Owner reviews for the BMW X1
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4/5The BMW X1 is a compact SUV designed for families and drivers who want the look and feel of a premium car, but with practicality, space and sensible running costs. With its sharp handling and plush cabin, the X1 mixes everyday flexibility with a bit of driving excitement.
BMW X1 AUTOMATIC 2.0 20i Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s)
London (5 miles)
BMW X1 XDRIVE20I XLINE
London (6 miles)
BMW X1 2.0 20d Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
London (7 miles)
BMW X1 1.5 18i SE SUV 5dr Petrol DCT sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)
London (7 miles)
BMW X1 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Mitcham (7 miles)
BMW X1 2.0 20d Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)
London (7 miles)
BMW X1 XDRIVE20d XLINE
Luton (29 miles)
AA finance available
BMW X1 2.0 20i M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol DCT sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (192 ps)
Luton (33 miles)
AA finance available
BMW X1 1.5 18i xLine SUV 5dr Petrol DCT sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)
Leighton Buzzard (35 miles)
AA finance available
BMW X1 SDRIVE 18d SPORT
Ware (21 miles)
AA finance available
BMW X1 xDrive 20i (178) M Sport 5dr Step Auto
Horley (24 miles)
BMW X1 XDRIVE20d XLINE
Luton (29 miles)
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4/5BMW’s X1 has long been a popular choice in the premium small SUV class. For many, it offers a 'just right' blend of upmarket comfort, everyday practicality and reassuring reliability. The 2nd-generation model (launched in 2015) saw major improvements in interior quality, greater rear seat and boot space and even more advanced infotainment. The 2020 update brought a smarter look, larger grille, new infotainment screens and a plug-in hybrid option, helping the X1 stay competitive against rivals like the Audi Q3, Range Rover Evoque and Mercedes GLA.
What makes the used X1 stand out today? It’s that rare family SUV that feels genuinely rewarding to drive, yet still has enough space in the back and boot to handle a growing family. Its broad choice of engines – petrol, diesel and hybrid – make it flexible for all budgets and lifestyles. The cabin feels exceptionally solid, and most versions come well-equipped, especially for safety. You’ll find models from 2015-2022 on the used market, with the facelift appearing from 2020 onwards.
AA finance available
BMW iX1 30 66.5kWh xLine Auto xDrive 5dr (11kW Charger)
Orpington (15 miles)
BMW IX1 xDrive30 M Sport
Walsall (107 miles)
BMW iX1 EDRIVE20 XLINE
Cannock (114 miles)
AA finance available
BMW X1 1.5 25e 10kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
London (7 miles)
BMW X1 1.5 25e 10kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
London (9 miles)
BMW X1 XDRIVE25E XLINE
Waltham Cross (13 miles)
All BMW X1s come with six airbags, stability control and ISOFIX mounts on the outer rear seats. From 2020 onwards, many models include additional driver aids such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, speed limit recognition and high-beam assist. Earlier models offered these as options in packs – it’s worth checking individual cars for their exact equipment.
The X1 range spans petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid. Petrol engines include a 1.5-litre three-cylinder (sDrive18i) and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder (xDrive20i), while diesels offer several power outputs from the 2.0-litre engine (sDrive18d, xDrive18d, xDrive20d, xDrive25d). The xDrive25e plug-in hybrid combines petrol with electric for low-emission journeys.
Since 2015, standard BMW X1s have featured the iDrive infotainment system, DAB radio, sat-nav, Bluetooth and USB. Mid-2020 facelift models add Apple CarPlay, a sharper 8.8-inch touchscreen, and extra connected features. Higher trims or optional packs may add a larger screen, head-up display, and real-time traffic updates.
Official fuel economy for diesels like the sDrive18d can top 55mpg, with petrols usually in the mid- to high-40s mpg, depending on engine and driving style. The xDrive25e plug-in hybrid claims over 150mpg in lab tests, but you'll only see this if you regularly charge and mainly do short trips on electric power.
Double-check for electrical faults, especially with the infotainment system or dashboard warnings. Make sure all recall work (airbags, suspension, electronics) has been completed – ask for service records if possible. Diesel models should be checked for DPF (diesel particulate filter) issues if mainly used for short trips. For further peace of mind, consider an independent assessment, such as the service offered by The AA Vehicle Inspection.
The BMW X1 scores above average for reliability among small SUVs, with strong mechanical dependability, especially for petrol models. Some owners report recurring issues with infotainment and electrical systems, but most cars are easily fixed within warranty. BMW ranks strongly as a brand for reliability versus its direct rivals.
The main engine sizes are 1.5-litre (petrol, sDrive18i) and 2.0-litre (petrol and diesel, most other models). The xDrive25e plug-in hybrid uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor. All these options were upgraded throughout the 2015-2022 lifespan for efficiency and power.