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Expert Rating

BMW X1

(2022 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

75
%
A

Used car score:

72
%
A

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

69
%
C

Safety Rating:

91
%
A

Eco Rating:

75
%
A

Reliability Rating:

62
%
D

Running Costs:

61
%
C

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

75
%
A

Used car score:

72
%
A

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

69
%
C

Safety Rating:

91
%
A

Eco Rating:

75
%
A

Reliability Rating:

62
%
D

Running Costs:

61
%
C

Summary


The BMW X1 is a compact five-door crossover and the smallest SUV model in the BMW range. This is the third-generation model, which became available to order in the UK in Autumn 2022. It was unveiled alongside an all-electric version, called the BMW iX1.

Built on the same basic platform as the current BMW 1 Series, the latest iteration of the X1 has received a warm welcome from the British motoring media. “It drives well, has a high-quality interior and is now packed with technology”, Car Key‘s Ted Welford explains, with Tom Jervis of Carbuyer adding that, “thanks to its growth in size, the X1 is now an even better choice for families.”

There is a wide range of X1 engine options, including petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, but several publications have criticised the comparatively high pricing of the line-up, particularly electrified models.

Car‘s Jake Groves explains that upmarket rivals like the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA are cheaper as standard, and the Auto Express team points out that the older but slightly larger BMW X2 has a lower price tag too.

As of December 2024, the third-generation BMW X1 holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 75%. It scores top marks for its five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and low CO2 emissions, however its media review scores have only been average. Like most BMW models, running costs are also middling and its reliability record is poor.

BMW X1 highlights

  • Spacious and well-equipped cabin
  • Wide range of engine options
  • Attractive exterior styling
  • Large boot

BMW X1 lowlights

  • Rather firm ride comfort
  • No physical controls for the infotainment
  • Expensive, base price and up
  • Petrol engines could be more refined

Key specifications


Body style: Small SUV
Engines:
petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price:
From £34,935 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2022
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA


Media reviews


Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

The Scotsman

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 86%
Child protection: 89%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 92%

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of December 2024, the third-generation BMW X1 has not been tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

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

The BMW X1 has a below-average reliability score of 58%, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to both the current model X1 (2022 onwards) and previous generations.

The most noteworthy problems faced by X1 owners have been related to the gearbox, with an eye-watering average repair bill of more than £3,800 to date. Electrical and braking issues have been far more common, but the bills for these have been much cheaper. Suspension issues are also fairly common but fairly cheap to repair as well. Engine issues are the most common issue, with an average repair cost of more than £600.

If you own a BMW X1 or are interested in purchasing a used X1, make sure that any used car warranty you choose covers these key areas.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

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

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models44 mpgC36 – 50 mpgB – D
Diesel models57 mpgB54 – 59 mpgA – B
Plug-in hybrid models358 mpgA353 – 404 mpgA – A
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models145 g/kmB128 – 176 g/kmA – C
Diesel models131 g/kmA126 – 136 g/kmA – B
Plug-in hybrid models17 g/kmA15 – 18 g/kmA – A
Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
Plug-in hybrid models51 milesC50 – 53 milesC – D
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models30C24 – 35B – C
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£270C
Year 2£618B
Year 3£1,013B
Year 4£1,350C
Year 5£1,762C
Overall£5,013C

The BMW X1 has a mixed bag of running costs, according to five-year ownership data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel economy for petrol models is only average, although that’s sub-par for the small SUV segment. Diesel models are better, while plug-in hybrid models are flattered by the ridiculous UK/EU testing protocol that gives completely unrealistic results (there’s no way you’ll ever get 358 miles on a gallon – 4.5 litres – of petrol and a full battery).

Insurance premiums and servicing bills will also likely be fairly average across the first five years. Many other small SUVs are cheaper.

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 news, reviews and information about the BMW X1 at The Car Expert

Revised BMW iX SUV unveiled

Revised BMW iX SUV unveiled

Everything you need to know about BMW

Everything you need to know about BMW

The safest new cars on sale in the UK

The safest new cars on sale in the UK

Uprated BMW X1 M35i to arrive in November

Uprated BMW X1 M35i to arrive in November

All-new BMW X1 and electric iX1 revealed

All-new BMW X1 and electric iX1 revealed

The complete guide to choosing your next BMW

The complete guide to choosing your next BMW

BMW X1 (2015 to 2022)

BMW X1 (2015 to 2022)

Updated BMW X1 SUV gets the big grille treatment

Updated BMW X1 SUV gets the big grille treatment

BMW recalls 312,000 cars in UK

BMW recalls 312,000 cars in UK

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The BMW X1 is one of the most spacious and well-equipped options in the small SUV class, but it also one of the most expensive.BMW X1