BMW X1: Price, Specs & Review
The BMW X1 is BMW’s smallest gasoline SUV, aimed at buyers who want a premium badge, standard all-wheel drive, useful cargo room, and easy city-friendly dimensions.
For 2027, the lineup includes the 241-hp X1 xDrive28i and the 312-hp X1 M35i xDrive. The xDrive28i is the better fit for most people; the M35i adds serious pace and sportier hardware, but it costs more and rides more firmly.
WheelPedia Rating: 8.2/10
| Rating Category | Score | Weight |
| Safety | 8.2/10 | 20% |
| Reliability and ownership | 7.8/10 | 15% |
| Performance and driving | 8.5/10 | 15% |
| Comfort and practicality | 8.4/10 | 15% |
| Efficiency | 8.2/10 | 15% |
| Features and technology | 8.5/10 | 10% |
| Price and value | 7.9/10 | 10% |
| Overall WheelPedia Rating | 8.2/10 | — |
Read How We Rate Cars to see how WheelPedia calculates vehicle ratings.
Key Highlights
- Compact luxury SUV with standard BMW xDrive all-wheel drive.
- 241-hp xDrive28i and 312-hp M35i xDrive models.
- M35i reaches 60 mph in a BMW-estimated 5.2 seconds.
- Up to 57.2 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded.
- Seats five and has a roomy, modern cabin for its size.
- Standard curved digital display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
- The X1 is 177.2 inches long, making it easier to park than the larger BMW X3.
Key Specifications
| Specification | BMW X1 |
| Vehicle type | Subcompact luxury SUV |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Engines | 2.0L turbocharged inline-four |
| Power output | 241–312 hp |
| Torque | Up to 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | Standard all-wheel drive |
| Fastest BMW-estimated 0–60 mph time | 5.2 seconds |
| Cargo capacity | Up to 57.2 cu. ft. |
| Length | 177.2–177.4 in. |
| Wheelbase | 106.0 in. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 14.3 gallons |
| Fuel requirement | Premium unleaded recommended |
Expert Tip:
Choose the X1 xDrive28i unless you specifically want hot-hatch-like acceleration and M performance styling. It is already quick, practical, and better suited to daily use.
About the BMW X1
The X1 is BMW’s entry-level SUV, sitting below the BMW X3 and alongside the more style-led BMW X2.
Its upright SUV body gives it a clear practicality advantage over the X2. It also feels more spacious inside than its exterior footprint suggests, making it a sensible choice for couples, small families, and for daily commuters who want a luxury SUV without moving into midsize-SUV territory.
Price and Trims
BMW offers two core X1 versions in the US.
| Trim | Drivetrain | Power | Best For |
| X1 xDrive28i | AWD | 241 hp | Best all-round choice |
| X1 M35i xDrive | AWD | 312 hp | Strong performance and sportier handling |
The xDrive28i has enough power for normal city and highway driving. The M35i is much quicker and more entertaining, but its larger wheels, performance tires, and sport-tuned hardware add cost.
Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience
The X1 xDrive28i uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 241 horsepower. BMW estimates a 0–60 mph time of 6.2 seconds.
The M35i xDrive uses a more powerful M-tuned 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 312 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. BMW estimates it reaches 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.The regular X1 is composed, quick enough, and easy to drive. The M35i feels more urgent and more athletic, with Adaptive M Suspension, M Sport Brakes, and a sharper overall setup.
Fuel Economy
The X1 offers competitive efficiency for an all-wheel-drive luxury SUV. EPA figures can vary by model year, wheel size, and trim, so check the window sticker for the exact vehicle.
The xDrive28i is the sensible choice for lower fuel spending. The M35i gives up some efficiency for more power and performance equipment. Both models use a 14.3-gallon fuel tank. BMW technical specifications
Interior, Technology, and Comfort
The X1 has a modern cabin built around BMW’s curved display and digital controls. It feels more upscale than many mainstream small SUVs, although some controls are buried in the touchscreen.
Standard and available features include:
- BMW Curved Display
- BMW Operating System 9
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Navigation
- BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
- BMW Digital Key Plus
- Heated front seats
- Available panoramic moonroof
- Available Harman Kardon sound system
- Available head-up display
- Available wireless charging
- Available Parking Assistant Plus
- Available Driving Assistant Professional
The front seats are supportive, and the rear seat is useful for adults on shorter trips. It is not as spacious as an X3, but it is more family-friendly than many rivals in the subcompact luxury class.
Dimensions, Cargo, and Practicality
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Length | 177.2–177.4 in. |
| Width | 72.6 in. |
| Height | 64.6 in. |
| Wheelbase | 106.0 in. |
| Cargo space behind rear seats | 25.7 cu. ft. |
| Maximum cargo space | 57.2 cu. ft. |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Fuel capacity | 14.3 gallons |
The X1 is a strong option for buyers who need a compact exterior but do not want to sacrifice normal SUV usefulness. Its wide rear opening and folding rear seats make it practical for groceries, luggage, strollers, and weekend trips.
Safety Features and Ratings
Standard and available safety equipment includes:
- Frontal collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rearview camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Automatic high beams
- Available surround-view camera system
- Available adaptive cruise control
- Available lane-centering assistance
- Available highway-driving assistance
Driver-assistance systems support the driver; they do not replace attentive driving. Before purchase, check the latest IIHS ratings and NHTSA safety database.
Reliability, Warranty, and Ownership
The X1 has a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch transmission, advanced electronics, and all-wheel-drive hardware. That means ownership costs will usually be higher than with a mainstream compact SUV.
BMW’s US coverage includes:
| Coverage | Length |
| New vehicle limited warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Scheduled maintenance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 4 years / unlimited miles |
| Rust perforation warranty | 12 years / unlimited miles |
For a used X1, check maintenance records, tire condition, brake wear, accident history, open recalls, and electronic features. Read how to check a car’s accident history before buying.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Spacious cabin for its compact size
- Useful cargo area
- Quick 241-hp base engine
- Very fast M35i version
- Modern infotainment and connectivity
- Easy-to-park dimensions
- Strong road manners for an SUV
What We Don’t Like
- Options can raise the final price quickly
- Some functions rely too heavily on the touchscreen
- M35i ride can be firm
- Premium fuel raises running costs
- Long-term luxury-car repairs can be expensive
- Less rear-seat and cargo room than the X3
Competitors
The BMW X1 competes with:
- Audi Q3
- Mercedes-Benz GLA
- Volvo XC40
- Lexus UX
- Acura ADX
- Genesis GV70
- BMW X2
The Audi Q3 offers a similarly premium small-SUV experience. The Lexus UX is a good choice for buyers focused on hybrid efficiency, while the BMW X1 is stronger for cargo space, performance, and driving response.
Should You Buy the BMW X1?
Buy the BMW X1 if you want a compact luxury SUV with standard all-wheel drive, good cargo space, modern technology, and more engaging road manners than most mainstream small SUVs.
Choose the X1 xDrive28i if you want the best mix of performance, practicality, and ownership costs. Choose the X1 M35i xDrive only if strong acceleration and sportier driving feel justify the higher price.
Skip the X1 if you need a third row, the lowest possible ownership costs, or the extra rear-seat and cargo space of the BMW X3.
FAQs
Is the BMW X1 all-wheel drive?
Yes. Both the X1 xDrive28i and X1 M35i xDrive come standard with BMW xDrive all-wheel drive.
How much horsepower does the BMW X1 have?
The X1 xDrive28i has 241 horsepower. The X1 M35i xDrive has 312 horsepower.
How fast is the BMW X1?
BMW estimates the X1 xDrive28i reaches 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The M35i xDrive does it in 5.2 seconds.
How much cargo space does the BMW X1 have?
The X1 has 25.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 57.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Is the BMW X1 bigger than the BMW X2?
The X1 and X2 share much of their mechanical foundation, but the X1 has a more upright roofline and is the more practical choice for passengers and cargo.
Does the BMW X1 require premium gas?
BMW recommends premium unleaded gasoline for intended performance and efficiency.
Is the BMW X1 a good family SUV?
It can work well for a small family. It has five seats, standard all-wheel drive, and practical cargo room, though the larger X3 is better for frequent rear-seat passengers and bigger loads.
Final Verdict
The BMW X1 is one of the better small luxury SUVs for buyers who want a premium interior, standard all-wheel drive, and real everyday practicality.
The X1 xDrive28i is the version most buyers should choose. It is quick, spacious for its size, and well equipped. The M35i xDrive is a compelling upgrade for drivers who want more speed, but its higher purchase and running costs make it a more specialized choice.
Prices, specifications, fuel-economy ratings, safety ratings, recalls, and feature availability can change by model year, trim, options, and market.