Name: BMW X1 (2022 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: BMW X1
Rating: 75.0

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

Image gallery

Media reviews

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

Auto Express+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The third generation BMW X1 is the best yet. The family crossover is more spacious inside with improved infotainment, while hybrid technology helps the petrol and diesel engine line-up to deliver even greater efficiency. More expensive plug-in hybrid models are also available.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic xDrive23i M Sport Premier Pro
Score: 8 / 10
“The X1 is still some way from an involving driver’s BMW and this petrol powertrain isn’t without flaws, but the third-generation X1 does feel like another strong evolution towards being a more rounded, premium small SUV that’s still big enough to act as an everyday family car. We suspect the plug-in hybrids, with their excellent BiK rates, will prove very tempting options for company car choosers, too.” (John McIlroy)
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The smallest SUV in the BMW range is now all grown up with more room and tech than ever, the regular hybrids joined by the all-electric iX1.” (Erin Baker)
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“BMW’s played it safe with its new X1, but managed to still make a premium family crossover worth recommending over some of its closest rivals. While the cost of entry is higher than an Audi Q3 or Mercedes GLA, the X1 offers more kit in a more premium feeling interior, more space and a sharper steer. It’s a well-rounded family car.”
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Car Keys+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“BMW has thoroughly overhauled the X1 and the result is one that’s largely very impressive. It drives well, has a high-quality interior and is now packed with technology. With a more spacious cabin than before, the X1 would excel as a compact family SUV, and it’s right at the forefront of this very popular class.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Thanks to the growth in size, the BMW X1 is now an even better choice for families. The car’s boxy silhouette allows tall people to sit up comfortably, however the large transmission tunnel means those carrying three in the rear often will be better off looking at the larger Mercedes GLB.” (Tom Jervis)
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The interior is class-leading in terms of space and quality finish, it handles with real agility and there’s an extensive range of engines. However the ride is on the firm side, it’s not exactly cheap when new and it’ll be a while before affordable used models trickle down.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“At the heart of the new BMW X1 is the standard BMW Curved Display formed by a 10.25-inch information display and a 10.7-inch control display. The screens merge into a single unit behind a continuous glass surface curved towards the driver.”
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The Scotsman+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) automatic xDrive23i M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“Previous generations of X1 have felt a little like BMW fulfilling an obligation to have a car in every conceivable segment. The latest one, however, feels like a far more serious prospect, with class leading space and practicality and a breadth of strong drivetrains.”
Author: Matt Allan
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The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW X1 goes straight to the top of the premium family SUV class thanks to its driving experience and technology, as well as its clean new look.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Germans’ smallest SUV offers a choice of battery or plug-in hybrid propulsion but it’s a high price to pay just for a posh badge.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The iX1 is the pick of the bunch for now thanks to its swish and accomplished electric powertrain. Without it, the broader X1 range might have struggled to stick its head above the crowded pack of small SUVs on offer.”
Read review

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

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

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

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

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	44 mpg	C	36 – 50 mpg	B – D
Diesel models	57 mpg	B	54 – 59 mpg	A – B
Plug-in hybrid models	358 mpg	A	353 – 404 mpg	A – A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	145 g/km	B	128 – 176 g/km	A – C
Diesel models	131 g/km	A	126 – 136 g/km	A – B
Plug-in hybrid models	17 g/km	A	15 – 18 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	51 miles	C	50 – 53 miles	C – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	30	C	24 – 35	B – C

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£270	C
Year 2	£618	B
Year 3	£1,013	B
Year 4	£1,350	C
Year 5	£1,762	C
Overall	£5,013	C

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.