2021 BMW X1 review
BMW X1 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Plenty of power
- Athletic handling
- Lots of room for passengers and cargo
Cons
- Ride quality may be too firm
- No Android Auto™
- More expensive than some rivals
Mileage (EPA estimate)
23 city, 31 highway, 26 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2021 BMW X1 packs a lot of performance into a small package
Subcompact SUVs are gaining quickly in popularity thanks to their small footprint, which makes them more maneuverable and economical. The X1 is the smallest SUV in BMW's lineup, but don't think that you'll have to struggle to get people and their cargo to fit because it's surprisingly spacious inside.
For 2021, the X1 had only minor changes. Satellite radio has been made standard, fog lights have been removed from the Convenience and Premium packages, and the sport seats are now only found on models with the M Sport package.
The 2021 BMW X1 distinguishes itself from other subcompact luxury SUVs with its large cargo capacity, potent engine, and sporty handling. The downside is that handling results in a rather stiff ride quality that can be taxing on a bumpy road. Rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLB, Audi Q3, and Volvo XC40 are more comfortable in this regard, so we suggest a thorough test drive to see if the BMW's suspension agrees with you or not.
All BMW X1 years
What is new for the 2021 BMW X1?
- X1 trims have been upgraded with Harman Kardon Sound and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment this year.
- Tow Hitch and Running Boards features are now available as options on select trims.
2021 BMW X1 trims
SDrive28i:
- 228-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Parking Sensors
- Smart Key
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Memory Seats
- Power Seats
- Leatherette Seats
- Rear View Camera
- Lane Departure Warning
- View our BMW X1 SDrive28i inventory
XDrive28i:
- Includes all features available on the SDrive28i
- 4WD/AWD
- View our BMW X1 XDrive28i inventory
BMW X1 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 BMW X1
What We Like
Powerful engine: The BMW X1 gains an advantage over many of its rivals with its potent 228-horsepower turbocharged engine. It allows this small SUV to sprint to 60 mph in only 6.4 seconds, making it one of the quickest in this class. The eight-speed transmission helps matters with quick and smooth shifts, as does the traction that comes with all-wheel drive.
Sharp handling: The X1's compact footprint reminds us of older BMWs that were more engaging and fun to drive. In many ways, it behaves more like a sporty hatchback than an SUV. The steering is responsive and accurate while the brakes are confidence-inspiring, adding to the agility and traction supplied by the all-wheel-drive system. It's more entertaining than most other small SUVs.
Passenger and cargo space: BMW made the most of all available interior space, making the X1 far more accommodating than its small exterior suggests. There's plenty of room in the rear seats for adults, and those seats slide and recline. Behind those seats, you can fit as much as 27.1 cubic feet of cargo, which is larger than its primary competition.
What Needs Improvement
Firm ride quality: Sporty handling typically results in a firmer ride quality and the BMW X1 definitely sacrifices some comfort in the name of cornering abilities. The stiffer tuning for the suspension to reduce body roll is one of the main culprits, as are the run-flat tires that lack the compliance of conventional rubber.
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the BMW X1 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks BMW X1 11th out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the BMW X1BMW X1 features and specs
SDrive28i 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Run Flat Tires
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Alloy Wheels
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Automatic Transmission
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Head Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leather Seats
- Leatherette Seats
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Running Boards
- Smart Key
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
228
Torque (ft-lbs)
258
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
16.1
Wheelbase
105.1"
Overall length
175.5"
Width
71.7"
Height
62.9"
Leg room
F 40.4"/R 37"
Head room
F 41.9"/R 39.4"
Front tires
P225/50VR18
Rear tires
P225/50VR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 BMW X1 FAQ
The 2021 BMW X1 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SDrive28i: 24 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- XDrive28i: 23 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
The BMW X1 received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the BMW X1 as 10 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUV
The 2021 BMW X1 has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 BMW X1, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 BMW X1 Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2021 BMW X1:
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Tow Hitch
- Running Boards
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