why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 BMW X1

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 62 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 BMW X1

Overview

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more. See what you should pay

2013 BMW X1 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.7

The 2013 BMW X1 is almost ready to make its American debut. The 5-passenger SUV will slot in under the X3 when it goes on sale in this fall. The BMW X1 has been a popular SUV in global markets, and furthers the trend of downsizing premium vehicles. The 2013 X1 will be available with rear- or all-wheel drive, and will offer the choice of a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine. Like the other X models in BMW's lineup, the new X1 is meant to be a versatile, quick and plush vehicle that is comfortable on a variety of road surfaces.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want a small SUV with luxury amenities and European badge appeal, the BMW X1 may just be your ticket. The 2013 X1 also promises better fuel economy and spunkier performance than larger SUVs.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Need room for more than five passengers or just something more child-seat friendly with room for extras? The X1 might be a little too compact. Also keep in mind that the X1's price can easily balloon by several thousand dollars with a few options.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.7
Driving Dynamics

8.8
Comfort & Convenience

7.6
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.0
Value

6.2
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#2

out of 31

MPG

#22

out of 31

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.9 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

The 2013 BMW X1 is an all-new vehicle to the U.S. market, and its introduction here coincides with an update of the X1 in other countries. BMW's smallest SUV will feature fuel-saving technology such as Brake Energy Regeneration and, for 4-cylinder models, automatic start/stop engine management that automatically shuts off the engine at idle.

Driving the X1

Driving Impressions BMW's tagline – "The Ultimate Driving Machine" - is no joke and despite the fact that it's an SUV, the X1 is no exception. The little crossover effectively blurs the...

line between being a comfortable low-speed cruiser and a high-speed corner carver as it's plush enough for the daily drive, but can handle any turn with graceful agility. The X1's smaller size and lighter weight make it feel exceptionally more agile than its X3 bigger brother and athletic prowess makes for a far more exciting drive as compared to the Acura RDX and Mercedes-Benz GLK.

Favorite Features

2.0-LITER TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
While a powerful 6-cylinder is available, we look favorably on the 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder because its potent enough to move this crossover to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds while returning stellar fuel economy numbers (34 mpg highway).

Harman Kardon Surround Sound System
With 11 speakers and a 340-watt amplifier, the Harmon Kardon sound system delivers sharp, clear sound to satisfy anyone - from the avid news radio listener to the picky audiophiles.

2013 BMW X1 Details

2013 BMW X1 Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The X1 is available with all the accoutrements you'd expect in a BMW luxury vehicle. Among the options are high-quality leather upholstery, navigation, a hi-fi sound system, and panoramic glass roof. One particularly interesting feature is an app that lets iPhone owners use Internet-based services such as streaming audio or access to Facebook and Twitter feeds. Though considered a subcompact, BMW says the X1 offers 47.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the second-row 40/20/40 seats folded. That's enough to hold two 46-inch golf bags, the German automaker says. With seats up, there is 12.7 cubic feet of storage, comparable to the trunk of a car.

Exterior

Not surprisingly, the 2013 X1 SUV's exterior looks familiar to anyone who has seen its slightly bigger brother, the X3. Up front is BMW's signature kidney grille, while a high beltline wraps the sides. The rear of the vehicle is distinguished by a horizontal pane of glass above the rest of the hatch's metal, and a thick bumper and prominent undertray below.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

2013 BMW X1 models, including the base sDrive28i, features an 8-speed automatic transmission, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, split/fold-down rear seats, automatic climate control, HD Radio and rain-sensing wipers. Higher-trim xDrive35i models come with a panoramic glass roof, power front seats and xenon headlights.

Optional Equipment

X1 models can be further outfitted with a harman/kardon surround-sound system with satellite radio, distance control with a rearview camera to aid with parking, and a collision-warning system. The M Sport package offers a sport suspension, sport seats and wood or aluminum interior trim.

Under the Hood

The 2013 BMW X1 offers a choice of two gasoline engines. The base engine is a turbocharged 4-cylinder that is good for 240 horsepower and is linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine propels rear-wheel-drive sDrive28i models from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 6.2 seconds, while xDrive28i all-wheel-drive versions with that engine do it in 6.3 seconds, BMW says. In addition to making the X1 quick, the engine helps rear-wheel-drive models attain up to 34 mpg on the highway.

The second engine option is a stronger, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder good for 300 horsepower. That engine uses a 6-speed automatic transmission and powers all-wheel-drive xDrive35i models. BMW says that potent version of the X1 goes 0-60 mph in a scant 5.3 seconds.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
240 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
260 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/34 mpg (rear-wheel drive), 22/33 mpg (all-wheel drive)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6
300 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
300 lb-ft of torque @ 1,200-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 mpg

Pricing Notes

The 2013 BMW X1 is available with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) that starts around $31,500, while the all-wheel-drive trim starts at about $33,000. Stepping up to the 6-cylinder xDrive35i trim level costs around $39,000, while adding a bevy of options can put that price to well over $40,000. In comparison, the Acura RDX starts at around $35,000 and tops out around $40,000 and the Lexus RX starts at $40,000. As for residuals, we expect the BMW X1 to retain its value on par with that of the Lexus RX and better than the Acura RDX and Mercedes-Benz GLK.

To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, first select a style to see the Fair Purchase Price| Calculate payments for this vehicle

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used BMW X1 vehicles for sale near you.

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more.

See what you should pay

2013 BMW X1 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.9

Out of 10

Based on 9 Ratings for the 2013 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

9.9/10

Quality

9.6/10
Reliability

9.8/10

Performance

9.7/10
Comfort

9.6/10

Styling

9.7/10

2013 BMW X1 S28I

By JN (CA) on Monday, March 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,400

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Nimble, Great Handling, Powerful and economical"

Cons: "My only wish is 2 more inches wider and longer."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This BMW X1 Crossover is the closest thing as far as handling to a German Sedan. Even though designed to drive as a 328I Sedan, it's not the same but it's as close as you can get for a Crossover. Test drove many crossovers from the new GLK 350, Infinity EX, Audi AllRoad and none of them come close to the BMW X1 as far as handling. Also, Power during take off is faster than most. We bought one with the Ultimate Package and this is the only car with Rear Camera and FRONT & REAR sensor. The Audi Camera only has rear sensor and the GLK camera has no sensor at all. Great gas mileage, excellent stock sound system. If you don't want a marshmallow ride, this is the car for you. This car is very fast for a four cylinder and compared to the audi 2.0 liter turbo (Also had a Q5 before)."

12 people out of 13 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great Compact SUV! iDrive controller is Awesome.

By Jax (FL) on Thursday, March 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 950

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "iDrive Controller, Fuel economy, great engine"

Cons: "Navigation good but could be better."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I ordered mine from the factory to get the exact options/features I wanted. Took about 2 months but that included Christmas holiday. I have 2WD with turbo 4 (called the sDrive i28...confusing!) Fuel economy has been 28 city and 32 on my only highway trip so far. Acceleration is stunning for the gas mileage it gets. Some have criticized the auto start/stop but I don't find it disturbing. Yes, it is noticeable when it restarts, but hey...you just saved all that gas at long stop lights. Also, can push button to turn off the feature if in a drive-thru lane or similar stop and go situation. Very well designed interior. I chose Terra cotta leather with matte wood trim and it looks great! I agree that navigation system isn't up to the standard of the rest of the car, but it is still quite good in my opinion. The iDrive control system is awesome and worth the cost of the navigation system all by itself. It is easy to use, convenient and very intuitive. Controls phone, navigation, media (iPod/CD, etc), radio, vehicle settings and displays. Easier to control systems with BMW iDrive than with my wife's Mercedes GLK 350 controller but the Mercedes Nav display is a bit better. My X1 feels more responsive and nimble whereas her GLK feels more solid but sedate. For those who complain it's too small...not sure why you'd look at the X1 in the first place. That's the point of it. It is a high-performance, road hugger (for an SUV) but it isn't designed or suitable for a family of 5 with all their gear on a trip. Leg room good in rear unless front seats fully pushed back, then too tight for most adults. For me, it was the perfect combination of features, performance and utility (I carry kayaks and mountain bikes a lot). I highly recommend this car."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Fantastic Value!!!

By Jay (NJ) on Monday, February 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Value, handles great, ideal for small families"

Cons: "Less than advertised fuel mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I am astonished at the unique value this car offers. Priced very reasonably, it gives the driving pleasure associated with a sedan. The design is great, handles awesome and works perfectly well for us, a family of 3. Only criticism I would have is that the fuel efficiency is lower than advertised. Even with highway driving and ECOPRO mode, I hardly get more than 25 - 26. But all in all, this car delivers ... Great value, quality and the BMW backing for a very very reasonable price."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

No Gas mileage, no zip, brakes are lackluster

By Bc (PA) on Sunday, January 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "price good , fun to drive, corners well"

Cons: "MPG brakes zip not the best. NAV poor"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I gave the car a 10 but as compared to my 328xi the X1 comes in last. I drive all highway miles and have not been able to get the car over 26.4 mpg even using the ECO mode. I had to teach myself how to drive again because the brakes are not like the 328...I could stop on a dime in that car but with this one it is very difficult to stop the car. The engine is a 4 and the 328 is a 6 cyl so I get why it is not very zippy. I purchased the Ultimate pkg and please do not buy the Navigation. Do not spend the $2200 just go get a Garmin. The navigation is awful. Whoever designed it should drive with a Garmin for a week and then go redesign the BMW package. The car corners well and is very comfortable. It has plenty of room and is comfortable for 5. Drive the car repeatedly before you purchase. Make sure it meets your expectations not your desire for an inexpensive BMW"

19 people out of 25 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Best ever!

By Oceanboy (OR) on Tuesday, November 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Handling, mpg, sunroof, space, good price, wipers"

Cons: "center dash mounted door lock button"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"There is little I don't like about this sdrive X1. The handling is superior on the twisty roads in the mountains. The power is amazing. The gas mileage has NOT been below 30 mpg and we got 35 mpg on a highway exclusive drive. The seats are very comfortable for 6'2" and 185 lbs. The electronic features make sense and are many. Ours has heated seats, headlight washers and the premium package. The panoramic sun roof is great. The SUV shuts the engine off at stop lights and starts immediately when you let off the brake. The ability to switch between rain sense automatic and variable speed wipers is great. What a great vehicle!"

34 people out of 34 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

The best all around small luxury suv.

By Tony (VA) on Friday, October 26, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 800

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive,charismatic,unique design,great price"

Cons: "Make it 3"taller ,add power rear door."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The 2013 BMW X1 XDrive28i is the best small luxury SUV for small family of up to five.Its superior in gas mileage, price,performance,power,acceleration,handling and fun to drive.The exterior design is beautiful and unique and appealing,interior is excellent of high quality materials,instrumentation,packages and gadgets are high tech and modern,great safety features.Excellent cargo space with rear seats down. This vehicle is very practical,affordable price,tough small suv on or offroad,there's nothing this suv can't do."

14 people out of 15 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 9 reviews