2023 BMW X1
Overview
In its third generation, the BMW X1 received a makeover in 2023. It’s somewhat more powerful and bigger, both inside and outside, than its predecessors. Without sacrificing the luxury factor, BMW has given the new model, described as a “sports activity vehicle,” a more traditional SUV look: boxier, taller and more assertive, with 18-inch wheels standard. The X1 no longer resembles a pricey hatchback. It may be an entry-level BMW, but it benefits from most of the same interior luxury that characterizes the German automaker’s higher priced models.
The Perfect Ride for …
The driver who wants a getaway vehicle that’s both affordable and classy. This subcompact crossover truly qualifies as luxurious, with all the cachet BMW can offer. The upscale touches are particularly evident in the interior styling, which isn’t all that different from the cabins of pricier BMWs. Although it’s not for rugged off-roading, the new X1 can do a better job than earlier models navigating off the beaten path. For one thing, AWD is now standard (as opposed to front-wheel drive on the older models, with AWD offered only as a pricey option), and the torque has increased from 258 to 295 lb-ft. The horsepower has also increased, from 228 to 241. In other words, the 2023 BMW X1 doesn’t just look more like an SUV. It walks the walk, too. And that should please the driver itching to blast off into the countryside, in style.
Drive and Handling
BMW offers just one trim for the new X1, although buyers can upgrade with several packages bundling assorted features, mostly affecting creature comforts, exterior styling and technological bells and whistles. The only option that affects drive and handling is the “Sport Package,” which offers 8-speed automatic transmission for a sportier, higher revving drive, plus 20-inch wheels. Otherwise, the X1 comes with a 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 2L twin-turbocharged engine features four cylinders. The beefed up torque is available at lower revs than before, between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm, which makes for zippy handling. In the interest of improved handling, BMW has also tweaked the suspension by increasing the caster angle in the front struts and installing multi-link suspension in the rear.
BMW claims the 2023 X1 will zip up to 60 mph in an impressive 6.2 seconds, significantly higher than the acceleration stats for earlier X1s. The EPA has yet to evaluate fuel efficiency for this luxury, subcompact SUV. Although it’s somewhat larger than its ancestors and has had its power tweaked a bit, any resulting cost to fuel economy may be offset by aerodynamic improvements. These include active air intake shutters that affect engine warm up and cooling needs. Thus, it’s a safe bet that the 2023 model will have similar gas mileage to the 2022 AWD trims: 23 mph in the city and 31 on the highway.
Key Features
Driver assistance technology exceeds the norm for an entry-level vehicle in any car manufacturer’s lineup. In addition to now customary aids like forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning, the new X1 offers such options as a self-steering capability to center the vehicle in its proper lane and self-steering in reverse. The tire-pressure monitor not only tells the driver when a tire needs more air; it predicts the remaining tread life.
The car’s cameras do a lot more than enhance visibility. The driver can remotely record video when the X1 is parked. And the cameras can record for up to 60 seconds after a crash, a potentially handy piece of evidence for any resulting court cases.