2023 BMW X1 | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
BMW’s smallest SUV has been completely redesigned for 2023, with notable updates including added tech features, improved power and fuel economy, a new transmission and a slight increase in size.
Related: 2023 BMW X1 Review: Tech-Focused Without the Fuss
Long a favorite with buyers looking for a small luxury SUV that offers lively handling and a bit more cargo and passenger room than some competitors, the updated X1 wisely retains those virtues. It also gets a new, easy-to-use infotainment system that works well, standard all-wheel drive and other improvements. The updates should help keep the X1 competitive in a popular segment packed with some worthy rivals, including the Audi Q3, Cadillac XT4 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Cars.com’s Jennifer Geiger had a chance to get thoroughly acquainted with the redesigned X1, and you can read her expert review by clicking the link above. In the meantime, read on for a quick look at five things we like about the 2023 BMW X1 and four things we don’t.
Things We Like
2023 BMW X1 | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
1. Improved Infotainment
The redesigned X1 gets the latest version of BMW’s iDrive 8 infotainment system, which brings significant improvements in function and ease of use. The SUV’s awkward rotary controller has been replaced by a responsive 10.7-inch touchscreen that’s mounted in the center of the dash and has an intuitive menu structure and customization options. An adjacent 10.25-inch digital instrument panel seamlessly integrates with the touchscreen for a clean, modern look. A physical volume knob and touch-sensitive tuning controls are located on the console, where the rotary control was in the previous-generation X1.
2. More Tech Updates
Other useful tech features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and Android devotees will be pleased to hear that the former uses the whole screen for an improved view and easier use than with some competing horizontal screens. An available augmented-reality function can be added to the standard onboard navigation, adding a live video feed to the center screen with arrows to help clearly indicate upcoming turns. Voice control features are robust and responsive, providing a hands-free way to do many tasks, such as change the audio volume and lower the windows.
3. Power Boost
The redesign brings a boost in power, thanks to a standard 241-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that replaces the old 228-horsepower four-cylinder. Paired with a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the powertrain delivers responsive acceleration in spite of a slight lag from a standstill. Once going, there’s plenty of power in reserve for easy highway merging and passing.
4. Engaging to Drive
Nicely weighted and accurate steering combined with a relatively firm suspension make for an engaging driving experience, with agile handling and quick yet controlled response to driver inputs. The X1 communicates plenty of road feel, making even basic errands turn into enjoyable drives thanks to its precise handling and a responsive powertrain with plenty of power.
5. Improved MPG
Even with its added performance, the new X1 gets a 2-mpg increase in combined fuel economy for 2023. With an EPA-estimated 25/34/28 mpg city/highway/combined, the new X1 not only beats the outgoing model, it returns better fuel economy than the Audi Q3 — which, like the BMW, comes with standard AWD — and AWD versions of the XT4 and GLA.
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Things We Don’t Like
2023 BMW X1 | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
1. Dual-Clutch Drawbacks
The new dual-clutch automatic may help with added performance and fuel economy, but it lacks the smoothness of the old conventional eight-speed automatic. This is especially noticeable while driving around town at moderate speeds, when shifts can be abrupt and feel poorly timed. The automatic start-stop system only makes things worse, resulting in jerky starts and stops if it’s not turned off. Things are considerably smoother at speed.
2. Tech Concerns
For all its updated and improved tech features, not all is perfect with BMW’s latest efforts. The new infotainment system is a hands-down improvement, but it still doesn’t include physical controls for climate functions. The available augmented reality navigation can make it easier to stay on course with its live images and arrows pointing to upcoming turns, but we’d prefer if those arrows appeared on the windshield in the driver’s line of sight, as Mercedes-Benz does with their similar system.
3. Stiff Ride
Some drivers may find the firm suspension a little too stiff for their liking, which can result in some harsh impacts over rough surfaces. That may have been made worse with our test vehicle’s optional 19-inch wheels (18-inch wheels are standard). The optional adaptive suspension may help, but it is only available with the M Sport Package.
4. Pinched Rear Legroom
The increased exterior dimensions have not resulted in an increase in passenger volume compared to the outgoing model, something that is particularly noticeable in the backseat. In fairness to BMW, the X1 is a subcompact, but rear legroom is more limited than in either the XT4 or GLA. While two smaller adults can fit with no major issues, taller adults may not be happy back there, and the center spot is not really usable.
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