Used 2023 BMW X1

For an authentic German luxury SUV that won’t break the bank, the BMW X1 is an appealing choice. This subcompact SUV offers modern tech features and a lively engine while keeping the starting price under the $40,000 mark. One of the most significant updates for the 2023 model is standard all-wheel drive, likely in a bid to compete with the Audi Q3. The X1 is also roomier than many of its competitors, giving it an extra measure of practicality. If you’re new to the luxury car world, the X1 is a good place to start.

The new X1 is pushing the boundaries of the subcompact luxury SUV segment. It’s not just bigger and roomier, it’s notably more powerful than many of its competitors. BMW says the enhanced X1 will launch from 0-60 mph in a scant 6.2 seconds, which checked out during our time operating the pedals. That’s the kind of performance we’d expect from a performance variant in this segment, not across the entire lineup.

We found the entire driving experience to be very familiar, very BMW. The X1 encourages and rewards spirited driving, and the highway ride quality is firm without being stiff. We’d welcome some smoothing out of the quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission and engine stop/start system.

The redesigned interior in the BMW X1 is upscale and high-tech. The standard iDrive infotainment system, Live Cockpit Plus digital gauge cluster, and the “floating” armrest with an integral control panel all contribute to the high-tech vibe inside the X1. A clean design and upscale materials are further reminders that you’re in a premium luxury SUV.

BMW’s redesigned subcompact SUV has also grown to become one of the roomiest SUVs in its class, with adult-friendly back seats and a pretty generous cargo hold.

The all-new BMW X1 looks bolder and more modern than its predecessor, with a more upright profile that contributes to its increased roominess. The new X1 continues with traditional design cues like the BMW kidney grille, but in a thoroughly contemporary style.

If you’re going for a sportier look, consider the M Sport package. On top of an Adaptive M suspension, it adds 18-inch bi-color alloy wheels, Shadowline exterior trim, and an aerodynamic body kit.

The X1 has gotten a little bigger for 2023 and is on the bigger side of the subcompact luxury SUV segment. Its dimensions are similar to the Audi Q3, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40 are a bit smaller.

IDRIVE 8 INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
The standard iDrive 8 infotainment system has a curved display loaded with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and navigation with available Augmented View.

STANDARD AWD
The xDrive all-wheel drive system now comes standard on every X1. This improves grip on dry pavement and gives the X1 more confident traction on snowy roads.

The BMW X1 is well-equipped at the base level. There’s technically only one trim of the X1 — the xDrive28i. Every 2023 X1 in the U.S. has the same powertrain. It’s a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission directing power to all four wheels.

Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights (with cornering lights) and taillights, low-profile roof rails, ambient interior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, Black High-Gloss interior trim, and Satin Aluminum Line exterior trim.

The standard infotainment system is the iDrive 8 system with a curved 10.7-inch display that flows into the Live Cockpit Plus 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. Other standard tech features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, navigation, and SiriusXM.

Standard safety and driver assistance tech features in the X1 include active blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, frontal collision warning with city collision mitigation, parking sensors, and automatic high beams.

Although there’s only one trim of the X1, there’s no shortage of individual options and option packages to make it your own.

An available Premium Package makes the X1 more luxurious by adding features like a panoramic moonroof, a head-up display, Harman Kardon premium audio, a wireless charging pad, a 360-degree camera, 3D view with augmented reality overlays for navigation, the Parking Assistant Plus system, and more.

Drivers looking for more safety tech will appreciate the Driving Assistance Professional Package. This adds extended traffic jam assistant, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasion aid, and front cross-traffic alert.

Consider the M Sport package if you want a premium SUV on the sporty side. It’s primarily an exterior and interior appearance package but also adds Adaptive M suspension for a more engaging drive.

Various individual options available include sport seats, eucalyptus open-pore wood trim, remote start, a universal garage door opener, and more.

The sole engine option under the hood of the BMW X1 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The new X1 boasts more power and torque than its predecessor, as well as most of its competitors. Every BMW X1 has a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
241 horsepower @ 4,500-6,500 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/34 mpg