Positive Review
I am always skeptical of auto companies touting “NEW & IMPROVED” or “COMPLETELY REDESIGNED.” But, in the case of the BMW 2016 X1 it is the ABSOLUTE TRUTH. I traded in a 2014 X1 2.8i X Drive in against this one and there is a world of difference between the two vehicles. The interior is well appointed, ergonomically friendly and seemingly much larger and roomier than the 2014. The I Drive electronics interface is WAY, WAY, WAY improved from 2014. I disagree with the articles I have read that state this vehicle doesn’t drive/handle as well as the First Generation X1 because it is FWD. I have found the handling characteristics extraordinary in any of the three available driving modes. And I am still astounded as to how much torque there is from such a small engine. One stomp on the accelerator will change your thinking if you think this little puppy is underpowered.
Critical Review
After having a 2016 Mercedes Benz GLA-250 (which was awesome) and also owning a 2019 GLC300, I decided to go for a certified used 2017 BMW x1for our second car. I love the size and styling of the vehicle. It drives very smoothly and seems to fit 4 small/average adults well enough for short trips out to dinner etc. The instrument panel seems fairly well thought out but there are some glaring issues that I find annoying. First, for a car that has all the bells and whistles (ours came with all the goodies), it lacks a fundamental safety feature that the GLA-250 had - Blind Spot Assist. I now know that I can't live without this feature. We are very attentive drivers but unexpected things do happen - especially here in Portland, Oregon. I feel this should be a standard feature on every car sold in America today. The other annoying feature is the placement of the power seat adjustment - especially the drivers side. The cabin is definitely not spacious so having to place your hand down to the left below the seat to make adjustments is very inconvenient. I have tiny hands and with my coat on it, I have to wedge my hand in place between the bottom on the door and the bottom of the seat. Yikes! Mercedes Benz has seat adjustments right on the door for both the passenger and the driver. It is much easier to use. Finally, the cup holders are not useable for the most part. The door bins are roomy but the cups tilt out due to the design of the inside of the doors. I'm going to get some tippy cups with straps so I can have my beverage at the ready without the worry of a spill.
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Great car, scrupulously maintained with all records available. Michelin Cross Climate2 tires with 60,00 mile warrantee installed recently. Only reason for selling is replacement with an EV.
Great blend of comfort and utility. Good on gas.
Road noise at highway speeds
Love my 2019 BMW X1. This subcompact SUV has many positive attributes: 1. It has proven to be very reliable. I have had no trouble at all other than routine maintenance. Note it does require premium fuel and synthetic oil. 2. It drives like a BMW. For an SUV, it handles extremely well around corners with little to no body roll which makes it fun to drive while inspiring confidence. The AWD system works beautifully and has gotten me safely through heavy snowstorms. 3. The interior is classy with a nice balance upscale materials and utility. I have the sport seats which are nicely bolstered and heated. For a subcompact SUV, the cargo space is ample and comes with a hidden compartment which is a nice detail. 4. The main detractor to balance out this review are audible road noise at highways speeds - this is partly due to the run flat tires it comes standard with. All in all, I highly recommend the X1. It's a great value for what you get, especially if you buy one slightly used to take advantage of some initial depreciation.
Reliable, Comfortable, Spacious and Sleek
Occasionally Bumpy on unsmooth roads
Superior sound system, smooth drive, carplay, panoramic moonroof and changeable interior lights. With the light when you open the door showing X1 on the ground. Which is neat.
THIS IS THE BEST CAR I'VE EVER OWNED! AND I'VE OWNED A LOT OF CARS. I'M 72 YEARS OLD. I'VE DRIVEN MERCEDEZ, INFINITI'S, AND LEXUS. THIS CAR CAN TURN ON A DIME, GETS, GREAT GAS MILEAGE, AND AS MY FAMILY SAYS, "DRIVES LIKE A DREAM",
Handling, styling, mpg on highway,
Premium gasoline, instrument cluster, cup holder
Very zippy, especially in Sport mode. I don’t even know what to do with that kind of power. In Eco mode I can get 37-38mpg on highway which I am happy about. The seats are the cheapest ones BMW makes (I believe). They are not the best but firm and comfortable for small people, for the most part. I don’t love the instrument cluster. The most accessible section is where the most useless controls are located (radio presets and CD slot that’s covered up by plastic). The cup holder location is also terrible. I have to reach to get my drink and it’s very hard to get the drink out of the cup holder without banging it against the instrument cluster. I think a full size spare tire should come with the vehicle even though it’s equipped with run flat tires.
Style, Size
Body Roll, Brakes design flaw
At 17k I had to replace my front brakes. The service manager admitted it’s a design flaw with the X1 & they see it all the time. 23k & was just told now my rear brakes have to be replaced. The answer for this one? “The X1 is pretty heavy”. For reference, brakes shouldn’t need to be replaced prior to 25-30k with the average being between 30-50k for most cars.
Beautiful interior, comfy, easy to use
Could use a little more space in the back seat
This car is great if you live in an area that doesn’t have the best roads and weather, but you don’t want to be driving around in a giant tank. Also haven't had any major issues at all. As long as you aren’t off roading daily or something, this cars performance could last a lifetime! Always get compliments on it. Also mine is a pretty base model and it’s great.
All fun
None
This car with m package makes it a fun to drive car, yet it’s a small suv.. totally reminds me of my E36 M3 characteristics, you. Feel the steering and control the car, not other way around… plus more traction from Xdrive. Totally recommend it especially young at heart lady drivers, who like to smile behind the wheel and seat comfy and tight, yet the car ownership is extremely affordable and so far it has been super reliable.