For the latest BMW X1 pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/bmw/x1/

This is the new redesigned BMW X1, an entry-level subcompact luxury SUV that’s come a long way. It’s now longer, wider, and looks sportier, almost like a shrunken version of its larger sibling the X5 and that’s not a bad thing. Its brawny and boxy look gives it a proper SUV appearance than that raised wagon look seen in previous generations. There’s only one model of the X1 and that’s the xDrive28i, and yes the xDrive means all wheel drive is standard.

What’s not standard is the M Sport package that we have on our tester here which I think makes the X1 look great. The grille is blacked out WITH functional grille shutters for aerodynamics, you get sportier bumpers, adaptive suspension, and these wheels and paint job are optional, but they look great. Along with the boxy dimensions there's a lot to like about the X1.

Those boxy dimensions translate to some very workable cargo room. There’s 25.7 cu-ft behind the second row and folding down the 40-20-40 split seats increases cargo capacity to 57.2 cubic feet.

Having some functions integrated into the touchscreen isn’t my cup of tea, and there’s no longer a knob to control the iDrive system so you’ll interact with the touchscreen to operate certain functions, but hey look on the bright side! The system looks clear, is intuitive and easy to operate, there’s this ledge you can use to place screen inputs, and there’s wireless phone charging with a small piece to prevent your phone from falling over, WITH some space below for slim items like a bag or some snacks.

The X1 delivers 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine linked to a dual clutch transmission. As an improvement from last generation, the bump in power translates to peppy acceleration and the fun driving nature you’d come to expect from a BMW.

The power in the X1 feels more than adequate and the shifts from the dual-clutch transmission are quick, however this start stop function is not the smoothest. You can disable it in the iDrive system but you must do that once every time you start the car, and when you're accelerating off the line, there's a little bit of lag. But when you get it up to speed, everything feels fine. There's also sport mode which changes throttle response steering feel and hold your gears longer if you want a more spirited ride, and some added sound pumped inside the cabin. And just for fun, the M Sport package includes paddle shifters and a BOOST mode which puts this in its most aggressive setting for roughly 10 seconds.

The AWD system works great on the X1. Through corners the small SUV feels composed and balanced, and the lack of body roll gives the driver more confidence to have more fun with sharp turns. Even though this SUV looks more SUV’ish, the driving dynamics feels almost hot-hatch’ish. Those are words, look them up. As far as fuel figures go, the X1 gets 25 city / 34 highway.

The steering with the X1 is nice and precise and I like the way the steering wheel feels, but the Adaptive suspension that comes with our M Sport package does make the ride a little bit firmer and there’s some road and wind noise coming into the cabin.

Pricing for the X1 now starts at ($38,600) plus a destination charge, and that includes 18-inch wheels, LED lighting, power tailgate, dual zone climate control, synthetic leather seating, usb-c ports, and large curved display.

For different styling aesthetics there’s xLine and M sport packages, and a long list of stand-alone features and optional packages which include larger 20 inch wheels, keyless entry, heated front seats and steering wheel, Panoramic sunroof 12-speaker audio system, head up display, and remote start.

The 3rd generation of the BMW X1 is a KBB best buy award winner for a reason. With a strong engine, fun driving dynamics, matured exterior and good looking interior, I’d say this lil guy earned has earned it.

00:00 2023 BMW X1
0:35 Exterior
1:26 Cargo Space
2:04 Passenger Space
3:45 Infotainment i-Drive System
4:54 Engine
5:12 Driving Impressions
7:24 Safety Features
7:45 Pricing
8:34 Competitors