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Expert Rating

BMW X1

(2022 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

78
%
A

Used car score:

77
%
A

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

70
%
B

Safety Rating:

91
%
A

Eco Rating:

75
%
A

Reliability Rating:

85
%
B

Running Costs:

69
%
B

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

78
%
A

Used car score:

77
%
A

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

70
%
B

Safety Rating:

91
%
A

Eco Rating:

75
%
A

Reliability Rating:

85
%
B

Running Costs:

69
%
B

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 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

+

Autocar

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

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

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 outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models142 g/kmB134 – 153 g/kmA – B
Diesel models131 g/kmA128 – 136 g/kmA – B
Plug-in hybrid models17 g/kmA15 – 18 g/kmA – A
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models29C24 – 34B – C
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£241B
Year 2£551B
Year 3£942B
Year 4£1,236B
Year 5£1,662B
Overall£4,632B

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

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

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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

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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