Select a year
- Highs Eager turbocharged engine, well-appointed interior, largest cargo room in its class.
- Lows Unsatisfying feedback from electric power steering, unsupportive and tight standard seats, only one USB port.
- Verdict The 2018 BMW X1 is an excellent choice for buyers in the market for a compact SUV with a peppy engine, a comfortable interior, and plenty of cargo room.
Overview
What makes the 10Best winning 2018 BMW X1 so good? It’s quick, nimble, spacious, well built, and undeniably upscale. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine revs eagerly, and the X1’s ride is comfortable without sacrificing inspired handling. Hauling bulky cargo? The X1 succeeds there, too, making it a true dual-purpose vehicle for driving enthusiasts with an active lifestyle. Exterior styling could stand to be more expressive, but no one will mistake the X1 for anything but a BMW, and that alone may be attractive to potential buyers. It’s the whole package, and in this highly competitive segment, an easy favorite.
What's New for 2018?
BMW has rearranged the X1’s lineup for 2018 and now offers five distinct trims—base, Convenience, M Sport, Premium, and M Sport Premium—each with more features than the last. Only a few features are still offered as standalone options on non-Premium trims, including front and rear parking sensors ($800), LED headlamps ($950), Navigation ($950), and heated seats and steering wheel ($550). Some new features join the party for 2018: a backup camera is now standard, as is BMW’s ConnectedDrive in-car concierge service. Apple CarPlay is now optional ($300) as is onboard Wi-Fi with wireless device charging ($500). A new color—Sunset Orange Metallic—replaces Chestnut Bronze.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- sDrive28i: $34,895
- xDrive28i: $36,895
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
There is only one engine and transmission pairing for the X1: a silky 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo four provides plenty of pep as well as good fuel efficiency. In our all-wheel-drive test vehicle, we managed a 6.3-second zero-to-60-mph time, which is one of the quicker entries in this segment. Front-wheel drive is standard; the optional xDrive all-wheel-drive system puts most of the power through the front wheels, although up to 100 percent of the engine’s output can be directed to the rear when needed. The X1’s ride is firm, and it does not suppress the nastiest road imperfections; it’s more sports car than SUV in this regard. The X1 is outfitted with electrically assisted power steering, which filters out much of the tactility that makes driving BMWs a joy. However, the X1 has all the cornering ability anyone could want in a family hauler. In our roadholding tests, the BMW had the sharpest claws in its class.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
A well-made interior with rich leather, handsome wood trim, and intuitive controls make the X1 a smart choice in its class. Although the X1 offers many standard features, some common luxury items, such as a power-adjustable steering column and heated rear seats, are not available. The X1’s sun visors are narrow and don’t provide complete coverage, but they do extend when in use on the side window. The standard seats in the X1 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. Power adjustments are standard for the front seats, and four-way-power lumbar support is optional. With the largest cargo capacity in its segment, even beating some larger rivals, the X1 offers a lot of space for its compact shape. Several bins and cubbies dot the cabin and provide handy places to stash smaller objects, but the majority of storage is under the cargo floor.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The X1’s standard infotainment system is intuitive enough, and it’s easy to operate while on the go. Unfortunately, the system’s response time is slow, and the fact that there’s only one USB port is disappointing. Using a smartphone app, buyers can access their X1 remotely to lock the doors or activate the climate-control system. While driving, ConnectedDrive can also provide real-time traffic updates, emergency-call services, and apps for information and entertainment. The X1’s infotainment system bundles navigation, radio, telephone, and the car’s overall systems menu under the command of a rotary knob that fits comfortably beneath the driver’s right hand. The controller is surrounded by shortcut buttons for phone, nav, and other functions. The optional 8.8-inch screen is part of a $2550 Technology package that includes a head-up display. With the larger screen, a touchpad is incorporated into the top of the rotary knob. The lone USB port is located in the center alongside the single auxiliary input. Luckily, there are three 12-volt outlets that should provide additional charging opportunities for passengers.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
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.
