2018 BMW X1

Apr 14, 2024, 5:55pm ET

The BMW X1 is a compact luxury crossover that seeks to blend diminutive dimensions and a lower price with the luxury and performance associated with the blue roundel automaker. The small ‘ute is powered by a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine.

Overview

The X1 rides on BMW's global front-wheel drive platform. Outside, its design is aggressive, although it is still clearly a BMW crossover that looks like a 7/8ths-scale X3 from most angles. More body-color painted accents make the new model stand out a bit more, and the restyled front end brings the X1's look in line with the rest of BMW's lineup.

While modern and luxurious, the overall interior design doesn't break much new ground. BMW's familiar switch-gear, including its iDrive interface and floating dash, are included.

Measuring just 175.4 inches from head to toe, the X1 is BMW's smallest crossover. Although the rear seat area is a bit small, cargo room checks in at 17.8 cubic feet. A 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat-back can be lowered to increase luggage capacity to 54.7 cubic feet.

Under the Hood

The X1 is only available with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The turbo four shifts through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Front-wheel drive comes standard, and all-wheel drive is offered at an extra cost. The X1 hits 60 mph from a stop in 6.3 seconds in its fastest configuration.

The front-wheel drive model returns 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Selecting all-wheel drive lowers mileage to 22 and 31, respectively.

Standard features

The BMW X1 comes well-equipped in its most basic form. The X1 does not come in multiple trims, so customers must opt for packages if they want a more feature-rich experience.

Standard equipment on the X1 includes engine auto-stop start, hill descent control, an M Sport suspension, 18” aluminum wheels, matte chrome exterior trim, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with driver's memory, SensaTec (faux leather) upholstery, rain-sensing wipers with automatic headlamp control, a power liftgate, a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, dynamic cruise control, USB and Bluetooth audio, iDrive with a 6.5-inch screen and a seven-speaker audio system with HD Radio, SiriusXM radio compatibility.

Stand-alone options include a Harman Kardon premium audio system, run-flat tire delete, several 18- and 19-inch wheel options, a panoramic moon roof (also available in a package) and sliding and reclining rear seats, among others. Buyers also have several option packages to choose from.

Safety Counts

Safety features on the X1 include dual front, front side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems.

Also included is BMW Assist eCall, which automatically notifies a BMW call center in the event of a crash and can even predict the severity of occupant injuries.

Optional safety features are plentiful, including: adaptive headlights with cornering lights, high-Beam Assistant, park distance control, rear-view camera and cruise control with auto-braking. BMW's "Active Driving Assistant” suite of safety features (lane departure warning, forward collision alert, city collision mitigation and pedestrian protection) is also available in the Driver Assistance Plus package.

Key Competitors

The X1 squares off against the Audi Q3. Other possible alternatives include the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Land Rover's Range Rover Evoque.