BMW X1

BMW X1: Which Version Should You Buy?

The BMW X1 choice depends on whether you prioritize fuel economy, acceleration, drivetrain, or a simpler transmission. The model’s five catalogue entries represent three generations: the first generation and its restyling, the second generation and its restyling, and the third generation. Every entry is an SUV 5-doors.

The BMW X1 choice depends on whether you prioritize fuel economy, acceleration, drivetrain, or a simpler transmission. The model’s five catalogue entries represent three generations: the first generation and its restyling, the second generation and its restyling, and the third generation. Every entry is an SUV 5-doors. Among the listed versions, the third-generation M35i xDrive Steptronic is the quickest non-plug-in choice at 5.1 seconds from 0–100 km/h, while the 30e Plug-in Hybrid xDrive Steptronic is the most powerful at 326 hp and reaches 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The lowest measured combined fuel consumption belongs to the second-generation 16d 1.5 MT sDrive at 3.9 l/100 km. Buyers wanting a manual gearbox must look to the first or second generation because every listed third-generation version is Automatic.

BMW X1 generations: what changed?

The first-generation BMW X1 ran from October 2009 to January 2013, with 22 versions in the catalogue. Twelve are detailed here, all with an SUV 5-doors body. This generation offers RWD or AWD, Manual or Automatic transmissions, and Gasoline or Diesel engines. The listed engine range extends from 143 hp in several 18d 2.0 versions to 245 hp in the 28i 2.0 AT xDrive and 28i 2.0 MT xDrive. It also includes the 25i 3.0 AT xDrive, the only detailed 2,996 cc, 6-cylinder, Inline version.

The first-generation restyling ran from July 2012 to May 2015. It has 21 catalogue versions, with 12 detailed here, and retains the SUV 5-doors body. Its listed range spans 116–245 hp, RWD and AWD, and Manual and Automatic gearboxes. Compared with the original first generation, its best measured combined consumption improves from 4.9 to 4.9 l/100 km—no change—while its best acceleration remains 6.1 seconds. Ground clearance varies substantially by version, from 179 to 212 mm.

The second generation ran from September 2015 to April 2019 and contains 17 catalogue versions, 12 of which are detailed. It changes the listed engine position from Front, longitudinal to Front, transverse and offers FWD or AWD rather than RWD or AWD. Power ranges from 116 to 231 hp. Its economy leader, 16d 1.5 MT sDrive, records 3.9 l/100 km combined, while the 25i 2.0 AT xDrive and 25d 2.0 AT xDrive share the quickest 0–100 km/h result at 6.5 seconds and 6.6 seconds respectively.

The second-generation restyling ran from May 2019 to May 2022. It has 16 catalogue versions, with 12 shown, and remains an SUV 5-doors with Front, transverse engines. The detailed selection includes FWD and AWD, plus Manual, Automatic, and Robotic gearboxes. Output runs from 116 to 231 hp. Its best combined fuel figure is 4.4 l/100 km, while its quickest listed version reaches 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.

The third generation began in June 2022 and has 12 listed versions, all detailed. It adds Hybrid and Plug-in choices alongside Gasoline and Diesel versions. Every listed version uses an Automatic 7-speed gearbox and a Front, transverse engine position. Outputs span 136–326 hp, while drive is FWD or AWD. Where specified, ground clearance rises to 205 mm, 22 mm more than the second-generation and restyled second-generation figure of 183 mm.

BMW X1 engine specs and version comparison

Repeated version names are distinguished below by output and generation.

BMW X1 performance and fuel economy

For maximum acceleration, the M35i xDrive Steptronic reaches 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and has a 250 km/h top speed. It produces about 150.2 hp per litre and carries about 5.6 kg of kerb weight per horsepower. The 30e Plug-in Hybrid xDrive Steptronic adds 26 hp and 77 Nm, but its 1,860 kg kerb weight is 195 kg higher; it reaches 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and tops out at 205 km/h. Its combined fuel consumption is not measured.

Among earlier cars, the first-generation 28i 2.0 MT xDrive and first-restyling 28i 2.0 MT xDrive both record 6.1 seconds to 100 km/h and 240 km/h. The Automatic equivalents take 6.5 seconds. A buyer who wants strong Diesel performance can compare the second-generation 25d 2.0 AT xDrive and the restyled second-generation 2.0 AT, 231 hp Diesel: both produce 231 hp and 450 Nm, both reach 235 km/h, and both take 6.6 seconds. Their measured combined consumption is 5.0 and 5.2 l/100 km respectively.

For minimum measured consumption, choose the second-generation 16d 1.5 MT sDrive at 3.9 l/100 km combined. It has 116 hp, needs 11.1 seconds to reach 100 km/h, and tops out at 190 km/h. The second-generation 18d 2.0 MT sDrive uses 4.1 l/100 km—0.2 more—but adds 34 hp and 60 Nm, cutting acceleration time by 1.9 seconds and raising top speed by 15 km/h.

Within the restyled second generation, the 1.5 MT, 116 hp and 1.5 DSG both return 4.4 l/100 km combined and take 11.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The Manual records 5.0 l/100 km in the city and 4.1 on the highway; the Robotic version records 4.8 and 4.2 respectively.

Third-generation combined consumption is not measured for the 30e Plug-in Hybrid xDrive Steptronic, 25e Plug-in Hybrid xDrive Steptronic, and 20i Mild Hybrid sDrive Steptronic. It is measured at 5.3 l/100 km for both 23d MHEV sDrive Steptronic variants and for the 20d Mild Hybrid xDrive Steptronic, 5.5 for the 18d sDrive Steptronic, 7.0 for the 18i sDrive Steptronic, 7.2 for both 23i MHEV sDrive Steptronic variants, 8.0 for the M35i xDrive Steptronic, and 8.4 for the 28i MHEV sDrive Steptronic.

BMW X1 dimensions, weight, clearance, and tank size

Wheel sizes are not measured for every listed BMW X1 version.

First-generation kerb weights range from 1,545 to 1,675 kg where measured, while gross weights range from 2,030 to 2,180 kg. The 18d 2.0 AT sDrive kerb weight is not measured. Ground clearance is 195 or 198 mm, and every listed version has a 63-litre tank.

The first-generation restyling ranges from 1,505 to 1,670 kg kerb weight and 1,990 to 2,250 kg gross weight. Ground clearance is 179, 195, or 212 mm, depending on version, and the tank holds 63 litres.

The second generation ranges from 1,395 to 1,575 kg kerb weight and 1,990 to 2,170 kg gross weight. Every detailed version has 183 mm of ground clearance and a 61-litre tank. The restyled second generation ranges from 1,400 to 1,615 kg kerb weight and 2,000 to 2,200 kg gross weight; it also has 183 mm clearance, but its tank falls to 51 litres.

Third-generation kerb weight ranges from 1,500 to 1,860 kg, and gross weight from 2,075 to 2,435 kg. Ground clearance is 205 mm where measured, but it is not measured for the 30e Plug-in Hybrid xDrive Steptronic, 25e Plug-in Hybrid xDrive Steptronic, and 20i Mild Hybrid sDrive Steptronic. Tank capacity is 45 litres for the conventional Gasoline and Diesel entries and 47 litres for the three specified Hybrid or Plug-in versions.

Which BMW X1 version should you choose?

Choose the second-generation 16d 1.5 MT sDrive if measured fuel economy matters most: 3.9 l/100 km is the lowest figure in the supplied data. Choose the 18d 2.0 MT sDrive if you can accept 0.2 l/100 km more in return for 34 hp more and a 1.9-second reduction in the 0–100 km/h time.

Choose the second-generation 25d 2.0 AT xDrive for a balanced high-output Diesel: its 231 hp, 450 Nm, 6.6-second acceleration, and 5.0 l/100 km combined figure match or beat the corresponding restyled second-generation Diesel on economy while retaining the same output and acceleration.

Choose the first-generation or first-restyling 28i 2.0 MT xDrive if a Manual, AWD, 245 hp combination is essential. Both reach 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and 240 km/h. The first-restyling version records 7.7 l/100 km combined, 0.2 less than the first-generation car’s 7.9 l/100 km.

Choose the third-generation M35i xDrive Steptronic for the quickest non-plug-in performance: 300 hp, 400 Nm, AWD, 5.1 seconds to 100 km/h, and 250 km/h. Choose the 30e Plug-in Hybrid xDrive Steptronic for the highest output and torque—326 hp and 477 Nm—but note that it weighs 195 kg more, is 0.5 seconds slower to 100 km/h, and has no measured combined-consumption figure.

Finally, choose the 18i sDrive Steptronic if you want the lightest listed third-generation model at 1,500 kg. It provides 136 hp, 230 Nm, FWD, 9.2-second acceleration, 208 km/h, and 7.0 l/100 km combined. It is not the performance choice, but its 7-speed Automatic drivetrain and 205 mm ground clearance place the third-generation format around the lowest kerb weight offered in that generation.