UPDATED: November 1, 2021
BMW X1 – RANKINGS, COMPARISONS AND INFORMATION SHEETS
WHY IS THIS INFORMATION IMPORTANT?
This page will tell you everything that you need to know about this SUV. Buying a vehicle is a huge accomplishment and a large financial outlay. We want you to have as much information as possible, so that you can make the best decision for you.
The BMW X1 is a line of subcompact luxury SUV produced by BMW. Debuted in 2009, the first-generation X1 has been based on the E90 3 Series and offers rear-wheel drive layout as standard. At its introduction, it was positioned as the smallest SUV in BMW line-up below the X3, aiming a wider range of customers due to its smaller size, increased efficiency, and a lower price tag due to the all-wheel drive layout (xDrive) being optional.
The second-generation X1 marked the switch to the front-wheel drive-based layout by using the UKL2 platform shared with the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and the Mini Countryman. Despite its name, it is currently only the second smallest SUV produced by BMW since the introduction of the X2.
— Source Wikipedia
- Official Page – BMW X1
- Price: Starts at $39,900 CAD
- Comparable to: Audi Q3, Lexus UX, Volvo XC40
- Maintenance costs: Approximately $9,150 over 10 years.
REVIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS
We have put together as many reviews and impressions as we could find. Each finds a way to touch upon something that the others missed. If you are serious about this vehicle then these videos are worth watching. If you have review or first impressions that helped you and that aren’t listed here, please contact us!
OUR SCORE
You can view the overall Compact SUV Rankings here and the Luxury Compact SUV Rankings here.
Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5
USNews: 8.5 / 10
Edmunds: 7.8 / 10
J.D. Power: 75 / 100
Car and Driver: 9 / 10
Motortrend: 7.6 / 10
What the critics have to say…
This crossover boasts numerous appealing traits, including a large cargo capacity and a user-friendly infotainment system. On the performance front, this BMW impresses with its strong engine, zesty handling, and great gas mileage. It does have a few drawbacks, such as some downmarket cabin pieces and a stiff ride, but it’s still an alluring vehicle.
— USNews
The 2021 BMW X1 premium subcompact crossover is one of the least expensive yet most enjoyable vehicles in the BMW stable.
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
The Ultimate Driving Machine it is not, but the X1 still feels like a vehicle of substance. Its all-wheel-drive system is agile and confident. It’s an SUV, but it acts more like a hatchback car.
It’s quick, nimble and fun to drive.
IS IT RELIABLE AND HIGH QUALITY?
The 2021 BMW X1 has a predicted reliability score of 75 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?
The seats are a bit hard. You’ll feel a lot of bumps in the road because of the stiff suspension tuning and run-flat tires. (The sidewalls of run-flat tires aren’t as compliant as those of regular tires.)
The climate controls consist of buttons and knobs that are easy to operate and do a great job of maintaining cabin temperature. The cabin is also one of the quietest in this segment. The engine is quiet.
WHAT IS THE INTERIOR LIKE?
Passenger and driver space is ample and inviting. It’s easy to get in and out of the vehicle. Visibility is excellent.
The X1 uses an older version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system.
WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY LIKE?
The X1 tech is barely current. The voice controls use natural language, so you don’t have to memorize a rigid command structure, but they lack the depth of Mercedes’ MBUX system.
A total of four USB ports ensures plenty of charging options. Wireless Apple CarPlay is great, but there’s no Android Auto support. This may be a game breaker for Android users. The native navigation system is thankfully quite easy to use.
WHAT IS THE CARGO SPACE LIKE?
The X1 delivers 27.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seat.
Small item storage is suspect at best.
IS THIS VEHICLE A GOOD VALUE?
The X1 is like any BMW well built. The quality of materials is up to class standards, with soft-touch surfaces and convincing wood and aluminum trim. But compared to the latest Mercedes-Benz SUVs, the design is somewhat plain and uncompelling.
In terms of cost, both the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 start at lower price points and ultimately cost less once optioned up. You have to prefer BMWs to choose this over other options.
BMW will provide you three years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, plus bumper-to-bumper and drivetrain warranties that last four years/50,000 miles. Roadside assistance is good for four years/unlimited miles
IS THE bmw x1 A GOOD SUV?
Yes, the BMW X1 is a good SUV. It does have a few drawbacks, such as some downmarket cabin pieces and a stiff ride, but it’s still an alluring vehicle.
SHOULD I BUY THE AUDI Q3 GLB?
The BMW X1 is a well-rounded small SUV, but there are others in the class worth considering. The Audi Q3 has a nicer interior and more standard features for a lower base price. If you want something roomier than the X1, you might consider the Volvo XC40 or, if you’d rather stick with a BMW, the compact X3.
THE FINAL WORD
Few SUVs stuff as much value and utility into a small package like the 2021 Volvo XC40. It is a jack of all trades type of SUV, so if one aspect is your primary concern there is likely a better choice out there.