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 August 2023, the third-generation BMW X1 holds an Expert Rating of 70%, which is slightly higher than the score held by the outgoing X1 generation. This is a brand new model, and therefore, we expect to see many more new and updated reviews published in coming months once the car reaches the UK, which could push the rating up or down by a few points.
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 £34,365 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2022
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
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:
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)
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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
Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The new BMW X1 is a spacious, high-quality small SUV that lives up to the high standards BMW is known for. While we’ll have to reserve full judgement on the X1 until we lab test it, it’s certainly got plenty of appeal as a family car.”
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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%
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of August 2023, the third-generation BMW X1 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
The third-generation BMW X1 is a brand-new model, so we don’t have enough reliability data on the SUV to generate a reliability rating as of yet.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively for us using warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the newest X1, we’ll publish the score here.
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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