BMW’s SAV lineup – short for sports activity vehicle – has blossomed over time to cover nearly every size and segment from X1 to X7, and it keeps growing; an X8 is on the way. But two of these are not like the others - this latest BMW X1 and its sportier sibling the X2 are the only ones not assembled in the United States and the sole SAVs built upon front-wheel drive platforms.
BMW X1
- New Dual Clutch Transmission
- SUV Styling
- Modern Cabin
- Model: 2023 X1 xDrive28i
- Engine:: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder
- Power Output: 241 HP
- Torque: 295 LB-FT
- Range: 400 miles
- Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch automatic
- Driveline: all-wheel drive
- MSRP: $40,095
- MSRP (As Tested): $47,295
- More SUV, Less Car In Its Styling
- Gutsy Turbo
- Beautiful Color Palette
- Lacks Driving Refinement
- Tight Rear Seats
- No Off-Road Cred
xLine Or M Sport Dilemma
Available in three designs, this is the bolder xLine style with satin aluminum trim, bi-color wheels, and a faux leather-trimmed dashboard at an added cost of $500. The other two designs are the classically styled, no-cost Standard X1 and the $2,300 motorsport-inspired M Sport look, the latter including an adaptive suspension. This tester is upfitted with 19-inch wheels, a smattering of options and the all-encompassing Premium Package for an as-tested price of $47,295. Surprisingly, that does not include adaptive cruise control which is part of the $1,700 Active Driving Assistant Pro package.
With this all-new third-generation model, the X1 has fully matured into a vehicle actually resembling an SUV. Its former car-like styling and low-slung proportions have grown into the beautiful San Remo Green example seen here. Longer, wider, taller and with a bit more ground clearance the X1 instantly becomes one of the most attractive models in the SAV range. And, with a starting MSRP of $40,095 it’s the least expensive new xDrive model you can buy.
A New-Look Interior With The Latest X1
Inside, the new X1 flaunts a bigger, more modern curved touchscreen display spanning from in front of the driver to the center of the dash, a floating center console with storage space underneath and a clever wireless phone charger that sits vertically with a cushioned bar to hold the device in place akin to riding on a rollercoaster.
The X1 uses a different playbook than the rest of BMW’s lineup in that it prioritizes typical small crossover selling points over the brand’s Ultimate Driving Machine moniker. So, there’s handsome design, lots of comfort and convenience features, flashy tech and slick lighting. The X1 wows as you approach with a welcome scenario of coordinated exterior lighting, welcome mat projection, automatic unlocking of the door and onscreen animations. Your saved profile initiates and a wireless smartphone connection commences. At night, there’s brilliant ambient cabin lighting that pulsates to various inputs such as an incoming call.
The sport seats provide deeper bolstering and provide greater long-trip comfort while the new iDrive 8 infotainment system is controlled via voice and touch forgoing the standard rotary controller altogether. It’s an attractive, welcoming and upscale approach that will resonate with entry-level SUV shoppers looking for that next level, premium ownership experience. There’s a head-up display, creatively configured driving and experience modes that also incorporate screen changes, augmented reality overlays for the navigation system that clearly show the way, an interior camera for checking in through the app, and a drive recorder that can be used for security measures or to simply shoot scenic drives.
But despite its expanded exterior dimensions, the X1 looses some cargo room and feels tighter in the rear seats. There’s a recline function back there and the front seatbacks are carved out to make way for additional knee room, but the large front headrest seems to be staring me right in the face and the middle seating position is for emergency use only. There is a panoramic roof so at least that adds some airiness. On the other hand, front seat passengers enjoy more shoulder and elbow room as a benefit of the X1’s added width. This mocha-colored faux leather though is not for me; I would much prefer black or oyster.
A Different Playbook
The front-wheel drive variant known as sDrive is no longer, so all X1 are now equipped with all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine has also been revised to reduce pumping losses and to deliver more power. A gain of 13 horsepower and a more sizable boost of 37 pound-feet of torque result in a zippier X1, quicker to 60 MPH by 0.1 second. Now rated at 241-horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, this 2.0-liter four-cylinder is also more efficient. Replacing the eight-speed automatic with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission helps bump up gas mileage 2 MPG to 28 MPG in mixed driving. Premium gas is still required.
The ride quality itself is middling. Without much BMW distinction other than the fact it's pretty quick 6.2-second 0-to-60 MPH time, I could be driving just about any small crossover here. I’m sure the M Sport adaptive suspension would move things in a more positive direction but as is there’s nothing Ultimate about it. It's also disappointing to not see any sort of off-road xDrive mode in order to lock in all-wheel drive. With over 8-inches of ground clearance BMW could do so much more in this regard to give the X1's tougher bark a little bite.
Summing Up The 2023 BMW X1
Feature-rich is the X1 but what about that hallmark BMW drive – can it exist in a vehicle that is primarily driven by the front wheels? Maybe, but not so much here. The new gearbox coupled with the gruff stop-start system and aggressive throttle response makes driving in city traffic herky-jerky. The brake pedal feel is also poor leading to abrupt stops. On the open road these characteristics are mostly masked but in around the town driving the X1 is exposed as something less than a BMW should be. And, when driving in Sport on a curvy backroad the turbo comes on abruptly leading to noticeable torque steer and the front end washes out as you put the X1 through its paces.
The X1 and X2 are BMW's least purchased SAVs. That being said, the alluring price point, butch styling, and high wow factor of this new X1 should sufficiently move the metal, reserving BMW’s driving credo for the X3 and above. Those interested in this segment should cross shop the Audi Q3 and Lexus NX before deciding.