BMW X1
Overview of the BMW X1
Learn about the BMW X1Summary
The BMW X1 is a luxury subcompact SUV that has been available since 2013. With a ride described as comfortable and smooth, the X1 is the smallest SUV in the company's lineup, offering relative affordability. Growing families might be most attracted to later models with the larger back seats, while higher trim levels bring more in the way of safety and technology. The BMW X1 checks a lot of boxes in terms of looks, with fuel economy that's light on your wallet. We recommend test driving different trim levels to find the best choice.
Safety
Expect to find plenty of safety measures in the BMW X1. Since the model launched, the following have been standard on the base trim xDrive28i:
- Front and side airbags
- Brake assist to help stop quickly in emergencies
- Daytime running lights
- Integrated turn signal mirrors to help pedestrians, cyclists and cars better prepare for your turn
- Child safety locks
Active safety features are available on higher trims across model years. The Driving Assistant package includes:
- Lane departure warning (from 2016 onward) alerts when veering out of your lane
- Rearview camera to help manoeuvre out of tight spaces
- Pedestrian alert pre-conditions brakes for faster responsiveness—or initiates a full brake if contact is imminent
- Collision warning and pre-crash system, which activates warning blinkers at double tempo and closes side windows and glass roof
Interior
The BMW X1 is a cozy ride for the driver and front seat passenger. The optional sun/moonroof expands the feeling of headroom, while leather accents come standard. Upgrading your package will get you finer trimmings, such as heated seats and leather upholstery—even red leather. The X1 seats five.
Technology
Since the BMW X1 is only in its sixth year of production, any one you test drive will feature modern technology. Appearing as an add-on in 2018, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard in 2019. In models from 2016, you'll find the X1's infotainment screen controlled by a dial between the front seats. A futuristic sidekick to that system, called heads-up display, projects information directly onto the windshield. Other tech specs available in the sDrive28i trim level from 2013 are:
- HD radio with optional satellite radio
- CD player and auxiliary jack
- High-end sound system
- Hands-free calling and texting
Keyless entry and a panoramic sunroof was added in 2013 with the Premium package.
Space
The BMW X1 is reported to have a limited amount of backseat legroom in model years 2013–2015. Afterwards, the backseat became a comfortable place for adults to slide freely into. Cargo room is also more substantial since the 2016 redesign. If you plan on frequently driving friends and family, we recommend starting there.
Comfort
The X1 has smooth, athletic handling, a powerful turbocharged engine with peppy acceleration and surprisingly lean fuel economy for its class. Automatic transmission with manual functions gives you the best of both worlds. All-wheel, front-wheel and even rear-wheel drive are on the table for this luxury SUV.
Pros and cons of the BMW X1
- Strong 228-hp 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine
- XDrive all-wheel drive system
- Spacious cabin with ample cargo area
- Sport suspension may result in a rough ride
- Options can be costly
- Noticeable road and wind noise
Safety ratings of the BMW X1
Safety ratings provided by NHTSA
- Number of airbags8
Specifications of the BMW X1
Key specifications available across all trim levels- Seats5
- Doors5
- Fuel typeGas
- TransmissionAutomatic
- City consumption10.5 - 10.7 L/100km
- Highway consumption7.4 - 7.5 L/100km
- Width1821 mm
- Length4455 - 4458 mm
- Trunk space505 - 767 L
- Cargo space1550 - 1662 L
Trims available with the BMW X1
What is a trim? Trims are different options of the same car with different features and equipment. The specs depend on the trim you choose.This variant of the BMW X1 2016 - present is available in 3 trims:Basic trim features and specs
Available with the Basic trim:
- Paddle shifters (optional)
Available across all trims:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Emergency wheel (optional)
- Front seats have lumbar support (optional)
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel (optional)
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Passenger seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Power steering
- Rear seat ski hatch (optional)
- Sport seats in the front (optional)
Available with the Basic trim:
- Adaptive bending lights
- Standard roof
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
- Four-wheel drive
- Headlight cleaners (optional)
- LED daytime running lights
- LED headlights
- Short wheel base
- Sunroof (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Collision warning system (optional)
- Collision warning system with automatic braking (optional)
- Dimming interior mirror (optional)
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Emergency call system
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Lane departure warning (optional)
- Rain sensor
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Basic trim:
- CD player
- MP3-CD player
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive cruise control (optional)
- Automatic parking (optional)
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Digital radio
- Electric tailgate (optional)
- Front sensors (optional)
- Head-Up display (optional)
- Hill start assist
- Keyless entry (optional)
- Navigation system (optional)
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- Speed limiter (optional)
- Start stop system
- USB port for front passengers
Sport Line trim features and specs
Available with the Sport Line trim:
- Paddle shifters
Available across all trims:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Emergency wheel (optional)
- Front seats have lumbar support (optional)
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel (optional)
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Passenger seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Power steering
- Rear seat ski hatch (optional)
- Sport seats in the front (optional)
Available with the Sport Line trim:
- Adaptive bending lights
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
- Four-wheel drive
- Headlight cleaners (optional)
- LED daytime running lights
- LED headlights
- Short wheel base
- Sunroof (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Collision warning system (optional)
- Collision warning system with automatic braking (optional)
- Dimming interior mirror (optional)
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Emergency call system
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Lane departure warning (optional)
- Rain sensor
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Sport Line trim:
- CD player
- MP3-CD player
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive cruise control (optional)
- Automatic parking (optional)
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Digital radio
- Electric tailgate (optional)
- Front sensors (optional)
- Head-Up display (optional)
- Hill start assist
- Keyless entry (optional)
- Navigation system (optional)
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- Speed limiter (optional)
- Start stop system
- USB port for front passengers
28i trim features and specs
Available with the 28i trim:
- Paddle shifters (optional)
- Tire repair kit (optional)
Available across all trims:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Center arm rest between front seats
- Driver seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Electric windows
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Emergency wheel (optional)
- Front seats have lumbar support (optional)
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel (optional)
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Passenger seat has lumbar support (optional)
- Power steering
- Rear seat ski hatch (optional)
- Sport seats in the front (optional)
Available with the 28i trim:
- Adaptive bending lights (optional)
- High-beam assist (optional)
- Standard roof
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- Fog lights
- Four-wheel drive
- Headlight cleaners (optional)
- LED daytime running lights
- LED headlights
- Short wheel base
- Sunroof (optional)
Available with the 28i trim:
- Fatigue warning system (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Collision warning system (optional)
- Collision warning system with automatic braking (optional)
- Dimming interior mirror (optional)
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Emergency call system
- Four-wheel drive
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Knee airbag
- Lane departure warning (optional)
- Rain sensor
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the 28i trim:
- 360 degree camera (optional)
- Apple CarPlay (optional)
- CD player (optional)
- Front view camera (optional)
- MP3-CD player (optional)
- Side sensors (optional)
- Touchscreen
- Traffic sign recognition (optional)
- WiFi (optional)
- Wireless charging pad/mat (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Adaptive cruise control (optional)
- Automatic parking (optional)
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Digital radio
- Electric tailgate (optional)
- Front sensors (optional)
- Head-Up display (optional)
- Hill start assist
- Keyless entry (optional)
- Navigation system (optional)
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- Speed limiter (optional)
- Start stop system
- USB port for front passengers
Frequently asked questions about the BMW X1
The first-generation BMW X1—available up to 2016—is rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (AWD). The second generation is front-wheel or AWD.
Yes. The compact spare tire is optional on the BMW X1. This spare tire is only meant as a temporary solution.
BMW calls its X1 an SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle. This BMW-specific term matches with CUV or Crossover Utility Vehicle, meaning a shorter height than an SUV but with similar characteristics.
BMW branding uses sDrive and xDrive to describe two-wheel and all-wheel drive, respectively. Two-wheel drive could mean either the front or rear wheels.
Production for the BMW X1 takes place in Born, Netherlands and in Regensburg, Germany, where seven other BMW models are assembled.