The third-generation BMW X1 arrived in the fourth quarter of last year in sDrive18i and xDrive20i guises, and a new range-topper is set to join the range later this year.
UPDATE, 23/07/2023 – BMW Australia has priced the X1 M35i xDrive which is a new flagship in the range. It’s due to launch at the end of this year.
UPDATE, 10/03/2023 – BMW Australia has upped pricing of the X1 range by up to $6500. See article for details.
UPDATE, 12/12/2022 – The BMW X1 has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP. The all-electric iX1 remains unrated.
UPDATE, 11/11/2022 06:00am – Our review of the new BMW X1 is now live, you can check it out here.
The BMW X1 range opens at $60,400 before on-roads for the front-wheel drive sDrive18i, topping out at $90,900 before on-roads for the M35i.
The BMW X1 debuts BMW’s new Features on Demand, where features like heated seats are available on a subscription via the BMW ConnectedDrive store. Currently, these features consist of heated front seats (sDrive18i only) and a heated steering wheel.
The new X1 features petrol engines only in Australia, with BMW not confirming the diesel or plug-in hybrid options for a local launch yet. There is the electric iX1, however, that’s currently available in a single dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up.
Power is up by 12kW and 10Nm in the sDrive18i, which continues to use a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine.
The xDrive20i effectively replaces the old front-wheel drive sDrive20i and defunct all-wheel drive xDrive25i, and produces 9kW and 20Nm more than the latter. However, it’s down 10kW and 60Nm on the mild-hybrid xDrive23i sold in Europe.
The X1 has grown, measuring 53mm longer, 24mm wider and 44mm taller than its predecessor on a 22mm longer wheelbase. There’s also 35L more boot space with the second row up.
BMW says the X1 uses the same design principle as its predecessor for its front and rear axles, though the suspension and damping systems have been extensively upgraded with the aim of improving long-distance comfort.
Inside, the X1 and iX1 are the latest BMWs to receive the brand’s new BMW Operating System 8 and the Curved Display, which features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in one display.
As in the new 2 Series Active Tourer, which the X1 closely resembles inside, the iDrive controller has been removed, though the latest BMW OS supports greater use of voice prompts.
There are also slim air vents, a small gear selector, and a “floating” armrest with a control panel comprising key switchgear like the start button and the hazard lights.
At the base of the centre stack, you’ll find cupholders, USB-C outlets, and an upright wireless phone charger that allows you to see your phone.
The X1 will go up against the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40, while the iX1 battles the Mercedes-Benz EQA and Volvo XC40 Recharge.
Pricing
- 2023 BMW X1 sDrive18i xLine: $60,400
- 2023 BMW X1 xDrive20i xLine: $70,400
- 2023 BMW X1 xDrive20i M Sport: $73,400
- 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive: $90,900
All prices exclude on-road costs
Drivetrains
The 2023 BMW X1 sDrive18i uses a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 115kW of power and 230Nm of torque.
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sDrive18i
Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. BMW claims a 0-100km/h time of 9.0 seconds.
The X1 xDrive20i uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 150kW and 300Nm of torque.
It features a seven-speed dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive, and has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 7.4 seconds.
The X1 M35i xDrive also packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine but produces 233kW and 400Nm. It’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with drive sent through an all-wheel drive system.
BMW claims the X1 M35i xDrive can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.4 seconds, making it the quickest petrol X1 ever sold here.
Efficiency
The 2023 BMW X1 uses 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle in sDrive18i guise, 7.4L/100km in the xDrive20i, and between 8.0 and 8.5L/100km (on the WLTP cycle) in the M35i xDrive.
Dimensions
The 2023 BMW X1 measures 4500mm long, 1845mm wide, 1642mm tall and rides a 2692mm wheelbase.
It has 540L of boot space, expanding to 1600L with the second row folded.
Servicing and Warranty
BMW has finally made the shift to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty in Australia, meaning its coverage now aligns with what’s on offer at its luxury rivals.
Maintenance is required every 12 months or 20,000 kilometres in the X1, and a five-year ‘Basic’ service plan will set you back $1800.
Safety
The BMW X1 has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating with a 2022 date stamp, based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP. The all-electric iX1 remains untested and unrated.
It received 86 per cent for adult occupant protection, 88 per cent for child occupant protection, 76 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 94 per cent for safety assist.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Safe exit warning
- Traffic sign recognition
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Surround-view camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
Standard Equipment
The sDrive18i comes standard with the following equipment:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Power tailgate
- Keyless entry and start
- 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- Satellite navigation with augmented reality view
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- BMW Live Cockpit Professional
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Reversing Assistant
- Connected Package Professional
- Drive Recorder
- Mirror Package with anti-dazzle and auto-dipping functions
- Head-up display
- Sensatec leatherette upholstery
- Sensatec-wrapped instrument panel
- Front sports seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Dual-zone climate control
- Automatic headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 4 x USB-C ports
- 2 x 12V power outlets
The xDrive20i adds:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Heated front seats
- Power front seats
- Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assistant
The M35i xDrive adds:
- 20-inch M light alloy wheels (Y-spoke style)
- M Sport brakes with blue high-gloss calipers
- High-gloss black roof rails
- Four exhaust outlets
- Comfort Access
- Digital Key Plus
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- M leather steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Front sports seats
Options
The Enhancement pack ($4615 on sDrive18i, $4000 on xDrive20i) adds:
- Metallic paint
- Panoramic sunroof
- Harman/Kardon sound system
- Sliding rear seats
- Driving Assistant Professional (sDrive18i)
- Power front seats (sDrive18i)
The M Sport pack (xDrive20i only, $3000) adds:
- 19-inch M Sport alloy wheels
- Adaptive M suspension
- M Aluminium Hexacube interior trim
- M leather steering wheel
- M high gloss Shadow Line trim
- M High gloss roof rails
The no-cost M Sport Pro on the M35i xDrive adds:
- M Sport seats
- M Light shadowline
- M seat belts
- M Sport brake system with red calipers
A new M Compound brake system will be available on the M35i xDrive in early 2024, priced at $3000. It features four-piston, fixed-caliper brakes up front and single-piston, floating caliper units at the rear.
Colours
The BMW X1 range, depending on the variant, is available in the following exterior paint colours:
- Alpine White
- Mineral White
- Black Sapphire
- Phytonic Blue
- M Portimao Blue (M Sport)
- Cape York Green
- San Remo Green
- Utah Orange
- BMW Individual Storm Bay
- BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey
MORE: Everything BMW X1
