What is it?
The U11 X1 is the third generation of BMW's smallest combustion SUV, sharing its UKL2 front-drive-biased platform with the all-electric iX1 and 2 Series Active Tourer. Four powertrains: 1.5T sDrive18i, 2.0T MHEV sDrive20i, xDrive25e PHEV with 89 km WLTP EV range, and the 233 kW M35i. iDrive 9, curved display, wireless CarPlay standard.
The lineup runs from sDrive18i at $61,400 plus on-roads, through to M35i xDrive at $96,000 plus on-roads. Warranty cover sits at 5 years, unlimited km.
Interior and Technology
Four powertrains in one body, including a PHEV with up to 89 km WLTP EV range and a 233 kW M35i. 540 L boot is class-leading. iDrive 9 with curved display and wireless CarPlay standard from base.
Climate buried in the touchscreen, fewer physical buttons than X3. Option packs add up fast, especially Driving Assistant Professional. M35i pricing brushes against entry X3.
Should you buy the X1?
Reasons to buy
- Four powertrains in one body, including a PHEV with up to 89 km WLTP EV range and a 233 kW M35i. 540 L boot is class-leading. iDrive 9 with curved display and wireless CarPlay standard from base.
- Warranty: 5 years, unlimited km. PHEV battery: 8 years, 100,000 km.
- 5-star ANCAP (2022), full driver-assist suite.
- 540 L (1,600 L seats down) boot, segment-competitive cargo space.
Reasons to wait
- Climate buried in the touchscreen, fewer physical buttons than X3. Option packs add up fast, especially Driving Assistant Professional. M35i pricing brushes against entry X3.
- You want a hybrid as standard (Lexus LBX), a bigger boot than 540 L without going up to X3, or the safety reputation of a Volvo XC40.
- PHEV loses some boot to the battery (drops to 490 L). 1.5T three-cylinder feels strained when fully loaded, test drive with passengers if buying the sDrive18i.
- Top trim climbs to $96,000 plus on-roads.
CarTell.tv review of the BMW X1 is coming. Subscribe on YouTube and you will be first to see it.
