Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW X1 (2016-2022) review - Interior, design and technology

Second-generation BMW X1 goes for a traditional SUV shape, with typical BMW styling cues

Interior, design and technology rating

4.0

How we review cars
RRP
£36,690 £54,465
Avg. savings
£4,718 off RRP*
Find your BMW X1
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The original BMW X1 was little more than a pumped-up, high-riding alternative to the 1 Series hatchback. When it was launched in 2009, the small crossover class was pretty new, so the design of these cars was in its infancy. But when later models arrived, it was clear that a more SUV-inspired look was taking hold, so BMW has made the X1 Mk2 look more like a shrunken X3 than an inflated hatchback.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The facelift has taken this further with new kidney grilles, new headlight graphics and all-new bumper designs (in xLine trim they gain a faux skid plate). A new set of wheel designs should cater for those wanting a sporty-looking SUV, especially in M Sport trim. 

The distinctive C-shaped rear window line is pure BMW design, and overall the echoes of X3 in the X1's shape are clear to see.

As standard, there are 17-inch wheels on SE models, while black plastic is used around the wheelarches and bumpers. Go for a Sport model, and you get bigger wheels (which don't spoil the ride) and tweaked exterior trim, while xLine models get gloss black exterior trim and a different wheel design. At the top of the range, M Sport cars feature body-coloured trim and lowered suspension for a sportier look.

Inside, cloth trim is standard, while Sport models get red flashes of trim on the seats and dashboard. xLine cars get leather and wood options, while the M Sport versions add signature blue trim and specific M steering wheel and badging.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

Navigation is standard on the X1 range, but you can upgrade to the more advanced tech pack for around £1,250. This brings BMW Navigation Plus and a larger a head-up display to put more information on speed and navigation instructions in the driver’s eye line.

The beauty of the system is the simplicity of the controls. The iDrive rotary wheel has been refined over successive generations to the point where it’s the most intuitive and easy set-up to use on the move. With a logical menu layout and sharp graphics, it’s a great package; we just wish you didn’t have to pay extra for it although the standard 8.8-inch screen isn’t bad to use. Apple CarPlay is fitted as standard, but there’s no such luck for Android fans, as Android Auto isn’t available.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    sDrive 20i MHT Sport 5dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £36,690
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    xDrive 23d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £43,610
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    M35i xDrive 5dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £51,025
Select car

New & used car deals

BMW X1

BMW X1

RRP £36,475Avg. savings £4,718 off RRP*Used from £27,249
BMW X2

BMW X2

RRP £42,840Avg. savings £3,345 off RRP*Used from £10,495
BMW X3

BMW X3

RRP £50,275Avg. savings £2,770 off RRP*Used from £15,495
BMW iX1

BMW iX1

RRP £43,305Avg. savings £8,589 off RRP*Used from £28,300
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025