Overview

What's New for 2024

The 2023 BMW X1 is available in two trim levels, both with standard all-wheel drive, the 28i and the new M35i. The 28i is the one we recommend for most buyers. We’ll explain why.

28i

The 28i starts at around $41,000, including a $995 destination fee. It comes with a 241-horsepower four-cylinder engine, seven-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. Eighteen-inch wheels and tires are included; 19- and 20-inch wheels are optional. The interior now features a 10.7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Synthetic leather seats, ambient lighting, and dual-zone climate control are part of the equipment list. A Convenience package adds a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, wireless charging pad, and auto-dimming rearview mirrors. The Premium package adds a head-up display, Harman Kardon audio system, automated parking system, and a surround-view camera. The 28i is plenty powerful, so unless you really want more performance and a sportier look, this is the trim we recommend.

M35i

The M35i starts at $50,895. This performance model comes standard with a 312-hp turbocharged engine, an adaptive suspension, high-performance brakes, and distinctive 19-inch wheels. BMW also offers 20-inch wheels with stickier summer tires. The exterior features a sportier, more aggressive look with a special grille, four big tailpipes, and black trim. The cabin gets front sport seats, suede trim, and an M-badge on the steering wheel.

The 2024 BMW X1 is available with a choice of 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines. In the 28i it develops 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which makes the X1 one of the more powerful vehicles in the class. It’s quite quick for a compact luxury SUV. All-wheel drive is standard along with a precise and quick-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission. A well-tuned suspension, responsive steering, and powerful brakes give the X1 sure-footed handling, making it one of the more fun-to-drive SUVs in the class. To bolster performance even further, an optional M Sport package — which includes an adaptive suspension, special wheels and tires, sport seats, an aero kit, shift paddles, and an M Sport steering wheel — is available. It lowers the ride height and provides a sportier, more direct steering feel, although we wouldn't recommend it for those who prefer a softer ride.

Buyers looking for the most speed and performance should step up to the M35i. In this model the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine produces 312 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than you get in some of BMW’s sports cars and sport sedans. An adaptive suspension system, high-performance brakes, and 19-inch wheels are standard. For ultimate performance, 20-inch wheels with high-performance summer tires are available. One of our favorite features is the M Sport Boost function, which is sort of an ultimate sport mode. With a single input from the driver, it instantly puts all the powertrain and chassis systems into their sportiest settings.

The slightly larger Lexus NX has a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is fitted with a 221-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The Audi Q3 has a 184-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while a 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers the uplevel S line version.

The 2024 BMW X1's fuel economy is toward the top of its segment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the all-wheel-drive 28i delivers an estimated 25 mpg during city driving and 34 mpg on the highway. The significantly more powerful M35i won’t be quite as fuel-efficient.

The Audi Q3 returns 23/30 mpg city/highway, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 comes in at 24/34 mpg, and the Volvo XC40 at 23/32 mpg. The Volvo XC40 Recharge, offered with a zero-emission battery-electric powertrain, has an 85 MPGe rating in combined city and highway driving.

Space and style define the 2024 BMW X1's cabin. Redesigned last year, it's slightly larger than before and sports a revised, high-tech design. A 10.3-inch digital instrument panel is combined with a 10.7-inch touchscreen center display to deliver the most important information. It's an improvement over the previous setup, but some elements of the system still feel clumsy. The X1 is one of the more spacious SUVs in the compact class. The seats offer excellent support and there are optional sport seats for those who prefer body-hugging bolsters. Notable options include a panoramic sunroof and a surround-view camera.

The X1 has plenty of room for four adults, and with 25.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 57.2 with the seats folded down, it will transport a substantial amount of luggage. The Audi Q3 provides 23.7 cubic feet and 48 cubes without rear passengers.

The 2024 BMW X1 has not been tested yet by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the very similar 2023 X1 its top Top Safety Pick+ rating.

The 2024 X1 offers a lengthy roster of available active safety and driver-assist features. The BMW Active Driving Assistant includes lane-departure warning, pedestrian warning with automatic braking, forward-collision warning, low-speed collision mitigation with automatic braking, speed limit information, and automatic high beams. Real-time traffic information, which is standard, is both a safety and convenience item.

With its impressive power and quick handling, the 2024 BMW X1 is easily one of the top-performing SUVs in the compact luxury class. It's also one of the most spacious, which makes it a well-rounded daily driver. Other notable choices in the segment include the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLB, and Volvo XC40. The Audi offers a top-notch interior while Mercedes is the only one in the class to offer a third-row seat option. The Volvo has a stunning design, comfortable cabin, and long list of features for the price.

BMW X1 vs. Audi Q3

BMW X1 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLB

BMW X1 vs. Volvo XC40