The BMW X1 continues to carry the torch as the automaker’s smallest crossover. Built off of a Mini-sourced platform, the X1 is a sporty, compact crossover with styling and space that should appeal to the SUV-obsessed masses and a peppy powertrain that's worthy of the BMW roundel on the nose.
What's New for 2018
Now in the third year of its second generation, the 2018 X1 arrives with minor changes. BMW has instituted a tiered package structure that unlocks specific single options once a tier is chosen. Some old packages have been removed from the X1’s options list, as well.
The Cold Weather and Technology Packages are no longer available, as the contents have migrated to other packages or are now offered as standalone features. Parking Assistant Plus has been renamed to the Parking Assistance Package, while Active Driving Assistant is now being offered as the Driving Assistance Package, which in some cases includes a head-up display. Lastly, Active Driving Assistant Plus is being offered as a Driving Assistance Plus Package.
Pricing for the two models has increased with the base X1 sDrive 28i starting at $34,895 (all prices include the $995 destination and handling fee), which is an increase of $800 over the 2017 model. The X1 xDrive 28i now starts at $36,895, again, $800 more than the old model.
Choosing Your BMW X1
While sharing a chassis with a MINI may seem like a downside, the X1 still has a useable interior.
With the X1’s height and large greenhouse, the crossover has up to 27.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity and 58.7 cubic feet with the rear seat down, which is better than other luxury crossovers in the segment. And at 175.4 inches long, the X1’s back seats offers up 37 inches of legroom, while the crossover's height ensures that passengers in the back have 39.4 inches of headroom.
Both the sDrive 28i and xDrive 28i share the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and the same eight-speed automatic transmission – the only difference between them is that the sDrive 28i is front-wheel drive while the xDrive gets the eponymous all-wheel-drive system. Unsurprisingly, the sDrive 28i is the more fuel-efficient trim, with an EPA estimate of 23 miles per gallon in the city, 32 highway, and 26 combined. The xDrive 28i, though, isn’t too far behind, as it only loses one mile per gallon in each category.
Standard features on the sDrive 28i include: 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, satin aluminum roof rails, eight-way power front seats, SensaTec upholstery, seven-speaker HiFi sound system, Bluetooth, HD radio, a rear-view camera, Dynamic Cruise Control, 6.5-inch infotainment screen, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a power liftgate.
The new Convenience Tier ($2,500) adds an auto-dimming mirrors, a Comfort Access keyless entry system, universal garage-door opener, ambient lighting, lumbar support for the seats, power-folding mirrors, and a panoramic moonroof. Adding the Convenience Tier then opens up the Luxury Package ($1,550), adding new Dakota leather upholstery and a choice of fine-wood oak grain trim with a pearl chrome accent, brushed aluminum trim with a pearl chrome accent, as well as fine-wood "fineline" trim with a pearl chrome accent.
The Convenience Tier also allows buyers to add the Navigation Business Package ($950), which incorporates a fully-integrated navigation system with a 6.5-inch display screen and a Bluetooth Hands Free Interface, and the Driving Assistance Package ($700), adding the Active Driving Assistant, which features four active safety features – Lane Departure Warning, Frontal Collision Warning, City Collision Mitigation, and Pedestrian Protection – automatic high beam, and speed limit information. ACC Stop & Go + Active Driving Assistant is an additional $1,000 option that adds Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go in addition to the Active Driving Assistant.
The Premium Tier ($5,800) includes everything from the Convenience Tier and adds remote services, LED headlights, a head-up display, heated front seats, an advanced adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, navigation with a touchpad controller, and advanced real-time traffic information.
The sDrive 28i is also available in the M Sport Design trim for $39,545, which comes with a body kit, high-gloss roof rails, dark exterior trim, ambient lighting, auto-dimming mirrors, power-folding mirrors, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Comfort Access keyless entry system, an M-branded Steering wheel, sport seats, a panoramic moonroof, and 18-inch wheels as standard.
The xDrive 28i shares a lot of the same standard features as the base model, but adds an all-wheel-drive system and Hill Descent Control.
Just like on the lower trim, the xDrive 28i has an available Convenience Tier ($2,500) and Premium Tier ($5,800) – the only real difference is that the Premium Tier includes a heated steering wheel. The xDrive 28i is also available in an M Sport Design trim that starts at $41,545 and comes with the same standard feature as the front-wheel-drive trim.
Some items can be fitted as an optional extra, including sport seats ($400), sliding and reclining rear seats ($300), heated front seats and steering wheel ($550), wireless charging and WiFi hotspot ($500), a Harmon Kardon surround sound system ($875), and Apple CarPlay compatibility ($300).
Keeping the number of options to a minimum on the X1 is the way to go, as prices for the compact crossover can quickly creep upward. The all-wheel-drive model is attractive and since no one wants a bare-bones car, the Convenience Tier box should be ticked as well. The sport seats and the sliding and reclining rear seat adjustment are must-have options, as is removing the stock run-flat tires for those that want to occasionally have some fun in their BMW or want a more comfortable ride.