The X1 rates as an entry portal into the Ultimate Driving Machine universe of BMW, a worldwide aspirational brand.
Back in 2010, BMW introduced its smallest five-door luxury crossover, the subcompact X1. A second-generation debuted in 2016, skewing longer, taller and wider. In 2023, BMW welcomes aboard generation three boasting an even wider stance, longer wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle), a bold new front-end design, larger wheels and wide-screen in-dash multimedia system.
Preppy brands go to great lengths in creating their own, personal language designations. The ubiquitous ‘crossover’ describing a conventional five-door hatchback never quite cut it at BMW’s corporate Munich headquarters; so marketing gurus coined their own terminology, Sport Activity Vehicle (or SAV) to describe such rolling artwork.
During the 2022 calendar year, BMW sold 7,104 X1 units in the U.S., about a third of its historic level largely due to the model year changeover idling production for a short duration.
The capital “X” prefix identifies BMW products as SAVs. Suffix integers indicate body sizing, the larger the integer, the bigger and broader the Bimmer.
While the smallest SAV in the lineup (the X7 currently measures in as the largest) X1’s grown close to compact sizing with this Gen III redo. Still a five-seater, overall length is 1.7-inches longer than 2022 with wheelbase growing about one inch. This all adds up to a larger interior and added comfort for travelers. The X1’s overall length still measures about 8 inches shorter than BMW’s compact X3 SAV.
Full disclosure, the 2023 incarnation officially titles ‘X1 xDrive28i’ with xDrive (note the lowercase x) denoting standard all-wheel drive. This system directs power to all four wheels with a 40/60 split ratio under normal conditions, adjusting to changing circumstances as needed with no driver input. This is a switch from 2022 when xDrive was optional.
The ending lowercase ‘I’ is a throwback referencing ‘fuel injection,’ a one-time game-changing technology (now commonplace) displacing the wonky, less precise carburetor. As for the ‘28’ reference, it’s a very imprecise nod to engine size.
Pricing for this premium crossover starts at a rather appealing $38,600 but beware of abundant stand-alone (about a half dozen) extras and option packages (six available including M Sport and xLine) that quickly escalate the bottom line. Still, it’s BMW’s most affordable SAV but not the segment’s bargain buy.
Visually, BMW’s iconic twin port grille has sized up during recent model year makeovers. While it’s bigger, it doesn't overpower the front end and the blue-and-white circular medallion returns dotting the center I between ports. An active air flap control system automatically opens and closes based on engine needs of additional ambient air. The lower front and rear ends also restyle. Narrow LED headlights flank the grille. Taillights now promote an L-shaped profile.
The sole engine upgrades for 2023 in the form of a 2.0 liter, 16 valve, four cylinder with twin turbo charging generating a 10:1 compression ratio and a healthy 241 horsepower (295 lb.-ft of torque). This engine incorporates a Miller combustion cycle and a dual (direct and port) fuel injection system. Expect zero to 60 times in 6.2 seconds. This all adds up to increases from last year when a single turbo 2.0-liter inline four cranked out 228 horses and 258 lb.-ft. of low-end torque.
It connects to a sporty, efficient, all-new dual clutch seven-speed automatic transmission. Think of dual-clutch transmissions (DCT and a favorite of the professional race car circuits) combining the strengths of a traditional manual with the no-foot-clutch convenience of an automatic. It’s the performance choice among conventional automatics and the multi-gear ratio Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs). From the driver’s perspective, it operates like a traditional automatic; select the desired gear and go. It replaces a conventional eight-speed automatic from 2022.
A dual clutch transmission utilizes two independent clutches, but no clutch pedal. One clutch operates odd gears (1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th) while the second tackles the evens (2nd, 4th and 6th). This design allows a continuous power flow from engine to wheels; unlike a traditional manual where powers interrupted during the foot clutch plunge. State-of-art electronics and hydraulics shift gear-to-gear within milliseconds. The DCT requires no torque converter, a staple of a conventional automatic. Another benefit: improved fuel economy, approximately 10 percent better compared with a conventional automatic.
Bottom line: this internal combustion engine (ICE) and transmission provide more than ample oomph. Expect pleasant but not overly sporty handling. The fuel tank holds 14.3 gallons of 91-octane (mid-grade) premium unleaded with fuel economy registering a respectable 25 mpg city, 34 highway. Those numbers improve significantly from 2022 where an all-wheel drive X1 registered 23 and 31 respectively.
Currently, X1 offers no all-electric version (EV) in the U.S., but BMW does market three all-electric EV products here: the i4, i7 (both sedans) and mid-size iX crossover/SAV.
Buyers get to choose from 13 exterior X1 colors including a handful of new choices including our tester’s cinnamon brown shade officially titled Utah Orange Metallic in BMW Speak (and tacking on an extra $650).
With its $38,600 base price and two option packages (a recommended $4,200 premium package and passable $500 xLine package), the bottom line hit $46,795 including a surprisingly sparse $995 destination charge.
If by chance the steering wheel unexpectedly vibrates, be forewarned. It’s X1’s now standard Active Blind Spot Detection warning of a potential vehicle trolling in the side blind spot. Also, if X1 is parked or stationary while a bicyclist or vehicle approaches as the side door is about to open, an acoustic warning emits as interior ambient light and exterior mirror housing lights flash, providing a warning of a potential impact.
Other standard high tech safety goodies include knee air bags, lane departure warning, frontal collision warning and radar-enhanced cruise control summoned via the 3 o’clock position of the three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel. This system provides a safe buffer from the car ahead by automatically slowing and speeding up X1 and bringing it to a complete halt if needed. Optional are front/back active park distance controls helping avoid collisions with obstacles to the front, side and rear when parking.
Upgraded tailored, perforated seating includes raised positioning not always standard in compact or subcompact crossovers (er SAVS) helping egress and ingress while providing good driver sightlines. The largely bi-colored interior highlights in black and red (with black and red stitching).
In row two, rear seatbacks fold with a 40/20/40 split to increase cargo options. When prone two riders enjoy optimal comfort although three could ride in a pinch even with the vertical floor hump in place.
Dashboard visuals include very narrow (about one-inch height) horizontal air vents anchoring below the can’t miss multi-function touch screen, while stepping up to the next level, the narrow vent travels above the passenger-side glove box. The extra-wide, smooth looking 10.7-inch screen gently skews the driver’s way, connecting up seamlessly with the logically designed 10.25-inch digital instrument panel for a wide-screen appeal under a single piece of glass.
Most HVAC controls operate through the detailed touch screen, save for two welcome push buttons near center air vents summoning front and rear defrosting. The screen always includes a ‘climate controls’ listing along the bottom; just click on the copy for the HVAC screen selection.
As with many premium-branded crossovers, drivers select from a range of drive modes, each activates specific settings for the powertrain and steering. Each of the three settings (personal, sport, efficient) summons its own interior lighting hue and slight alterations in the digital instrument panel. A center console button summons each mode, or if feeling techy, modes select via voice commands.
Speaking of the center console, the long, slender sleeve-like raised structure packs a multitude of duties near the front. It’s situated at a high level between front buckets, creating a floating effect. The diminutive electronic transmission tap bar shifter may be the most called-upon feature; tilt forward for reverse, back for drive/forward.
Park summons whenever shutting down the engine via an electronic push square ahead of the transmission or summoning the electronic parking brake button to its rear. A thumb/finger roller/scroll monitors the sound system’s volume control (as do secondary steering wheel buttons and, yes, voice commands).
A shallow storage region capable of stowing a cell phone, pair of sunglasses and a couple of candy snacks resides in the back two-thirds under a right-side hinged black flip cover; opening with the push down of a front-right mechanical button.
Android Auto Smartphone connectivity now comes standard, joining returning Apple CarPlay. Gone is the rotary iDrive knob once found between front buckets helping to motivate an in-screen curser, replaced by the higher situated floating console.
Wireless WiFi enables Smartphone interaction of apps and stored info directly onto the curved screen and part of the iDrive 8 infotainment software. Smartphones stand vertically upright in a sizeable under screen cove and tuck in secure with a belt-like bridge to help ensure a physical connection to wireless charging within the Premium Package.
Bi-colored side-view mirrors include a brushed aluminum cap and black underpinnings. At night, puddle lights illuminate ground bound BMW graphics. In back, exhaust pipes blend into the body for a smooth, clean surface. The power-operated hatch provides ample head clearance for those six-foot four-inches or shorter, a nice boast for a smaller body style. Side windows include chrome framing. Cupped side door grabbers lift up to unlatch. A smallish rear window contrasts with flared wheel arches.
Buy any new BMW and qualify for BMW Ultimate Care covering basic maintenance of all components (other than normal wear and maintenance items) for three years. Four years (unlimited miles) roadside maintenance is also part of the picture including jump starts, lockout service, towing and tire changing. Another nice perk X1 includes: a space-saver spare tire. Not every rival promotes one and during unplanned pinches, come in very handy.
Thirty years ago, BMW opened its first U.S. assembly plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It’s evolved into BMW’s largest production facility worldwide, able to churn out 1,500 units daily and employs more than 11,000 folks. It’s home to Sport Activity Production (with the notable exception of our X1 tester assembled in Germany).
At a Glance
BMW X1
Price as tested: $46,795
Engine: 2.0-liter Twin Turbo inline 4
Horsepower: 241
Overall length: 177.2 inches
Overall width: 72.6 inches
Overall height: 64.6 inches
Wheelbase: 106 inches
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg city, 34 highway
Curb weight: 3,750 pounds
Powertrain warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Assembly: Regensburg, Germany