BMW X1 review (2015-2022)
Some things are better second time around. Take the BMW X1. The original car was great, though far from being one of BMW's best efforts. The second generation has put right many of the first X1's wrongs. Available since 2015, the second X1 drives brilliantly and is more practical than its small size might lead you to expect. Find out what we think in our road-tested BMW X1 review.
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Pros
- Responsive handling
- Premium interior
- Reasonably practical
Cons
- Ride can be a bit firm
- Some equipment is optional
Interior
Our rating: 8/10
Even if it is the smallest of the X cars, BMW's designers have cleverly built-in comfort and convenience while ensuring space remains a big feature.
Driving position
You sit lower to the ground in the X1 than in many SUVs, although most drivers will find the position comfortable.
There's plenty of head and legroom in the front, even for tall drivers. If you have a dodgy back, check if any X1 you're looking at has lumbar adjustment, as not all do.
There's enough room for adults to travel in the back. Two will be comfy, and three a little more of a squeeze. Besties only, perhaps.
Tech and features
The X1's cabin is high in quality, as well as generous with space. There's a premium look and feel to the materials that rivals the wow factor of the Volvo XC40's cabin.
Top-notch infotainment is another highlight. The touchscreen display is as crisp and clear as your new TV, and the iDrive rotary controller makes it easy to find your way through the system's menus.
Don’t be taken in too much by its good looks when you’re driving, though – eyes on the road.
Apple CarPlay is standard, along with Bluetooth and a DAB radio. There's bad news if you own an Android phone, though, as Android Auto is not available.
If you’re a secret muso and want sounds as well as smooth driving, look out for an X1 with the Harman/Kardon stereo upgrade, which adds more power and extra speakers.
Performance
Our rating: 8/10
Handling and ride comfort
If the X1's looks get you interested, the way it drives will have you hooked. There's a choice of front- and four-wheel-drive models.
Either way, the X1 drives more like a sports saloon than a typical SUV.
On a twisty road, the X1 is nippy and agile. Whether you go for a petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid, it has lively acceleration offering good control on motorways and enough zip for city driving.
Some buyers will find the ride on the firm side – the Range Rover Evoque does a better job of smoothing over rough roads.
If you enjoy driving, though, you'll get a kick out of the X1.
Practicality
Our rating: 7/10
Boot space
The X1 boasts a generous amount of boot space. There's more room for luggage than you'd find in most compact SUVs, and the rear seats fold flat for extra space.
They also split into three parts, rather than the more usual two, which is really handy if you need to carry something long in the boot and still need space for two passengers in the back.
That’s your ‘take the kids flatpack shopping’ dilemma at least partly sorted.
If you go for the xDrive 25e plug-in hybrid, there's slightly less boot space to make room for the added electrics.
The difference isn't huge, though, so the hybrid still makes for a practical family car.
Storage solutions
There's plenty of storage dotted around the cabin, including generous door bins in the front.
Running costs
Our rating: 6/10
Fuel economy
For the lowest running costs, go for one of the sDrive front-wheel-drive models.
These tend to have slightly better fuel economy and lower emissions than the xDrive 4x4s.
An sDrive18i will do around 45mpg, according to the official figures, so you should at least be able to get around 40mpg in real-world conditions.
On paper, the plug-in hybrid is the most economical model, achieving around 150mpg in the official tests.
Whether you get close to that figure will depend on how often you’re able to recharge the car's batteries.
The verdict
Interior
8/10
Performance
8/10
Practicality
7/10
Running costs
6/10
The way the X1 drives is what makes it stand out from other compact SUVs. It's so much fun.
Even the heavy hybrid corners with poise and agility, and the most powerful petrol and diesel models deliver punchy performance.
Other than a firm ride, there's not much to put you off – the X1 is roomy and good value.
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