“Get the upgraded seat controls, otherwise there is less comfort. And get the upgraded sound system, the included system has horrible sound.”
BMW X1: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The BMW X1 is a compact luxury SUV and the entry point to BMW’s SUV range. It is known for combining everyday practicality and an upscale cabin with more engaging road manners than many small luxury rivals.
The X1 has always aimed to deliver BMW driving enjoyment in a smaller, more practical package. Early models felt more like tall wagons, while later generations became roomier and more upright. Through those changes, it has remained focused on a manageable footprint, flexible cargo space, and responsive handling.
Strengths
- Its compact exterior is easy to manage, yet later generations provide a roomy cabin and flexible cargo area.
- It feels responsive and engaging on the road compared with many small luxury SUVs.
- The 2023 redesign brought a larger body and a modern curved dual-screen dashboard without abandoning the X1’s practical focus.
- Every U.S. X1 since 2023 has all-wheel drive as standard.
- The M35i adds a meaningful performance step, with 312 horsepower in the 2026 model.
Who it's for
The X1 suits someone who wants a premium daily-use SUV without moving up to a larger vehicle. It works well for commuting, city driving, errands, and small-family use, especially for a shopper who values a useful cabin but still wants the drive to feel lively.
BMW X1 lineup
The xDrive28i has long been the core X1, pairing the everyday 28i formula with all-wheel drive. The sDrive28i, offered during parts of the earlier generations, is the front-wheel-drive alternative for shoppers who do not need all-wheel drive. The first-generation xDrive35i served as the early six-cylinder performance model, while the M35i has filled the high-performance role since 2024. Among recent models, pick the xDrive28i for the everyday balance and step up to the M35i for its 312-horsepower engine and sportier hardware.
BMW X1 generations
From 2013 to 2026, the X1 spans three generations. The current 3rd Generation — U11 arrived for 2023, following the 2nd Generation — F48 (2016–2022).
3rd Generation — U11 (2023–Present)
The third-generation X1 is larger and more digital, with a curved dual-screen dashboard and standard all-wheel drive in the U.S. It also uses a revised turbo four-cylinder engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
171 In Stock
2026
The xDrive28i and M35i carry over with no significant U.S. changes.
2025
Heated front seats and built-in 5G connectivity become standard across the lineup.
2024Trim changes
The 312-hp M35i performance trim joins the U.S. lineup, and the touchscreen system moves to BMW Operating System 9.
2023New generation
A full redesign brings a larger body, curved dual-screen dashboard, revised turbo powertrain, standard all-wheel drive, and more standard safety features.
2nd Generation — F48 (2016–2022)
The second-generation X1 changed from a low, wagon-like crossover into a taller and roomier small SUV. It introduced a 228-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic, and more passenger and cargo space.
88 In Stock
2022
The two-trim lineup and 228-hp turbo powertrain carry over for this generation’s final model year.
2021
The refreshed styling, two-trim lineup, and turbo powertrain carry over from 2020.
2020Mid-cycle update
A substantial refresh brings revised front and rear styling, a larger 8.8-inch navigation screen, a new electronic shifter, and revised transmission gearing.
2019
Navigation, Apple CarPlay, parking sensors, and added driver-assistance features become standard on both trims.
2018
Only minor package and option adjustments separate it from 2017.
2017Trim changes
The new sDrive28i trim brings front-wheel drive to the U.S. lineup.
2016New generation
The redesigned X1 gains a taller, roomier body, more cargo space, and a new turbo four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic.
1st Generation — E84 (2013–2015)
The first U.S.-market X1 had a lower, more wagon-like shape than the generation that followed. It arrived here after a global styling refresh, with four-cylinder 28i models and a six-cylinder xDrive35i at the top of the lineup.
11 In Stock
2015
Only small upholstery and ordering adjustments mark the final year before the 2016 redesign.
2014
The powertrains, body, cabin layout, and main equipment carry over with only minor updates.
2013New generation
The X1 launches in the U.S. in refreshed first-generation form, with updated styling, a tidier cabin, and three trims.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the BMW X1.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW X1 a car or an SUV?
The BMW X1 is a compact luxury SUV. It has four doors, seating for five, an upright driving position, and a flexible cargo area, but its small footprint makes it easier to use around town than a larger BMW SUV.
What is the BMW X1 known for?
The BMW X1 is known for combining useful passenger and cargo room with responsive handling. It is the entry point to BMW’s SUV range, yet it still has an upscale cabin and a more engaging feel than many small luxury SUVs.
Is the BMW X1 roomy enough for a small family?
Yes. The X1 seats five and has a split-folding rear seat and useful cargo space. Newer models provide 37 inches of rear legroom and up to 57.2 cubic feet of cargo room, making the X1 practical for a small family or couple with gear.
Does the BMW X1 come as a hybrid?
No. U.S.-market BMW X1 models from 2013 through 2026 use turbocharged gas engines rather than a hybrid powertrain. Four-cylinder engines power most versions, while the early xDrive35i uses a turbocharged six-cylinder.
Does every BMW X1 have all-wheel drive?
No. Earlier sDrive28i models have front-wheel drive, while versions carrying the xDrive name have all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive became standard across the U.S. X1 lineup with the 2023 redesign.
How have the BMW X1 generations changed?
The first U.S. X1 was a lower, wagon-like SUV sold from 2013 to 2015. The 2016 redesign made it taller, roomier, and more practical. The 2023 redesign grew again, added a curved dual-screen dashboard, and made all-wheel drive standard.
Can the BMW X1 tow a trailer?
Yes, newer BMW X1 models have a maximum towing rating of 3,000 pounds. That suits a small properly equipped trailer, but the exact rating and required equipment should be confirmed for the individual used vehicle.
BMW X1 Reviews
What owners are saying about the BMW X1.
4.2
BMW X1
(3,924 reviews)
“All of the reviews were correct. This is perhaps the best vehicle I have ever owned. Great for the city (easy to park and drive in traffic) and wonderful on the highway. All round wonderful.”
“Great size, smooth ride, great features, perfect for outdoors lovers, good gas mileage, great headlight visibility”
“My new car is a joy to drive, not that long after purchasing I drove it from New York to Key West and back and it was an excellent car even for a 12 hour driving stretch solo. I would highly recommend it to anyone.”
“Love it, get it - convinced a friend who had been looking but had been wavering.”
“After being behind the wheel of my new BMW X1 for over two months now, I've been so spoiled at its performance that I can't imagine me driving anything else.”