Name: BMW X1 (2015 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: BMW X1
Rating: 64.0

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 Mini Countryman and Clubman from the same era, 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.

As of January 2025, the second-generation BMW X1 holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 64%. It scores top marks for its low average CO2 emissions (helped by the plug-in hybrid model) and its running costs are generally low, but its media review scores were only average and its reliability record is poor. Its Euro NCAP safety rating has also long since expired due to age.

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

Highlighted reviews and road tests 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.”
Read review

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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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.”
Read review

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+

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)
Read review

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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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 90%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 74%
Safety assist: 77%

Notes on safety rating

The BMW X1 was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2015 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2022 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used X1 to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating

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

Clean Air Index: 6.9 / 10
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.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	42 mpg	D	38 – 46 mpg	C – D
Diesel models	52 mpg	B	49 – 57 mpg	B – C
Plug-in hybrid models	157 mpg	A	157 – 157 mpg	A – A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	152 g/km	B	141 – 168 g/km	B – C
Diesel models	142 g/km	B	130 – 151 g/km	A – B
Plug-in hybrid models	41 g/km	A	41 – 42 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	31 miles	E	29 – 32 miles	E – E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	26	B	22 – 31	A – C

The second-generation BMW X1 is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption is poor for the petrol models, but good for the diesels and very good for the plug-in hybrid if you are able to regularly charge the battery. If the battery is flat and you’re relying on the petrol engine, fuel consumption will be worse than the regular petrol model.

Insurance costs should be better than average, which is good for a BMW. We don’t have servicing and maintenance costs due to this vehicle’s age. By now, average servicing costs will vary significantly from car to car depending on age, condition and mileage.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 202
Average repair cost: £795.67
Last updated: October 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of October 2024, the BMW X1 has a poor reliability record, 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 £600 average repair cost shown here.

It’s worth watching out for gearbox issues. These are not uncommon and are eye-wateringly expensive with an average repair cost of close to £4,000.