2021 BMW X1 Review

　　

2021 BMW X1 Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　The BMW X1 is a new-school crossover SUV with a lot of old-school DNA. That means it's a comfortable and compact SUV with the latest tech and safety features. But the X1 also is a joy to drive in that old-school BMW sort of way. It comes standard with a powerful engine and gives you a nimble feel when going around turns. It offers the most cargo capacity in its class as well.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 BMW X1 sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$168/mo  for X1 sDrive28i

　　X1 sDrive28i

　　sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $35,400 MSRPxDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $37,400 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　For 2021 there are no changes to the X1, which is just fine. The most glaring omission is the continued lack of support for Android Auto. Otherwise the X1 fares well against a crowded field of rivals — many of which are big on style but short on practicality. Closest competitors include the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA and GLB, although offerings from Cadillac, Volvo and Lexus are also vying for your attention. Check out our in-depth Expert Rating to learn more of our take on the 2021 X1.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the X1 drive? For those who remember the Ultimate Driving Machine days of BMW, the X1 still feels like a vehicle of that era. Its all-wheel-drive system adds curvy-road agility and confidence, supported by responsive steering and excellent brakes. It may be an SUV, but it sure behaves like a performance hatchback.

　　Power delivery from its turbocharged engine is smooth and ample. In our testing, the X1's sprint to 60 mph took just 6.4 seconds, which is among the quickest times in its class. This would be all for naught if the X1 didn't perform at slower speeds as well, but we found it easy to drive in routine driving. Shifts from the eight-speed automatic transmission are quick and responsive.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the X1? The seat cushions are on the firm side but are also highly adjustable; even the lateral support can be adjusted, which is rare in this class. Ride comfort — or the lack thereof — is the X1's most glaring weak spot. You'll feel a lot of bumps in the road because of the stiff suspension tuning and run-flat tires. (The sidewalls of run-flat tires aren't as compliant as those of regular tires.)

　　The climate controls are old-school hard buttons and knobs, and they're easy to operate and do a great job of maintaining cabin temperature. Rear air vents ensure backseat occupants get their share of circulation. The cabin is also one of the quietest in the segment. Only mild wind and road noise seeps in. The engine is virtually silent at idle and only makes itself known under heavy acceleration.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Ample passenger space is one of the X1's defining traits. Generous space up front, plenty of rear toe room, and an airy cabin make the X1 feel larger than other subcompact crossover SUVs. It's easy to get in and out of the cabin, and a relatively upright greenhouse makes for good visibility all around.

　　The X1 has an older version of BMW's iDrive infotainment system, but we actually prefer it to the latest system in cars such as the 3 Series. It looks dated but it's easier to use. The combination of an 8.8-inch touchscreen and rotary controller is still fundamentally a great approach.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The X1 has just enough tech to stay current but in no way pushes the envelope. The standard audio system will be fine for most people, but discerning audio enthusiasts may note the lack of richness. The voice controls use natural language, so you don't have to memorize a rigid command structure, but they lack the depth of Mercedes' MBUX system.

　　A total of four USB ports ensures plenty of charging options for passengers. Wireless Apple CarPlay is great, but there's still no Android Auto support. The native navigation system is thankfully quite easy to use.

　　BMW's driving aids generally work well. The operation of the optional adaptive cruise control system feels natural but won't automatically restart the car after it comes to a stop. Lane keeping assist and a 360-degree parking camera are not available.

　　

Storage

8.5/10

　　How’s the storage? The X1 sports a healthy of 27.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seat as well as one of the lowest liftover heights in its class. We believe the cargo volume advantage is mainly due to the large underfloor storage where a spare tire might otherwise be. If so equipped, the 40/20/40-split second row can slide and recline. It folds flat for maximum flexibility, though we wish there was a release mechanism in the cargo area.

　　There are no super creative solutions for small-item storage, but there is a good amount of space for personal effects. In terms of installing a child seat, the car seat anchors are very easy to access, but you'll likely find that you'll have to slide up the front seats somewhat in order to fit a large rear-facing safety seat. That said, most competitors are smaller inside and have even less room for car seats.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the X1 gets 26 mpg combined (23 city/31 highway). That pegs the X1 as one of the most fuel-efficient options in the class. We observed 28.2 mpg on our 115-mile highway-heavy evaluation loop, which is right where we'd expect the X1 to be.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the X1 a good value? Like most modern BMWs, the X1 is solidly built. The quality of materials is up to class standards, with soft-touch surfaces and convincing wood and aluminum trim. But compared to the latest Mercedes-Benz SUVs, the design is somewhat plain and uncompelling.

　　In terms of cost, both the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 start at lower price points and ultimately cost less once optioned up. And despite the BMW's performance advantage, the perceived bang for your buck is greater in those models. Those buying an X1 will either value its sporty advantage or prefer BMWs in general.

　　Loyalist or not, BMW will provide you three years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, plus bumper-to-bumper and drivetrain warranties that last four years/50,000 miles. Roadside assistance is good for four years/unlimited miles.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　The X1 is exactly what you'd expect. Though slightly restyled for 2020, it looks largely the same as it did when this generation debuted in 2016. It delivers on BMW brand's sporty core values yet remains one of the more practical subcompact SUVs in the segment.

　　

Which X1 does zzdcar recommend?

Your first choice on getting an X1 is whether to get the base sDrive28i, which is front-wheel-drive, or the xDrive28i, which is all-wheel-drive. There's a strong case to be made for sticking with the sDrive28i and freeing up more of your budget for the X1's optional extras. The Premium package, for example, has features you're going to want, such as heated seats and keyless entry.

　　

2021 BMW X1 models

The BMW X1 is a five-seat SUV available in two trims: the front-wheel-drive sDrive28i or the all-wheel-drive xDrive28i. Both are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (228 hp, 258 lb-ft) mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

　　sDrive28i

　　This base trim comes well-equipped with the following:

　　18-inch wheels Roof rails Rain-sensing wipers Power liftgate Front and rear parking sensors Simulated leather seats Power-adjustable front seats Automatic climate control 8.8-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay smartphone integration Seven-speaker sound systemStandard safety equipment includes:

　　Front collision warning with collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)xDrive28i

　　Opting for this model nets you all equipment in the sDrive28i plus:

　　All-wheel drive Hill descent controlA variety of optional packages are also available. They include:

　　M Sport package

　　Enhances the X1's sportiness with:

　　Unique wheel design Sportier exterior trim Sport-tuned transmission Sportier steering wheel with paddle shifters Sport front seats Unique interior trim M Sport suspension (optional)Convenience package

　　Includes a few niceties, including

　　Power-folding mirrors Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors Adjustable lumbar support for the front seats Ambient interior lighting Panoramic sunroofPremium package

　　Comes with desirable upgrades such as:

　　Contents of the Convenience package LED headlights with cornering lights Heated front seats Heated steering wheel Head-up display Upgraded navigationLuxury package

　　Upgrade the X1's interior with the following:

　　Authentic leather Wood-grain or aluminum trimAlso be on the lookout for a few stand-alone options. They include:

　　Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the X1 and the car in front) Premium Harman Kardon sound system Wireless charging pad

　　

2021 X1 Highlights

Trim: sDrive28ixDrive28isDrive28i

　　

Base MSRP	$35,400
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$168/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	27.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles