About X1
The X1 is the BMW that brings people into the brand. Introduced in 2009 as a small SUV built off the 3 Series of the time, it gave buyers the roundel, a raised seating position and a reasonable price, and it quickly became one of BMW's best-selling models worldwide. The second generation switched to front-drive-based underpinnings shared with Mini, a move that horrified purists but made the cabin far roomier and more practical.
The current generation, launched in 2022, is larger, more upscale and more digital, with a curved display and a minimalist dashboard. It is offered with turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines, plug-in hybrids in some markets and an all-electric version called the iX1. A long-wheelbase X1, originally built for China, offers stretched rear-seat space and has now launched in India, where BMW is pushing hard in the luxury segment. Critics point to firm ride quality on larger wheels and an infotainment system that relies heavily on the touchscreen.
The X1 competes with the Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA, Volvo XC40, Lexus UX and Genesis's smaller models, as well as BMW's own X2 coupe-SUV. It matters because it is often the first BMW a buyer owns, and the brand hopes it will not be the last. This page follows the X1 and iX1 through launches, special editions, pricing, recalls and the comparison tests that decide who wins the hotly contested entry-luxury battle.