2025 BMW X1

Excellence comes in all shapes and sizes. The BMW X1 is a small SUV, yet still has many attributes. From the engine bay to the cargo hold, BMW has given the X1 clever touches, great technology and quality materials, while baking in plenty of that special BMW driving talent. It’s also relatively spacious for its class. We’ve been so impressed by the X1 that we named it a Best Buy Award winner.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact luxury SUVs, including the BMW X1.

This generation debuted for the 2023 model year, so there’s no great need for any revamps. Heated front seats become standard, the Premium package gains adaptive cruise control, and the 5G modem gets an eSIM.

We recommend the X1 xDrive28i. It has sufficient power and equipment, and it’s by far the most popular choice.

Strong rivals include the Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and Mercedes-Benz GLB, in ascending order of starting price, with the Audi beginning below the BMW.

Before buying a new X1 subcompact luxury SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are average at best. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The 2025 X1 xDrive28i employs a turbocharged 241-horsepower engine that’s really among the best in its class. BMW claims a time of 6.2 seconds in the sprint from standstill to 60 mph, which is pleasantly brisk and faster than the competition. After our time behind the X1’s steering wheel, we wouldn’t be surprised if BMW was even understating its speed a little. For extra sportiness, the X1 M35i xDrive enjoys 313 horsepower and hits 60 mph a second faster.

We always love to drive BMW vehicles. They invariably have a special something to the way they accelerate and move around corners, yet still with a sufficiently comfortable ride quality, stability, and a confident feel to the brakes. This describes the X1 to a T. The M35i also has an adaptive suspension with settings for comfort or greater cornering precision.

Fuel Economy

Not only does the X1 xDrive28i enjoy more power than most rivals, it’s also among the best in terms of fuel efficiency, achieving 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The X1 M35i xDrive returns a still impressive 26 mpg combined.

From its cool interior design up front to the generous cargo space, the X1 beats most of the competition. The quality and fit of materials is appropriately premium, while the seats (especially the fronts) are sufficiently comfortable and supportive for long trips.

The rear seats split and fold in a 40/20/40 manner, which is a little more versatile than the usual 60/40 arrangement. Rear legroom of 37 inches is excellent for the class. And there’s 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, emphasizing the X1’s roominess. If space for rear passengers and cargo is a priority, then check out the slightly more accommodating Mercedes-Benz GLB. Otherwise, consider this another win for the X1.

There’s no disputing the X1’s BMW-ness, thanks to that prominent double grille. For those who are already in the Like camp, that’s great. We’re here with you. The X1 probably won’t change any minds on looks alone, though. Fortunately, it has many other attributes.

White or black are the only no-cost paint choices. Other colors start at $650.

Infotainment system
User-friendly and with the ability to understand voice commands given in natural speech, this system includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and the capability for remote software upgrades.

Live Cockpit Plus
This is the name given to the curved one-piece unit that incorporates the driver’s instrument cluster and the infotainment display. It’s standard in the X1 and contributes to the cabin’s tech-rich feel.

LED headlights with cornering lights
Another standard feature, but we particularly like the cornering lights that follow the steering and illuminate bends better than regular headlights.

Harman Kardon audio
This superb 12-speaker/205-watt surround-sound system is available as an individual option or as part of the Premium package.

Driving Assistance Professional package
This options bundle includes adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, active lane keeping, and Traffic Jam Assist. We always think extra safety features are well worth considering.

Parking Assistant Plus
Also part of the optional Technology or Premium packages, this feature helps find a parking space (parallel or perpendicular), and steers the X1 into it. The driver works the throttle and brakes. It’ll help with driving out of the space too.

The X1 xDrive28i is propelled by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Although this kind of configuration is extremely common, we think there’s something uncommonly good about the way BMW executes it. It’s sweetly responsive to throttle inputs and delivers its power in a smooth manner that can still be exciting.

Output is 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque — noticeably better than the base models from most of the X1’s rivals. A 7-speed automatic transmission sends this energy to a standard all-wheel-drive system.

The X1 M35i xDrive also has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit. This one develops a punchy 313 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which goes to all four wheels through a 7-speed transmission.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The X1’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties follow the usual European luxury manufacturer pattern of four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. BMW also includes roadside assistance for that time, except with unlimited mileage. Free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles is part of the deal as well.

Safety Ratings

The X1 has earned the second-highest accolade of Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and four stars out of a possible five overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. More features are available in the optional Driving Assistance Professional package, which we recommend.