Used BMW X1 2015-2022 review

The BMW X1 predated other premium family SUVs by a good few years, firmly positioning it as a favourite among buyers who wanted a piece of the luxury SUV lifestyle but for a more manageable outlay.

Trouble was, the first-generation 2008-2015 BMW X1 may have sold well, but it wasn't a particularly good car to drive or to own.

This all-new second-generation version changed all that. It was front-wheel-drive, which at the time of its launch in 2015 was unusual for a BMW. It had new engines, a new chassis and new technology inside. No wonder; it needed to be good because it had to compete with such popular rival SUVs as the Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA and Range Rover Evoque.

Engines: The engine range consists of a range of turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, including three different tunes of diesel engine – the 148bhp sDrive (front-wheel drive) and xDrive18d (four-wheel drive), the 187bhp xDrive20d and the 228bhp xDrive25d. Meanwhile, those who preferred a petrol could opt for either a 138bhp sDrive18i with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine or a 2.0-litre 189bhp xDrive20i X1. The 217bhp plug-in hybrid xDrive25e arrived in 2020 with an all-electric range of 31 miles.

More expensive variants of the X1 got an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, and a choice of either front-wheel-drive or part-time four-wheel-drive, with drive to the rear wheels delivered via an electro-hydraulic clutch situated on the rear axle.

Trims and equipment: As far as equipment goes, SE trim has iDrive and a 6.5in multimedia system with sat-nav, a DAB radio, CD player, USB connectivity and Bluetooth media streaming. Besides the flawless iDrive system the SE trim gets auto wipers and lights, 17in alloy wheels, automatic tailgate and rear parking sensors, while the Sport trim gets you bigger alloys, a sporty bodykit and sport seats.

The mid-level xLine trim is fitted with leather seats, heated front seats, and LED headlights, and the range-topping M-Sport gives your X1 an M-Sport designated interior, bodykit, alloys, suspension and Alcantara suede seats.

Ride and handling: The driving experience also sets the X1 apart from its rivals, the steering being of particular merit. The helm is precise and confidence-inspiring at speed, and the handling is safe and predictable, with a dash of vigour thrown in for good measure, although the heavier hybrid version isn't quite so sprightly.

While the Audi Q3 generally has a better ride, the X1 can be found with adaptive dampers that improve matters. To ensure a comfortable ride, we’d suggest playing it safe if you can't find an X1 with that option, and stick with the standard 18in wheels on the comfort that's suspension provided on SE spec cars. Also, avoid the run-flat tyres; their stiff sidewall doesn’t help.

Refinement is good where the engines are concerned, but there is a lot of tyre and wind noise on all versions. This noise does become noticeable on motorway journeys in particular. The hybrid's ability to run on electric-only power for short distances makes it quiet around town.

Interior and practicality: All the bits of interior trim you come into contact with regularly inside the X1 are high quality, with switches and buttons that exude a feeling of solidity. Only the gearlever disappoints; it seems to be a bit hollow, with not as much heft required to operate it as you might expect.

There’s plenty of space available in the X1 for those who need to carry a family. Some examples were specified with an optional sliding rear bench, which can be moved forwards or backwards to help improve either boot space or rear passenger leg room. The hybrid model loses a little head room and leg room in the back owing to the positioning of its battery pack under the rear seats.

The boot itself is one of the biggest in the class – even without the sliding rear seats – the aperture is large and sits flush with the load bay floor. Useful, when you need to load and unload heavy, awkwardly shaped items.

Facelift: The X1 was host to a raft of updates in 2020, including a larger, more distinctive grille, tweaks to the eight-speed automatic gearbox and better in-car technology with Apple CarPlay and an 8.8in infotainment screen.

If you're interested in finding a used BMW X1, or any of the other SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Early versions of the BMW X1 begin at around £10,000, this price securing one with a high mileage but a full service history. Up your investment to between £12,000 and £13,000 and you'll find cars from 2016, with a lower mileage, while £14,500 to £16,000 should net you a good 2017 model. Look to spend between £17,000 and £20,000 on a 2018 car, and around £20,000 to £25,000 on a 2019 or slightly more on an early 2020 model.

If you want a 2021 or 2021 example, you'll need upwards of £30,000 in most cases. Think £30,000 to £34,000 for a 2022 model.

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MPG

The most efficient X1 is the front-wheel-drive sDrive 18d, which achieves an official combined figure of 65.7mpg under the older NEDC tests. As the power outputs increase, so do the number of driven wheels; the rest of the engine choices are four-wheel drive xDrive only. The xDrive 20d gets a figure of 57.6mpg; then there is the xDrive 25d which scores 56.5mpg.

The only petrol choice at launch was the xDrive 20i, which performs much worse than the diesels at 44.8mpg.

Later versions tested under the newer and stricter WLTP test procedure recorded 42.8mpg for the sDrive 18i petrol, 40.9mpg for the sDrive 20i petrol, 38.7mpg for the four-wheel-drive xDrive 20i, 55.4mpg for the diesel sDrive 18d and 49.6mpg for the diesel and four-wheel-drive xDrive 20d. The xDrive25e hybrid has an on-paper figure of 156.9mpg, but unless you have access to charging frequently and only use it for short hops on electric-only power you're unlikely to see figures like that in the real world.

CO2 emissions

Of the engines that were available before the tax change, it is the sDrive18d that has the lowest CO2 emissions: just 114g/km. Next best is the xDrive2od at 128g/km, followed by the xDrive25d at 132g/km. The lone petrol at the time was the xDrive20i, which emitted 146g/km.

Road tax

Road tax for all models registered before 1 April 2017 will vary depending upon the emissions the engine produces (see paragraph above for more information), while examples registered after this date (up until 1 April 2022) will be liable for a flat rate fee that applies to cars that cost less than £40,000 when new.

Following on, petrol and diesel X1s will be charged £190 per year, while hybrid examples attract a fee of £180. Owners of X1s that cost more than £40,000 when new will be charged an additional £410 per year for years two to five of the car's life.

Insurance

Insurance groups range from 22 up to 30, depending on power output and trim level.

Servicing costs

Servicing can be pricey, but there are a number of service packs available at franchised dealers, allowing you to plan for services and pay by direct debit or instalments. Older X1s could be taken to one of the many independent specialists who will look after your BMW for a lot less than the main dealer might charge.

Reliability

The BMW X1 shows solid mechanical reliability, according to real-world owner reviews in our annual What Car? Reliability Survey.

Few significant issues were reported with the engine and transmission, reflecting a dependable performance overall.

However, electrical faults, including infotainment glitches and dashboard warning errors, have frustrated many owners, often requiring multiple visits to dealerships. Experiences with dealer service were mixed—some praised professionalism and quick resolution of warranty repairs, while others noted delays and concerns over out-of-warranty costs.

Find out more about the used BMW X1’s reliability on our dedicated reliability page.

Engines

Of the engines on offer, there is little need to look beyond the 18d, unless you need four-wheel drive. We’d also suggest you look for an automatic version; the X1's eight-speed unit is smooth in slow-moving traffic, but responds quickly when you need acceleration. It also helps the X1 to keep the revs down when cruising on the motorway, to the benefit of fuel economy.

Trims

Entry-level SE specification brings more than enough kit for most needs. It gives you 17in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, sat-nav, USB input and DAB radio.

You might find it worth looking out the optional packages. Of the many that have been offered, we’d recommend searching for Navigation Plus, Driving assistance, comfort access and Apple CarPlay.

Navigation Plus adds a larger, touch-sensitive screen, a heads-up display and free real-time traffic monitoring to the standard navigation system. The heads-up system is particularly useful because it displays speed and navigation information on the windscreen, meaning you don’t have to adjust your field of vision whilst driving.

Driving assistance includes an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, which can apply the brakes automatically to mitigate the risk of a collision. It also gives you a lane-departure warning system, speed-limit recognition and high-beam assistance for the headlights.

Comfort access allows you to lock and unlock the X1 without using the key. Even the electric tailgate can be opened when the key is in close proximity to the car.

Our favourite BMW X1: X1 sDrive 18d SE auto

The Range Rover Evoque is a more stylish choice, thanks to its 'floating roof' design and high waistline. It is rather pricey on the used car market, though, due to it being a highly demanded vehicle with plenty of standard equipment. It doesn’t have the X1’s efficient engines. and it won’t drive as well, either.

The Audi Q3 has a more compliant ride and, remarkably, is cheaper to buy. It is a much older design, though, and some of the interior layout and controls betray its age. It is also not as practical inside as the BMW.

The Mercedes GLA looks good and has an eye-catching interior. It is also well equipped for the money. But its ride and handling are disappointing and its diesel engines are noisy.

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If you're interested in finding a used X1, or any of the other SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.