The 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i Luxury Subcompact SUV
You Are What You Drive — A Bottom Line Review
The Bottom Line: What is a X1? The X1 is a subcompact entry level luxury SUV built in the Regensburg, Germany assembly plant and sold worldwide by BMW. The 2023 X1 is larger than its predecessor, and the gains are minimal by design. The vehicle grows by an inch here, or an inch or so there, and get too big and the X1 starts looking like the X3 compact SUV in size. The new X1 sits on a 0.9” inch longer wheelbase measuring 106”.
The 2023 BMW X1 places near the top of the luxury subcompact SUV rankings thanks to its across the board appeal, overall performance, and a roomy and classy interior. The new X1 includes a 10.25” digital instrument cluster and a 10.7” central information display screen, providing touch control. Add the available live cockpit professional driver system to get the head up display, and video augmented reality technology.
The pricing of the 2023 BMW X1 starts at $38,600. A $995 destination fee applies to all X1 models. The pricing of the X1 is similar to the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. The entry level luxury subcompact SUV segment is highly competitive, and the 2023 BMW X1 is a compelling choice, as it’s faster and more powerful than its predecessor. More importantly, the X1 is relatively spacious and fuel efficient, while also offering a comfortable ride, great driving dynamics, and an affordable price tag.
To prove that point this week, BMW sent me a 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this model starts at $38,600. The options on the test SUV are: the metallic paint for $650, the Shadowline package for $300, the M Sport package for $2,300, the 20” multi-spoke alloy wheels for $1,200, the premium package for $4,200, the heated front seats and heated steering wheel package for $550, and the remote engine start for $300. The total MSRP manufactures suggested retail price, including the $995 destination charge, is: $49,095.
After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealers fees, the total purchase price came to: $55,232. That’s a pretty low number for a luxury BMW, with the M Sport option package, and 20” alloy wheels. Plus this X1 SUV gets 25 MPG city, 28 MPG combined, and 34 MPG highway. This is a perfect, fun to drive, sporty, entry level luxury SUV, for everyday spirited driving.
The 2023 BMW X1 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L liter 4 cylinder engine with 241 HP horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. BMW’s xDrive AWD all wheel drive is now standard, and the X1 gets a new 7 speed dualclutch automatic transmission.
BMW X1’s have a panoramic sunroof, rain sensing wipers, dual zone climate control with rear AC vents, ambient lighting, reclining rear seats, a parking camera, and power adjustable front seats. The Shadowline package adds black mirror end caps and extended Shadowline exterior body trim.
The M Sport Package adds a set of 20” multi-spoke wheels, the SteptTronic automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters, an adaptive M Sport suspension system, M sport seats, an M Sport steering wheel, high gloss roof rails, a SensaTec dashboard, an anthracite headliner, M Sport exterior elements, M Sport interior elements, and M Sport tech support for track events.
To round out the option list the Premium Package includes: keyless entry, automatic dimming mirrors, an interior camera, active driving assist, active parking assist, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, a wireless charging pad, the live cockpit pro technology package, an anti-theft recorder, active parking distance assist, and a 360 degree 3D surround view camera system.
The X1 is the gateway vehicle into the German luxury brand, as BMW’s entry level SUV, and is one of the best values in the luxury subcompact SUV class. And note that BMW is ranked as one of the top 3 most reliable brands rated by Consumer Reports. BMW jumped up 10 places in the CR’s 2022 ranking to achieve the title, and it’s the first time BMW has ranked in the top 10 in Consumer Report’s reliability survey.
When you’re ready to buy a new small luxury SUV, the 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i should be on your ride and drive list, as it’s one of the best priced SUV’s for sale in the entire subcompact SUV class. Call, click or visit your local BMW dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the new 2023 BMW X1 SUV. And remember that the base price for a new X1 starts at only $38,600. BMW - The Ultimate Driving Machine.
Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, “You Are What You Drive” And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today”.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a “Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense” editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. “Tony the Car Guy” is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net