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, 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 March 2024, the third-generation BMW X1 holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 78%. At time of writing, this is exactly the same score as the electric iX1 version. It scores highly for safety, CO2 emissions and running costs, while historic reliability for all X1 models has also been strong.
- BMW iX1 (the electric version) – Expert Rating
- BMW X1 (2015 to 2022) – Expert Rating
- More BMW Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
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
Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Overall, then, the BMW X1 has strong competition with the likes of the Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA and Lexus NX on its back. Despite that, interior finish is about as good as it gets in this class and practicality is hard to fault.” (Vicky Parrott)
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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 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.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Some premium family SUVs are more comfortable and better to drive, but you won’t find any that are more spacious than the X1. The pure electric range on offer in the plug-in hybrid versions are impressive, too.”
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 March 2024, the third-generation BMW X1 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 145
Average repair cost: £621.72
Last updated: January 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The BMW X1 has an excellent reliability score of 76%, 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 average repair bill of more than £2,500 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 not uncommon, 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
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 142 g/km | B | 134 – 153 g/km | A – B |
Diesel models | 131 g/km | A | 128 – 136 g/km | A – B |
Plug-in hybrid models | 17 g/km | A | 15 – 18 g/km | A – A |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 29 | C | 24 – 34 | B – C |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £241 | B |
Year 2 | £551 | B |
Year 3 | £942 | B |
Year 4 | £1,236 | B |
Year 5 | £1,662 | B |
Overall | £4,632 | B |
The BMW X1 has excellent emissions figures and affordable maintenance costs, according to our partner Clear Vehicle Data. Insurance premiums are average when compared to the market as a whole, and though there are cheaper SUVs to service and maintain on the market, the X1 is one of the most affordable BMW models to run over the course of five years of ownership.
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
More news, reviews and information about the BMW X1 at The Car Expert
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