- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.5T, 3 cyl.
- Engine Power
115kW, 230Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 6.5L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto (DCT)
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2022)
2023 BMW X1 video review: Australian first drive
Though it may occupy the compact SUV class, BMW has pumped and stretched the new X1 to make it bigger, roomier and smarter. All the better for families looking for an urban-friendly but roomy SUV.
- Spacious interior
- Comprehensive driver assist tech
- Crisp and modern infotainment
- Subscription services for features already built in
- Slow reacting transmission at parking speeds
- Infotainment easy at a glance, but fussy as you delve in
2023 BMW X1
The BMW X1 first emerged overseas 13 years ago, and as we head into 2023, BMW has a new third-generation X1 ready to roll.
As is so often the case with new models, this one is larger than before (almost as big as the original X3, in fact) and takes a substantial leap up in included technology and features.
Beneath the skin lies a revised 'UKL2' chassis, the same as its predecessor, but upsized. This means the X1 has plenty in common with the new 1 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe already in sale in Australia.
From launch just two variants of the 2023 BMW X1 will be available, the front-wheel drive sDrive 18i and the more powerful all-wheel drive xDrive 20i. Later in 2023 an all-electric iX1 xDrive 30e will also join the range, but for now BMW is focussing on the petrol models only.
How much does the BMW X1 cost in Australia?
Pricing for the 2023 BMW X1 starts from $53,900 plus on-road costs for the sDrive 18i, a move up of $6000 compared to the previous model.
Standard equipment gets an overhaul in line with the new pricing, with dual interior screens, a head-up display, adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, power tailgate and a comprehensive advanced safety suite included.
The X1 sDrive 18i is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 115kW and 230Nm, match to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Moving up to the X1 xDrive 20i, pricing kicks off from $65,900 plus on-road costs and replaces the previous front-drive sDrive 20i model. Opting for the xDrive 20i M Sport pushes the price of entry up again, to $68,900 plus on-road costs.
Here you'll move up to a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 150kW and 300Nm, driving all wheels on demand through the same seven-speed dual-clutch auto.
Key details | 2023 BMW X1 sDrive 18i | 2023 BMW X1 xDrive 20i M Sport |
Price | From $53,900 plus on-road costs | From $68,900 plus on-road costs |
Colour of test car | Cape York Green | M Portimao Blue |
Options | Enhancement package – $6513 - Metallic paint - Panorama glass sunroof - Driving assistant professional - Electrically adjustable front seats - Haran Kardon premium audio - Adjustable rear seats 19-inch alloy wheels | Enhancement package – $8800 - Metallic paint - Panorama glass sunroof - Haran Kardon premium audio - Adjustable rear seats Vernasca leather trim 20-inch alloy wheels |
Price as tested | $60,415 plus on-road costs | $77,700 plus on-road costs |
Rivals | Audi A3 | Mercedes-Benz GLA | Volvo XC40 |
How much space does the BMW X1 have inside?
BMW’s work in the interior is to be commended, particularly for anyone looking to eke the utmost practicality out of their small SUV.
The new centre console makes so much sense when you see it in action. The cantilevered control section features a minimised gear selector and drive mode buttons, further back there’s a regular centre console, and under that is a huge open storage space.
All cleverly integrated and very useful. Even the wireless charger, within reach and with a little phone restraint strap, makes you wonder why so many brands struggle with implementation of this technology.
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On the flipside, BMW has taken away physical controls for things like climate control, making the entire system accessible only via the touchscreen
There’s an impressive amount of space inside, but with the X1 now rivalling the dimensions of the fist X3m it’s no surprise this new cars feels like a medium SUV.
The driver and front passenger get plenty of space, with no shortage of head room in particular. The front seats offer a huge range of adjustment and the tall driving position give a commanding view out. Electric seat adjustment is standard on the 20i and optional on the 18i.
Equipment is generous too, with dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, leather look trim for the seats and dash, leather trimmed sport steering wheel, keyless entry and start, BMW Digital Key Plus (allowing smartphone access for up to five users without a physical key), self-dimming interior mirror, and auto (adaptive LED) lights and wipers.
The X1 also introduced BMW's Features On Demand subscription service for some features. Even though all Australian delivered cars will come with the hardware installed for heated seats and steering, owners of the X1 sDrive 18i will only be able to unlock seat heating by opting for one of four subscription plans.
Pricing starts from $29 per month, $289 for 12 months access, $419 for a three year plan, or $589 for a lifetime subscription. Heated seat access is standard on the X1 xDrive 20i, however heated steering on both variants is priced at $19 per month, $169 for 12 months, $259 for three years, or $349 for lifetime access. BMW says lifetime access is just that, and features won't be switched off again if the car changes owners.
BMW claims that, despite building all cars with the required hardware, the move to a subscription model makes cars cheaper for consumers. While there is no doubt a per-unit cost benefit to BMW itself, the idea of locking off included features equipped on the car and charging extra on top of the purchase price seems fairly outrageous.
Rear seat space is similarly commodious, and suitable for adults and kids alike. There’s slide adjustment and a tiltable backrest, available as part of the optional Enhancement package, making the right fit easy to find.
The rear seat also features 40:20:40 folding, and the standard powered tailgate opens to reveal 540 litres of space, or 1600L with the seats folded.
2023 BMW X1 | |
Seats | Five |
Boot volume | 540L seats up 1600L seats folded |
Length | 4500mm |
Width | 1845mm |
Height | 1642mm |
Wheelbase | 2692mm |
Does the BMW X1 have Apple CarPlay?
With BMW's latest OS8 infotainment software, the X1 moves to the same platform as found in flagship cars like the iX and new 7 Series.
In the compact X1 screen size is limited to 10.7 inches for the centre display and 10.25 inches for the digital instrument screen, but both displays are crisp, bright, and incredibly responsive to driver inputs.
The OS8 software also adds in a wider range of conversational input options, via 'Hey BMW' voice commands. Touch and talk are the primary input methods now though, with the X1 ditching BMW's long-held iDrive rotary console controller.
While basic functions are relatively simple to decipher, delving deep into the menus can be a journey, and I'd suggest anything more than one or two presses away needs the vehicle to be stationary to prevent driver distraction.
Also standard on the new X1 range is a colour head-up display for the driver, and an augmented satellite navigation system than can use the car's 360-degree cameras, and runs a forward facing view with overlays showing which exit to take or other upcoming navigation info.
The 360-degree camera system can also be used like an inbuilt dash cam, with the ability to manually save selected video sections, autosave in instances where a collision is detected and upgradable storage via a USB flash drive.
Satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, digital radio, and online services are standard across the range. BMW's My BMW app allows remote vehicle access and can provide updates on things like fuel level, vehicle location, and provide remote lock and unlocking.
Is the BMW X1 a safe car?
The new X1 hasn't officially received a rating from ANCAP yet, however with the closely related Euro NCAP testing completed, the new X1 carries a 2022 five star rating in Europe, and it would be surprising to see any significant difference here, however the vehicle testing in Europe was a left had drive diesel – a specification not offered here.
Under Euro NCAP protocols the new X1 was rated 86 per cent for adult occupant protection, 89 per cent for child occupant protection. Safety assist systems received an impressive 92 per cent rating, but vulnerable road user (pedestrian) safety was rated at 76 per cent.
2023 BMW X1 | |
ANCAP rating | Unrated (by ANCAP) |
Safety report | Link to Euro NCAP report |
What safety technology does the BMW X1 have?
The 2023 BMW X1 comes with six airbags, blind spot monitoring lane departure and lane change warning, autonomous emergency braking, and rear cross traffic alert with brake intervention as part of the standard equipment list.
You'll also find 360-degree cameras, BMW's semi automated park-in and park-out tech, a built-in drive recorder (which functions like a dash cam) adaptive LED headlights with auto high beam, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability.
Moving up to the xDrive 20i adds steering and lane control assistant as part of the Drive Assistant Professional package, which is also optional on the entry-level 18i.
How much does the BMW X1 cost to maintain?
BMW is set to offer the new X1 with pre-paid BMW Service Inclusive Package, offering a five-year service package for a one-off fee. At the time of publishing BMW Australia was unable to provide details of service pricing. The outgoing X2 lists a five year, 80,000km package at $1800 so expect something similar for the new-generation model.
At the launch of the new X1 BMW announced that the brand's standard warranty would move from three years to a five year, unlimited kilometre warranty, moving BMW up to a warranty that matches most of its rivals.
Comprehensive insurance for the X1 sDrive 18i starts from $1849, the X1 xDrive 20i returned a $2057 policy price based on a comparative quote for a 35 year old male driver, living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
At a glance | 2023 BMW X1 |
Warranty | Five years, unlimited km |
Service intervals | Condition based |
Servicing costs | Not provided |
Is the BMW X1 fuel efficient?
Our introductory drive in the new X1 was both brief, and fairly undemanding, sticking largely to flowing, 80km/h roads with very little in the way of start-stop driving.
The sDrive 18i claims 6.5 litres per 100km, but on test this worked out to a higher 7.3L/100km. The more powerful all-wheel drive xDrive 20i carries a claimed 72L/100km figure, but with our launch drive largely spent in the 20i we didn't get to put that figure to the test.
Fuel Consumption - brought to you by bp
Fuel Useage | sDrive 18i | xDrive 20i |
---|---|---|
Fuel cons. (claimed) | 6.5L/100km | 7.2L/100km |
Fuel cons. (on test) | 7.3L/100km | Not recorded |
Fuel type | 95-octane premium unleaded | 95-octane premium unleaded |
Fuel tank size | 45L | 45L |
What is the BMW X1 like to drive?
If you're after an SUV that's quiet, composed and comfortable, the X1 sDrive 18i could be just the ticket.
Performance isn't its strong suit, with leisurely acceleration and plenty of clear space needed for overtaking, but the new X1 more than makes up for it with a surprisingly plush ride and impressive cabin refinement.
The little 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo petrol engine has its work cut out for it, and with just 115kW and 230Nm on tap, it's not lacking for grunt on paper, but definitely feels relaxed out on the open road.
The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic pairs well with the engine on the move. At low speeds there's still some hints of hesitation and shunting, but without a proper around-town test it's hard to say for sure how it'll handle the daily commute. We'll explore this further when the we get the new X1 through for a full review.
In this new X1, in xLine specification comfort is king. The ride carries a little of the Euro firmness you'd probably expect from a German marque, but it provides taut control, rather than bone-rattling ride.
Worth noting too, the car we spent the most time in on launch was equipped with optional 19-inch wheels, and not the standard 18s which could potentially be more forgiving still, in the ride stakes. The xDrive 20i M Sport is likely to be a different experience again, with standard adaptive sports suspension, and wheels up to 20-inch – again, we'll investigate further once the X1 comes for a longer stay in the drive garage.
With tepid engine performance, you may not always feel like you have the most sporting drive (and to be super-clear, I don't think this is a failing of the car at all) but it's worth giving BMW's engineers a high five for steering feel.
In the new X1 steering weight has been dialled back, making it user-friendly around town and at parking speeds, but the road feel and feedback are positive – all without feeling twitchy or too reactive.
Finally noise suppression is top-notch. Not every road surface is whisper quiet, but as a tourer there's little wind or engine noise intrusion, and road noise is very well managed. Even those rough and ready surfaces that normally throw up a din were muted enough that it was easy to maintain a conversation over the ambient noise.
A shorter drive in a the X1 xDrive 20i reveals that while there's more power on tap, theres not so much that you'd call it a performance standout. Acceleration to 100km/h drops from the 18i's 9.0 seconds down to 7.4 seconds, which is a reasonable pace, but rolling acceleration and instant urge still feels hesitant unless you really push hard.
Without wild weather or loose surfaces on our test drive it's hard to say how beneficial the all-wheel drive system is. The standout advantage though, is a little more confidence off the line, or when overtaking – provided you're prepared to dig deep to unlock it.
Key details | 2023 BMW X1 sDrive 18i | 2023 BMW X1 xDrive 20i |
Engine | 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol | 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol |
Power | 115kW @ 6500rpm | 150kW @ 6500rpm |
Torque | 230Nm @ 1500-4600rpm | 300Nm @ 1450-4500rpm |
Drive type | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
Transmission | Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic | Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic |
Power to weight ratio | 77kW/t | 94kW/t |
Weight (kerb) | 1500kg | 1595kg |
Spare tyre type | Tyre repair kit | Tyre repair kit |
Turning circle | 11.7m | 11.7m |
Should I buy a BMW X1?
For interior space and flexibility it's hard not to recommend the X1. While it might be a small SUV officially, the room inside for young families bridges the gap between traditional small SUVs and those the next size up.
It's not the performance choice, but it doesn't need to be. BMW has more than enough other offerings to fill that niche.
A quick rush up to speed on infotainment tech and driver assist technologies bolster the X1's credentials, but the larger size and polite on-road manners all help the 2023 BMW X1 find its feet in a packed prestige SUV market.