BMW X1 sDrive18i review finds baby SUV is now fit for a family

The base model in BMW’s SUV range, the X1, has grown considerably … but so has the showroom sticker price

BMW's entry-level SUV, the X1 sDrive18i, starts from about $67,000 on the road.

Entree. Typically, it marks the start of good things to come.

That’s the way luxury carmakers have always viewed the lower end offerings.

Give the buyers a taste of the best and they’ll never return to the bread and butter.

BMW’s X1 used to be somewhat of a palette cleanser. Starting life using the all-conquering 3 Series architecture, the initial models looked undernourished.

Morphing over the past decade, the X1 has grown to the point where a growing family of four can comfortably have it in the driveway with reasonable space front and back, along with a useful boot.

BMW's entry-level SUV, the X1 sDrive18i, starts from about $67,000 on the road.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

GRANT: Let’s face it, the badge remains pivotal.

KEL: I’ll admit, you tend to walk taller arriving at school pick-up in a prestige brand.

GRANT: Consumer influence remains strong, and BMW has maintained an air of affluence. The X1 may sit at the base of the marque’s SUV tree, but it no longer appears like a cut-price derivative.

KEL: With the trademark grille, square wheel arches and refined proportions I liked the styling.

GRANT: Compared to the old model the third generation X1 is considerably bigger. It has grown by 53mm in length, 24mm in width while it’s 44mm taller. That collectively adds up to vastly improved cabin dimensions.

KEL: Internal space was excellent for a compact SUV. We’ve seen some of the cabin features in electric BMW cars previously.

GRANT: Basic kit includes a curved 10.7-inch central touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring apps, 10.25-inch driver instrument cluster, dual zone aircon, synthetic leather trim and wireless phone charging.

KEL: Given its positioning yet improved size, I’m guessing the investment remains reasonable.

GRANT: Pricing starts from $60,400 before on-roads – which increased dramatically from $53,900 shortly after it was launched earlier this year. The issue remains additional features, real leather adds about $2k while an enhancement pack including metallic paint, panoramic sunroof, 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo and sliding rear seats is $6000. Just with metallic paint our test car ended up being closer to $68,000 drive-away. That’s compared to perhaps an Audi Q3 35TFSI for $56,445, or the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 $67,400.

KEL: That’s really pushing the entry-level budget, but interestingly we’ve recently driven dual-cab utes that are $10,000 more.

BMW's X1 has grown by 53mm in length, 24mm in width and is 44mm taller.

WHAT DID YOU LOVE?

GRANT: Having vertical wireless phone charging was different. The floating style console was another cool introduction with space for bags and other gear.

KEL: It’s an impressive looking cabin. The toggle style gear selector takes a little getting used to initially, but I liked how easy it was to operate and how much extra space it creates.

Dasher and Dancer and... ❄️
The new BMW X1 & the new BMW iX1.#THEX1#THEiX1pic.twitter.com/ixKcx8akKi

— BMW (@BMW) December 11, 2022

GRANT: Second row space is impressive for a compact SUV with ample room for two adults. I love the 40:20:40 split of the rear seats which makes loading sporting equipment like surfboards and bikes easier.

KEL: Having a surround view camera has become one of my favourite features which makes parking so much easier … the head-up display was also good to keep an eye on your speed.

The BMW X1 transmission shifter and floating console.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

GRANT: When the X1 was first launched BMW also revealed a ConnectedDrive subscription service which turns on features like heated seats – it costs $589 for the lifetime of the vehicle while there are other features, like heated steering wheel, you can also turn off and on with monthly or yearly payment options. Heated seats are standard on the xDrive20i.

KEL: That all sounds like too much work and double-dipping. I love heated seats and I’d have to tick the box which would further push up the price.

GRANT: Using the BMW infotainment system could be fiddly. The initial iDrive functionality didn’t receive great reviews, and I found this latest generation cumbersome to navigate your way through the various menus.

KEL: I quickly moved on to the Apple CarPlay instead. The road noise on average roads was also louder than I’d expect in a luxury car.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

GRANT: The BMW turbocharged three-cylinder engine is a zippy unit which combines well with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Despite the extra size of the latest generation X1 it gets along nicely, even if the 0-100km/h time is a pedestrian nine seconds.

KEL: Across varying conditions I found the performance reliable and solid. Overtaking on the highway was reasonable and around town I found it responsive.

GRANT: Getting away from a standing start saw a slight hesitation on occasions due to the dual-clutch transmission. But the overall body control, gear shifting at speed, brakes and steering feel was impressive.

KEL: The ride was comfortable across varying surfaces and I liked how there wasn’t much body roll even on curvy rural roads.

Rear seat space has improved in the BMW X1.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

GRANT: Given the price hike, it makes the base model X1 an hefty investment. Across the board it’s vastly improved, I’d be enticed to step up into the xDrive20i for more punch and better equipment for not much more investment.

KEL: I’d happily live with an X1 given the excellent space and all-round ease of use. I’m not sure whether I could justify the money up against an Audi Q2 or a Volvo XC40.

Originally published as BMW X1 sDrive18i review finds baby SUV is now fit for a family