Summary
The BMW X1 is a mid-sized SUV/crossover, that sits underneath the larger X3 in the BMW SUV range. This model is the second generation, which arrived in the UK in late 2015 and was replaced by the current generation X1 in Autumn 2022.
Unlike the original X1, which was based on the BMW 3 Series and primarily rear-wheel drive, the second-generation model actually shared its platform with the current Mini Countryman and Clubman, as well as the latest BMW 1 Series, and was therefore a primarily front-wheel drive vehicle.
Originally available with petrol and diesel engines, the X1 was also available with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. This version launched in the UK just before the nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The second-generation BMW X1 received generally good reviews from the UK motoring media, and was considered a substantial improvement over the previous model. No longer in production, the X1’s used car Expert Rating of 70% is respectable for this class but a fair distance beind the class leaders.
In a 2020 What Car? survey of the 50 most reliable cars in the UK up to eight years old, the petrol-engined versions of the BMW X1 ranked an excellent 15th place. Diesel versions, however, didn’t make the top 50.
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price when new: From £30,555 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2015
Last updated: Spring 2020
Replaced: Autumn 2022
Image gallery



Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“If you want a small premium SUV that’s practical and fun to drive, the BMW X1 is it”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid xDrive25e M Sport
Score: 7 / 10
“The plug-in hybrid system of this xDrive25e not only delivers the strongest performance of the BMW X1 range, but also the best refinement, while maintaining decent ride and handling and (almost) all of the standard car’s practicality.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The second-generation BMW X1 builds on the strengths of its predecessor and reduces the shortfalls to a point where they’re almost negligible. With grown-up driving manners and plenty of practicality, the X1 is worthy of a place on your shopping list.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Although its performance is strong, it’s not outstandingly so and the same is true of its real-world fuel economy. The BMW X1’s handling is spry but it isn’t a desperately slick or engaging car to drive. And, for a premium-brand car, it still leaves a fair amount to be desired on refinement.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive25d xLine
Score: 7 / 10
“The xDrive25d is a quality product with good everyday versatility, no doubt. It also possesses a good turn of speed, thanks to the urgent qualities of its engine, and is quite engaging to drive on the right roads.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive 25d
Score: 8 / 10
“The original BMW X1 sold like particularly hot cakes, despite not actually being all that brilliant a car in the cold light of day. The all-new successor is actually a very decent vehicle, with fewer compromises on packaging, dynamics or style.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW X1 is a really excellent crossover, even against such great competition. It drives well, has a spacious and excellent interior, and proves that premium quality doesn’t have to cost the earth to run.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW X1 is an economical, practical and good-to-drive compact SUV that’s better-looking than the model it replaced”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW X1 is a fun-to-drive and well-built alternative to the likes of the Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3; just be ready to pay extra for plenty of desirable options.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The new BMW X1 is greatly improved over its predecessor and can be considered a serious contender against its rivals. As the premium and small crossover market continues to grow, BMW had to get its new X1 right second time around.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The BMW X1 is a sporty small SUV that’s fun to drive, has a practical, spacious interior and a high-quality cabin. It’s a shame that some of its options are so expensive, but if you are willing to splash out, then you’ll end up with one of the very best cars in this class.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“There are dozens of crossovers to choose from these days, whether in the form of popular mainstream models like the Nissan Qashqai or more luxurious alternatives such as the Audi Q3. But even in the face of some very serious competition, the BMW X1 is a very impressive car indeed.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive25d xLine
“While the BMW X1 might be showing its age slightly, it’s still an extremely good alternative to the Audi Q3, Volvo XC40 and Range Rover Evoque.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Not to be confused with the original and rather lacklustre BMW X1, the current car is one of the most desirable in its class.”
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Motors.co.uk
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“For families, the BMW X1 is an expensive but good option to choose as there is a large amount of space, a good safety rating and ISOFIX points on the rear seats. Although other cheaper crossovers will do a similar job, the X1 can certainly be described as a good family car.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Entry-level BMW SUV is great to drive and looks sharp.”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive 20d
“It’s a Beemer and THAT badge always guarantees a spot in your final five. I’m not sure about those X1 puddle lamps, though. Classy rivals include the Q3, Mercedes GLA and Range Rover Evoque. The Q3 is cheaper, but it has less standard kit. I’d also consider a fully loaded Kia Sportage.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel xDrive 25d
Score: 4 / 10
“The beancounters’ gift to box‑haulers” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Capable, covetable compact 4×4”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“By going transverse-engined, the BMW X1 has become technically less distinctive, but more useful in the real world.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW X1 is good to drive, classy inside and hugely practical. It isn’t as quiet nor as comfortable as the best family SUVs, but it’s a fine buy if you fancy something a little more sporty.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The BMW X1 is a strong addition to the crossover class. Vastly improved over the outgoing model – particularly in interior quality and refinement – it impresses in most respects, offering everything you’d expect of a four-wheel-drive car from a premium marque.”
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Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2017
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 90%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 74%
Safety assist: 77%
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 2.0-litre diesel automatic X1 18d 4×4
Overall score: 2 stars
Date tested: February 2021
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 4.7 / 10
The rating above is for the BMW X1 18d diesel automatic four-wheel-drive model. It does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 60
Average repair cost: £1437.9
Last updated: October 2022
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The BMW X1 rates below average for reliability, according to extended warranty data provided to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, MotorEasy.
The most common problems occur in the braking system, electrical system and the engine, although the good news is that these are relatively inexpensive repairs – particularly for the engine, where we would normally expect to see bills significantly higher than the £400 average repair cost shown here.
Worth watching out for are gearbox issues. These make up a small fraction of faults, according to the data provided, and are expensive with an average repair cost of close to than £6,000.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW X1 has received
2021
- Business Motoring Awards – Best Small SUV
- Business Car Awards – Best Premium Medium SUV
2020
- Business Car Awards – Best Premium Medium SUV
2018
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Premium Crossover
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BMW X1, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi Q3 | BMW X2 | DS 3 Crossback | Jaguar E-Pace | Lexus UX | Mercedes-Benz GLA | Mini Countryman | Range Rover Evoque | Volvo XC40
More information
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