2021 BMW X1 Review: Practical Compact Fun Done Right
Many young people are concerned only with speed and looks when it comes to their cars, giving no thought to such mundane things as practicality. But, there are some with a good head on their shoulders who know that's is possible to have both, if you look at something like the 2021 BMW X1. This stylish compact crossover knows how to have a good time, thanks to its turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which develops a hearty 228 horsepower. But while it won't break any speed records, the X1 crossover is an excellent luxury vehicle with ample room for a small family and their stuff, and plenty of features to keep everyone comfortable. But, that's not to say there isn't any competition out there, especially with excellent offerings from other German brands such as the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Competition is stiff, so where exactly does the 2021 X1 fit in?
2021 X1 Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 175.5 in | 105.1 in | 62.9 in | 71.7 in | 61.5 in | 61.6 in | 3,554.0 lbs |
2021 X1 Performance
2021 X1 Interior
2021 X1 Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2021 BMW X1 A Good SUV?
If you're in the market for a roomy and practical SUV but still want some luxury and a certain level of performance, the BMW X1 is a great choice. Now in its second generation, it's been refined to such a degree that it can tick all the boxes without making many compromises, which is amazing for such a small vehicle. These sacrifices include a somewhat stiff ride and less-than-stellar front-seat support. The infotainment is also a little laggy at times.
In exchange, you get some genuine performance chops, great handling for a top-heavy car, and more than a few standard safety features. This helps to explain the NHTSA's perfect review of the 2021 BMW X1, which returned a five-star safety rating. Unfortunately, the reliability of these German vehicles is not as good as their high-quality materials would suggest with only 75 out of 100 for quality and reliability from J.D. Power. If you're willing to pay the price that a premium vehicle asks, the BMW X1 is definitely worth the money.
What BMW X1 Model Should I Buy?
The only real difference between the two versions of the X1 is the drivetrain they come standard with. If you don't need AWD to deal with harsh road or weather conditions, you may as well save yourself a little cash and stick with the sDrive28i. However, there are some optional extras you may want to consider. The LED headlights are a must, and the parking assistant is affordable for the added convenience. Of course, if you have the money to spare and want the best, the xDrive28i with AWD does give you extra traction. We'd Add the Premium Package, as it has some really nice goodies like heated seats, a panoramic moonroof, and a head-up display. Pimped out to this degree, the 2021 BMW X1 SUV carries a price of $41,850.