Used BMW X1 cars

The BMW X1 is a compact, premium SUV, offering effortlessly smooth driving, a highly practical cabin and premium quality interiors. All of this singles out the X1 as a highly desirable model in the C vehicle segment.

BMW X1 updates and facelifts

The Mk1 X1 was first released in 2009 and received a facelift in 2012. This facelift added new daytime running lights, a more pronounced rearguard and alloy wheel designs to enhance its appeal. The Mk2 was launched in 2016, which introduced the more SUV-like design among other improvements. The Mk2 was given a facelift in 2019. This added LED headlights, introduced a new three-cylinder 1.5-litre sDrive18i petrol engine and unveiled a new xDrive18d diesel engine. The arrival of the Mk3 in 2022 saw the introduction of new hybrid engines, powertrains, technology and larger dimensions.

Comfortable, luxurious and practical, the X1 is BMW’s premium compact SUV, rivalling the Audi Q2, Range Rover Evoque and Volvo XC40. But maintaining top-tier quality across its three generations and facelifts, the X1 remains a benchmark for design in this vehicle class. Thanks to this market-leading design, it won Auto Express’s Small Premium SUV of the Year in 2023 and Best Mid-Size SUV at the Fleet Awards 2023.

Whether you’re heading into the city or cruising over long distances with the family, the X1 is a highly capable model. And with its trim levels offering even more features to suit your driving needs, the BMW X1 is one of the most desirable SUVs on the market.

Practicality and style of the car

The X1 is a highly practical model, with its spacious design ensuring comfort throughout the cabin. The Mk3 is the largest iteration of X1 yet, with its length of 4,500mm, width of 1,845mm and height of 1,642mm making it 53mm longer, 24mm wider and 44mm taller than the Mk2.

This means it is longer than an Audi Q2 (4,121mm) and Audi Q3 (4,484mm), as well as the Range Rover Evoque (4,371mm). It is also taller than the Q2’s 1548mm and Q3’s 1,567mm, and matches the Range Rover Evoque’s 1,649mm. The Mk3 also has a wheelbase of 2,692mm, which is 22mm longer than the Mk2, creating more cabin space.

The Mk3’s ample room also means there is lots of boot space. In most X1s, there are around 505 litres of boot space with the rear seats folded up. The rear seats come with a 40:20:40 split configuration, for flexibility to choose between carrying more passengers or more cargo. By folding the seats down, there is 1,550 litres of space – more than the similarly sized Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3 at around 1,420 litres and 1,375 litres respectively.

The BMW X1 is also an excellent choice for towing trailers and caravans thanks to its maximum braked towing capacity of up to 2,000kg.

A large part of the X1’s appeal is its family suitability. And with good leg, knee and headroom across all five seats in the cabin, there’s lots of room for even tall passengers wherever they sit. ISOFIX points are fitted on the outer rear seats, making it easy to fit children’s seats.

Keeping the cabin tidy is also easy. Small, handheld accessories can be easily stored in the glovebox and door bins while two cup holders make it easy to securely store drinks.

Running costs

The X1 has good value running costs compared to other premium SUVs. Its insurance premiums fall between groups 21 and 34, lower than most Range Rover Evoque's and matching the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The annual road tax on entry-level trims, such as SE and Sport, is £180 while the majority of trim levels above this qualify for an annual tax of £570.

How a used BMW X1 drives

A used X1 can come with petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid engines. One common petrol engine is the 18i. This is a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder engine that produces 134bhp and delivers 44.8mpg. It can also accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds. Other X1s may instead come with the 20i engine, which produces 176bhp, offers 40.4mpg and gets from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds.

In diesel format, the 18d accelerates from 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds while producing 141bhp. It also has a quoted fuel economy of between 45.6–56.5mpg. The 23d engine can go from 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds, has a range of 47.1mpg and boasts 200bhp.

A used BMW X1 may also come with the 25e plug-in petrol hybrid engine. This combines a 94bhp electric motor with a 123bhp 1.5-litre engine to create a combined 217bhp. It has a range of up to a combined 156.9mpg and accelerates from 0-62mph in around seven seconds with an electric-only range of 55 miles.

There is also a 30e engine which combines a 181bhp, 2.0-litre petrol engine with a 108bhp electric motor for a total output of 289bhp. This engine can go from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, has a combined maximum range of up to 352mpg and can be driven up to 57 miles on electric propulsion alone.

Depending on the age of the car, a used X1 will often come with a dual-clutch seven or eight-speed automatic transmission, while a six-speed manual transmission is also available.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official mpg figures.

2009 - 2015

2015 - 2022

Features you can expect in a BMW X1

The X1’s size is enhanced by its distinctive exterior design. With a large front grille, deep air intakes and sharp body lines, the X1 benefits from minimalist and striking details. Opt for the M Sport trim and the X1 comes with a remodelled sports-inspired front bumper, as well as dark detailing across the body and interior.

Interior

Premium quality leather features throughout the interior, with many X1s coming with leather-trimmed seats, dashboard and upholstery as standard. Depending on the trim, the X1’s interior colours will vary from a glossy black to a premium white, with precision stitching adding to the contrasting colours and luxurious cabin. In M Sport trim, the X1 may come with vegan or Alcantara leather for added luxury.

Technology

Take control of the multi-functional steering wheel and you’ll have a cluster of organised, soft-touch buttons to engage with the car’s infotainment system and settings. Where plastics are featured, they are out of the way, helping keep the cabin feeling premium.

In the Mk1 X1, the instrument cluster features analogue dials. Certain trims will add white or orange backlighting that helps illuminate the dials – especially useful for night-time driving. X1s released after 2020 may instead feature a completely digital instrument cluster with driving information including speed, distance and fuel economy.

Some used BMW X1s for sale will feature a 12.25-inch touchscreen on the centre console. Along with touch control, some models may feature BMW’s iDrive controller next to the driver’s gear shifter to navigate the options and settings. This screen hosts BMW’s infotainment system, sat nav, air conditioning and media controls. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity feature as standard. While easily controlled and adjusted via the touchscreen or iDrive controller in certain models, some X1s also come with voice recognition technology which can detect and adapt to different accents for seamless control while driving.

Safety

The X1 has been awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP, with many X1 trims coming with safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, speed limit assist and a reverse view camera offering drivers assurance when backing into tight spaces. The X1 scores an adult occupant safety rating of 86% and child occupant safety rating of 89%.

Trims available on the BMW X1

BMW X1 SE

The base SE trim includes a 12.25-inch touchscreen with infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, electric-powered tailgate, cruise control, parking sensors and LED headlights.

BMW X1 Sport

The Sport trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels, new front and rear bumpers which can be styled with a glossy silver finish and black cladding, comfortable sports seats with cloth upholstery and LED interior ambient lighting.

BMW X1 xLine

The xLine trim adds heated front seats, electric folding mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminium skid plates, wireless smartphone charging and brown Dakota leather upholstery for added comfort on long journeys.

BMW X1 M Sport

The M Sport trim adds exterior styling details with larger inlets and an aluminium front grille. It also adds a new sports steering wheel, dark roof rails and 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin can come with a new dark aluminium trim, Alcantara or vegan leather and blue Estoril highlights.

BMW X1 xLine Premier Pro

This trim adds Driving Assistant Professional, which supports drivers to automatically maintain speed, lane and distance, a coloured faux skid plate and matching rubber strips.

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