makes the X1 a smart choice in the segment. Poke around, though, and you’ll find evidence that BMW cut some corners here. The glovebox door is as flimsy as a plastic lunchbox, and the bin hidden under the front seat might've come from a dollar-store. The standard seats are firm and narrow; anyone but petite drivers will find them unsupportive and tight. We recommend the optional sport seats, as they provide more support and better contouring for average-size adults. Although the X1 comes with many standard features, some common luxury items, such as heated rear seats, are not available. With the largest cargo capacity in its segment, the X1 offers a lot of space for its compact shape.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The X1’s standard iDrive infotainment system is intuitive enough, and it’s easy to operate via a rotary knob. Unfortunately, the system’s response time is slow, and the fact that there’s only one USB port is disappointing. An optional 8.8-inch screen is part of a Technology package that includes navigation, a head-up display, and a touchpad that's incorporated into the top of the rotary knob. Using the system to do simple things, such as make a call or change the radio station is straightforward, but some menus become brain teasers once you dig deeper.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the BMW X1’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
