2018 BMW X1 Review

Name: 2018 BMW X1 Review
Brand: BMW

Price Range: $15,495 - $24,990

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$19,954 avg. price

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Appraise My 2018 BMW X1

BMW X1 model years

BMW X1 for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Calvin Kim^{Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

Strong and responsive turbo engine
Sharp handling makes it fun to drive
Plenty of rear passenger and cargo room
High-quality materials and fit-and-finish

Cons

Standard sport suspension may be jarring on rough roads
Not particularly quiet on the highway

What’s new

The 2018 BMW X1 is unchanged.

Vehicle overview

With the growing popularity of smaller, parking lot-friendly sport-utility vehicles, traditional vehicles such as sedans and wagons are being left in the dust. And SUVs such as the 2018 BMW X1 show why. Its small small size is perfect for urban driving, while its low load floor and large cargo volume are perfect for hauling duty. It is more expensive than many of its traditional competitors, but the BMW X1 is aiming to give compact crossover buyers who want something more sporty or luxurious a good choice in this already crowded market.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2018 BMW X1
xDrive28i 4dr SUV
$15,500
fair price
$213 below market
- 77,009 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use
- 4cyl automatic
- Bumble Auto - Ellicott City (49 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Ellicott City, MD
Delve into a world of exceptional pre-owned vehicles at Bumble Auto, where quality and affordability coalesce. Our varied inventory accommodates diffe...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBXHT3C35J5K31579
Stock: B3426
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Price Drop
2018 BMW X1
sDrive28i 4dr SUV
$19,888
fair price
$843 below market
- 19,975 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- Driveway (2,417 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Walnut Creek, CA
CarFax No Accidents Reported,CarFax 1-Owner,Low Mileage,Rare Find,Back-Up Camera,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Hands-Free Liftgate,Heated Seats,Heated Steeri...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (23 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBXHU7C32J3F04593
Stock: J3F04593T
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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It starts with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (228 hp, 258 lb-ft) sending power to either the front or, optionally, all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Either powertrain combination is lively yet smooth, and the X1 can zip to 60 mph in a class-leading 6.5 seconds. But the X1 isn't all about sportiness; its 40/20/40-split rear seatback increases flexibility for carrying large or bulky items and people at the same time.

But there some downsides to having a performance crossover. For one, the same sticky tire and sporty suspension setup that keeps the chassis stable and stuck in the turns also transmits high frequency bumps and noise into the cabin. Although noise levels are no worse than others, the harsh ride over bumpy surfaces may leave drivers wishing for a softer setup. Also, technology features that are standard or packaged together in got-to-have option groups, such as parking sensors and Apple CarPlay connectivity, are stand-alone options, so double-check your build sheet before committing to the car.

Overall, though, the 2018 BMW X1's functional and sporty characteristics warrant a solid recommendation.

Notably, we picked the 2018 BMW X1 as one of Edmunds' Best Luxury SUVs for 2018.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.8 / 10

Although the 2018 X1 is BMW's lowest-priced SUV, it doesn't skimp on the things that make crossovers so desirable. If anything, BMW has raised expectations about what a luxury crossover should provide. Ample space for people and their gear, sporty driving characteristics and a premium cabin make it a top pick.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 BMW X1 xDrive28i (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.8 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	6.0
Interior	9.0
Utility	9.0

Driving

8.0

Dynamics is where the X1 excels. It is quicker than the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes GLA 250 to 60 mph, posts some of the shortest stopping distances in its class, and sets a high bar in handling prowess. Yet it is the ease of driving this compact SUV that leaves the deepest impression.

Acceleration

9.0

Power delivery is smooth and refined during routine driving, and there's good punch under hard acceleration, too. The eight-speed automatic shifts quickly and helps the X1 accelerate to 60 mph in a class-leading 6.5 seconds.

Braking

8.0

The brake pedal provides a smooth and progressive feel that is easy to manage in stop-and-go driving. In a simulated-panic stop from 60 mph, the X1 needed just 109 feet to stop, one of the best results in its segment.

Steering

8.0

The steering requires a little more effort than some competitors, but not oppressively so. It is still easy to direct through low-speed maneuvers.

Handling

7.0

The X1's all-wheel-drive system, rather than being a detriment, makes it feel more agile around corners. There's more grip than we expected from the all-season tires.

Drivability

9.0

If you're looking to suddenly overtake a car, there's a slight delay between pressing the accelerator and starting the pass. In all other scenarios, for a compact luxury SUV, the X1 is as easy to drive as it gets.

Comfort

6.0

Many will find the X1 offers suitable levels of comfort, though some may take exception to its higher noise levels and the firmness of its standard sport suspension. Although the interior noise is worth a mention, we'd add the X1 is no louder than others in the class.

Seat comfort

6.0

The driver seat bottom is hard and narrow and offers minimal lateral support. Its seatback has better bolstering. Despite its deficiencies, it remains reasonably comfortable on long drives. The rear seats are similarly shaped and cushioned.

Ride comfort

6.0

The ride is firm, more so than the ride in other competitors. It can be harsh over road imperfections; it doesn't tend to absorb them well. You might find the ride too busy and choppy over anything but smooth asphalt.

Noise & vibration

6.0

The cabin is loud. Road and tire noise is prominent, while the engine note remains tucked quietly away. Some may find this unpleasant, yet this issue is shared across brands in this segment and can be considered the norm.

Climate control

Although the buttons are small, the dual-zone climate control system is easy to use. Leaving it on auto is the best thing to do since the controls for the diverter fan speed are finicky to use.

Interior

9.0

The interior cargo area and ease of cabin access set the X1 apart from the pack. A smart use of under-floor compartments maximizes storage in the back, while the size of the door openings and seat placement make it easy to move in and out of the cabin.

Ease of use

9.0

A highly adjustable driver seat and steering column will suit a wide range of driving positions. The central display screen is well-positioned, and all climate and entertainment system controls are laid out clearly and logical to operate.

Getting in/getting out

9.0

The X1 may offer the easiest entry of any vehicle in its class. Its combination of low door sills, taller seat bottom and mild side bolsters work together to simplify the process. Small doors help in parking spots but are somewhat heavy for their size.

Roominess

8.0

The front seats offer a lot of adjustment for as much leg-, headroom and elbow room as you'll need to be comfortable. The rear seat accommodations are also the largest in class, particularly in leg- and headroom, and are suitable for adults.

Visibility

8.0

A tall windshield and reasonably low hood promote good forward sight lines. The wide rear roof pillars limit over-the-shoulder visibility to a degree.

Quality

9.0

Tight tolerances between panels, quality leather-wrapped seats and surfaces, and sleek-looking brushed aluminum trim give the X1 the high-quality feel we've come to expect from BMW.

Utility

9.0

The X1 sports the highest cargo capacity and lowest liftover height in its class. The cargo volume advantage is mainly due to the large underfloor storage where a spare tire might be otherwise. The 40/20/40-split second row folds flat.

Technology

Navigation is available with the Premium Tier equipment group. The iDrive infotainment system is straightforward to operate. Apple CarPlay, wireless charging and built-in Wi-Fi capability are all worthwhile options to get.

Compare 2018 BMW X1 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2018 BMW X1 models

The 2018 BMW X1 is a five-seat compact SUV in the luxury segment. It comes in two versions: the front-wheel-drive X1 sDrive28i and the all-wheel-drive X1 xDrive28i. From there, you have two directions to go: xLine Design or the sportier M Sport Design. After that, you can add various option groups that BMW calls tiers. The M Sport Design already comes with the Convenience group, which is optional on the xLine Design. Afterward, packages and stand-alone options are available based on which initial design and group you select.

Powered by a peppy 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (228 hp, 258 lb-ft) and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the BMW X1 is an engaging small luxury crossover. With the xLine Design, the X1 comes standard with 18-inch wheels, foglamps, keyless ignition, automatic wipers and a power tailgate. On the inside, standard equipment includes a 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory settings and a seven-speaker audio system.

An available Convenience package adds a panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry, satellite radio and adjustable front-seat lumbar support.

The M Sport Design package includes the features of the xLine Design's Convenience group and adds various visual and performance upgrades that include different 18-inch wheels, gloss-black exterior trim, special interior trim, a sport-tuned transmission and sport front seats.

Both models can be equipped with a Premium equipment group that includes LED headlights, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats, a head-up display and a navigation system.

Also available is a Driver Assistance package (includes automatic high beams, lane departure warning and front collision warning and mitigation) and a Luxury package (leather seating surfaces and wood trim).

Other options include a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Apple CarPlay connectivity, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging capability, and sliding and reclining rear seat adjustability. M Sport Design cars can also swap out for stickier performance tires and a stiffer M Sport suspension.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 BMW X1 sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.15 per gallon for premium unleaded in Pennsylvania.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Pennsylvania

$192/mo

$175/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#11 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the BMW X1 from 2008-2022.}

$711/yr

vs. $559/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.31x/yr

vs. 1.23x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

8.1%

vs. 8.6%
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

BMW X1 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.1

39 reviews

5(56%)

4(21%)

3(8%)

2(5%)

1(10%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

BMW X1 S

Ken, 01/26/2018

2018 BMW X1 sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I have had my X1 for 2 months and love it. I like driving smaller cars but I wanted easy access and storage. I was debating on going with the CRV or the CX5 however when I compared the refinement and drive there was only one clear choice. I only have a few items I wish BMW would adjust, more safety features available (blind spot), standard LED headlights, add 1/2 inch to an inch to the …

BMW X1 is #1 - Love to drive

Luv to Drive, 12/20/2018

2018 BMW X1 sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I wanted a small SUV. I test drove the Jaguar F-Pace, the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Evoque. I was completely UNDER whelmed by all three. Especially considering the price tag on those vehicles. I went and had lunch then decided to stop by my local BMW dealership, BMW of Mobile, AL. After explaining what I wanted to fit my needs, they suggested I test drive the X1. Before I got off …

X1 IS ONE GREAT SAV

REL, 05/04/2018

2018 BMW X1 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Researched and drove CRV, Tuareg, Escape, GLA, Q3. No comparison. The fit, finish of the cabin and exterior are flawless. It's fun to drive, has an insanely small turning radius and scoots around the city effortlessly. Have been driving for 3 months and love every minute. It's comfortable for my family, easy in and out, good on gas mileage, has a lot of great utility and storage and the …

Great daily driver and surprisingly economical.

Honest Abe, 11/28/2019

2018 BMW X1 sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Bought a CPO X1 after test driving majority of the available small SUVs on the market, both luxury and mainstream. Wanted a vehicle that was entertaining to drive, had good sound system, easy to use infotainment, Apple Carplay, decent room, and basic crash avoidance features. Chose the X1 due to its large cargo hold (fits golf bag without taking out driver), driving dynamics, fuel … economy, and electronics. My second choice was a Golf GTI, which I also loved. This vehicle drives more like a lifted hatchback than an SUV. After 3 months of ownership, these are my thoughts. Way more affordable than one would have thought. I bought a well optioned vehicle with 11k miles on the odometer (service loaner) for at least 5-7k less than a comparably equipped CRV, Tiguan, or GTI. Likes: Great daily driver, fun enough and nimble. Stable at high speed on freeway, and easy to manage in tight quarters. Transmission is well matched to engine and there is no torque steer. Averaging 28 mpg in mixed driving, pretty good for the way I drive. Can use midgrade gas 89 octane if you are looking to save on fuel. Always get at least 400 miles to a tank and can stretch it to 500 if highway driving which is nice. Love the view out of the front windshield, it is wide and clear like a minivan, much better view than out of many comparable vehicles, and way better than your average car these days. Electronics/infotainment are really pretty good once you figure them out. You can program the preset buttons on the dash for just about anything, for example my preset 1 is set to navigate home. Preset 8 is for tone adjustment. If you forget, you just hover your finger over the button and it will tell you what is set up for. Take advantage of the BMW Encore program and they will help you figure it all out. Can set up memory settings for multiple drivers, etc. Back seats are very roomy given the size of the vehicle. Apple Carplay is free on this model year, but not the 2019 where you have to pay a yearly subscription. There is an active X1 forum where owners share their experiences, common fixes, etc. Love the heads up display of driving speed, speed limit, navigation directions. HiFi Sound system is good enough for me, although their are plug and play aftermarket upgrades if that is your thing. Interior is nice in my opinion. I prefer a clean, stark presentation over ridiculous contours and curves. Cool ambient lighting feature that you can configure however you like. Way too early, but mine has been trouble free. Many complaints about narrow seats from others, but they are comfortable for me at 160 lbs. Dislikes: louder than I would like, although much of the noise can be attributed to the run flat tires. At first I thought that I would dump the run flats for conventional tires, but now I am thinking that I will keep them. Reassuring to know you won't be stuck on the side of the road in bad weather or bad neighborhood. No blind spot warning. I don't rely on this feature, but am surprised that it is unavailable.

See all 39 reviews of the BMW X1

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2018 X1 Highlights

Trim:

sDrive28i

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$33,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$192/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	27.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the X1 models:

Remote Services: Allows the driver to use a special smartphone app to locate the car, lock and unlock the doors, and honk the horn or flash the lights.
Speed Limit Info: Informs the driver of speed limit changes by using a camera to read the sign and display the corresponding information in the dash.
City Collision Mitigation: Warns you about an imminent forward collision and can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate an accident.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.7%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2018 BMW X1 Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

For sale nearby

2018 BMW X1xDrive28i 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2018 BMW X1sDrive28i 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Technology

Which X1 does Edmunds recommend?

2018 BMW X1 models

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 BMW X1 sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.15 per gallon for premium unleaded in Pennsylvania.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

BMW X1 Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

BMW X1 S

BMW X1 is #1 - Love to drive

X1 IS ONE GREAT SAV

Great daily driver and surprisingly economical.

2018 X1 Highlights

Safety

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2018 BMW X1
xDrive28i 4dr SUV

2018 BMW X1
sDrive28i 4dr SUV

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 BMW X1 sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.15 per gallon for premium unleaded in Pennsylvania.}