The 2024 BMW X1: A Small SUV with Big Performance
The 2024 BMW X1 is a small SUV that packs a big punch. With its lithe handling and practical interior, the X1 is a suitable replacement for the 3-series station wagon that’s regrettably absent from BMW’s U.S. product portfolio. The X1’s standard powertrain is a 241-hp turbo four, but the racier M35i trim comes with a 312-hp variant. Both come standard with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The cabin features both a modern design and modern tech, including BMW’s latest iDrive 9 infotainment system, a curved-glass display, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What’s New for 2024?
A spunky M35i xDrive model joins the X1 lineup for 2024, complete with a 312-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, an adaptive suspension system, and high-performance brakes. Unique 19-inch wheels are standard on the M35i and come with all-season tires, but 20-inch wheels with summer tires are optional. The exterior of the M35i wears a sportier look, with a revised grille design with larger air inlets, quad tailpipes, and black exterior trim. Inside, a set of sport front seats, faux-suede interior trim, and an M-branded steering wheel. BMW’s updated iDrive 9 infotainment software rolls out for the first time on the X1 and features improvements to the system’s menu structure that is said to make navigating easier.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Entry-level xDrive28i models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 241 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The X1 xDrive28i we tested shot to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Acceleration feels a bit less perky in the real world, as there’s turbo lag that’s noticeable during highway passing or merging maneuvers. Its suspension is tuned for athletic handling, which makes the X1 a fun drive for twisty roads. An optional M Sport package—don’t get this confused with the M35i model—adds performance-enhancing features such as an adaptive suspension system and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.
The M35i, meanwhile, is the highest-performance version of the X1 and boasts a 312-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an adaptive suspension system, and upgraded brakes. We haven’t tested that model yet, but BMW says it will hit 60 in 5.2 seconds—but we think it’ll be even quicker than that. When we test it, we’ll update this story with details.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the X1 xDrive28i should deliver 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The M35i model doesn’t have fuel economy estimates yet. When we have a chance to test the X1 on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, we’ll update this story with the results.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the X1 sports a modern interior design that includes such features as a toggle-switch shift lever, a floating center console, and an all-digital dashboard. Designer elements pepper the cabin, including textured speaker grilles and available Eucalyptus open-pore wood trim. All models come with dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, and a power liftgate. A panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel are all options.
Infotainment and Connectivity
BMW’s latest iDrive 9 infotainment system is integrated into its smallest SUV. Like the larger iX electric SUV and the flagship 7-series sedan, the X1’s digital dashboard is a crisp-looking single panel that serves as both a gauge display and an infotainment screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, as is SiriusXM satellite radio. A wireless smartphone charging pad is optional, and the Premium package adds a head-up display, a Harman/Kardon stereo system, and a 360-degree exterior camera system.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
All X1s come standard with basic driver-assistance features such as automated emergency braking and parking sensors, but more advanced tech is optional, including a self-parking feature and adaptive cruise control with lane centering. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, standard lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring, and available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
BMW’s limited warranty and powertrain protection are ordinary for the class, but the company sweetens the deal with three years of free scheduled maintenance. The Lexus NX and Lincoln Corsair offer the same limited warranties, and they provide six-year or 70,000-mile powertrain coverage, but both come with shorter periods of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The xDrive28i model starts at an estimated $41,000, while the M35i xDrive model starts at $50,895. We’d spring for the new M35i model to unlock the X1’s performance potential. If you’re in the mood to splurge, the optional Premium package is worthy of your coin and includes a head-up display, in-dash navigation, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree exterior camera system, and more.
Conclusion
The 2024 BMW X1 is a small SUV that packs a big punch. With its lithe handling and practical interior, the X1 is a suitable replacement for the 3-series station wagon that’s regrettably absent from BMW’s U.S. product portfolio. The X1’s standard powertrain is a 241-hp turbo four, but the racier M35i trim comes with a 312-hp variant. Both come standard with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The cabin features both a modern design and modern tech, including BMW’s latest iDrive 9 infotainment system, a curved-glass display, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The X1 is a fun drive for twisty roads, and the M35i model unlocks the X1’s performance potential. Overall, the 2024 BMW X1 is a small SUV that delivers big on performance and style.
