Top 10 Features Of The 2023 BMW X1

The 2023 BMW X1 might be the most affordable Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in the Bavarian carmaker’s lineup. For the vehicle’s third generation, BMW gives the X1 a complete redesign. The new BMW X1 is bigger, bolder, and smarter while retaining a price tag that still makes it appealing to families looking for an entry-level luxury compact SUV.

The comprehensive upgrade might make you look at the 2023 BMW X1 twice, as the two-row SUV closely resembles its more premium X3 and X5 siblings. The latest X1 is wider, taller, and longer compared to the 2022 model. It looks chunkier with more aggressive lines and a less rounded exterior silhouette. The transformation is carried over to the interior, which clearly reflects the design ethos of BMW.

Aside from the cohesive makeover, BMW installed a more potent yet efficient engine under the hood of the X1. The vehicle is also packed with technologies to make the ride comfortable, safe, and pleasurable to the driver and passengers. Here are the best features of the 2023 BMW X1 that will help put it on top of the list of competition such as the Volvo XC40, Mercedes-Benz GLB, or the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

Looking at information from BMW, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds, we have put together a list of the best features of the 2023 BMW X1.

RELATED: The 2023 BMW X1 Just Put the Rest of the Compact Crossover Segment in Check

1 The 2023 BMW X1 Sports A More Aggressive Exterior

Orange BMW X1 Third Generation driving
BMW
A front action shot of an orange 2023 BMW X1 crusing on the road

Gone are the days when the X1 is the humblest of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) brood of the BMW fleet. Aside from impressive 2023 BMW X1 specs sheets, the new iteration of the X1 represents a big leap in design that is meant to showcase the ride’s more adventurous character. Compared to the older model, the new X1 is 1.7 inches longer (177.2 inches), 0.9 inch wider (72.6 inches), and 1.7 inches taller (64.6 inches).

The bolder design makes use of more sculpted surfaces. The distinct kidney grille complements the more pronounced front end of the new BMW X1. The sides also evoke a more rugged look with flared wheel arches and a long roofline. Meanwhile, the rear further emphasizes the wider profile of the compact SUV manufactured by BMW at its Regensburg plant in Germany.

Other elements such as the standard 18-inch rims, black trim on the lower edge of the X1’s body, and exciting headlight design go consistent with the muscular stance of the ride.

2 Spacious Interior Combining Comfort, Luxury, And Functionality

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2023 BMW X1 Interior
BMW
Interior of the 2023 BMW X1 showing front seats, windshield, and dashboard.

The boxier dimension of the new BMW X1 translates to a roomier interior that seats five adults with enough headroom and legroom to boot. The seats in the 2023 BMW X1 were newly developed. Perforated leather-alternative SensaTec completes their tailored look, and more importantly, they were engineered to ensure you’re comfortable even during long drives.

The luggage capacity of the X1 to the rear is 25.7 cubic-feet and 57.2 cubic-feet when the rear seats are folded. This means the third-generation BMW X1 boasts of bigger cargo space than its top competitors such as the Audi Q3 (23.7 and 48 cubic-feet) or the three-row Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class (12.4 and 62 cubic-feet).

A clean dashboard layout will greet you when you enter the cabin of the X1. Other notable elegant yet functional design elements include a floating armrest, smartphone tray, slim air vents, door trims, enough room for coffee cups or water bottles, and ambient lighting.

3 Expansive Curved Display Gives You Total Control

2023 BMW X1 instrument cluster and infotainment display
BMW
Digital Instrument Cluster and Central Information Display of the 2023 BMW X1

The 2023 BMW X1 will not be left behind when it comes to impressive screens on the dashboard. A 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster and a 10.7-inch Central Information Display are in the front and center of the driver-centric interior design. The screen real estate is a big upgrade from the 5.7-inch and 8.8-inch setup of the 2022 model X1. The BMW Curved Display runs with the iDrive 8 that’s now seamlessly compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Note that the iDrive rotary controller is gone. The latest system is geared toward intuitive touch and encourages users to use voice control to make the most of the tech-forward features of the vehicle. The crisp and responsive display and customizable graphic layout allow you to easily monitor the vehicle’s status or toggle functions and features that fit the driving situation.

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4 Well-Equipped Compact SUV For Its Price

2023 BMW X1 Digital Instrument Cluster
BMW
Sample shot of the digital instrument cluster of the BMW X1

The 2023 BMW X1 is an affordable luxury SUV that’s perfect whether you’re single or a small family looking for a daily driver. It’s a versatile entry-level luxury SUV that will not break the bank while providing the creature comforts and space suitable for your next grocery run or a quick family out-of-town trip.

The 2023 BMW X1 prices will not burn a big hole in your pocket. The vehicle is only available in one trim. The X1 xDrive28i model starts at $39,100 plus a destination fee of $995. The sticker price is comparable to the Volvo XC40 ($36,350), Audi Q3 ($36,000), and Mercedes-Benz GLA ($37,500).

The vehicle is now available in the United States and other markets. Bigger than its predecessor and more powerful than most of its competitors, you’ll get that familiar well-built, luxury European vehicle vibes with spirited driving, loads of technology, and packages available to enhance the ride further.

5 More Potent Yet Efficient Engine

2023 BMW X1 driving
BMW
Rear quarter shot of a blue BMW X1 third gen

On top of the 2023 BMW X1 specs is a potent powerplant. Under its hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The TwinPower BMW engine boasts 241 horsepower at 4,500 to 6,500 rpm and a 295 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. That’s a good spread of power and more than enough if you’re zipping in city streets or going for long highway drives. This engine and transmission combo can bring the X1 xDrive28i from 0-60 MPH in 6.2 seconds.

Despite being heftier, the 2023 BMW X1 consumes just around 3.6 gallons per 100 miles. It has a fuel economy rating of 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, or 28 MPG combined city/highway EPA rating.

Engine Specs

Manufacturer

BMW

Configuration

Inline four-cylinder

Displacement

2.0 Liter Turbocharged

Power

241 Horsepower

Torque

295 Pound-feet

Fuel

Gas

Fuel Economy

Fuel Type

Gas

EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy

28 MPG Combined City/Highway 25 MPG City 34 MPG Highway

EPA-Estimated Range

400 Miles

Annual Fuel Costs

$2,350

Tank Capacity

14.3 Gallons

6 Standard All-Wheel Drive

BMW X1 XDrive28 badge
BMW
The 2023 BMW X1 comes with the carmaker’s intelligent all-wheel drive

The 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i, as the name suggests, is an all-wheel drive vehicle. The xDrive system intelligently sends power to all four wheels of the vehicle depending on the driving conditions. This ensures you maximize the traction while the vehicle remains stable and agile. In normal driving conditions that do not require power on all wheels, the system only sends power to the front wheels. However, during more challenging road conditions, the vehicle shifts the power to its rear wheels to improve traction and directional stability.

BMW redeveloped and improved the X1’s front and rear axle with positive effects on its performance, steering feedback, stability, and efficiency. The damping system has also been re-engineered to reduce body movement over bumps and better handle corners.

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7 Multiple Safety Features

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2023 BMW X1 driving
BMW
Side profile of the 2023 BMW X1

BMW has been known as a leader in safety technologies, and the 2023 BMW X1 does not fall short in this category. The vehicle rolls out of the factory with these standard high-tech safety and driver assistance features:

  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Active Blind Spot Detection
  • Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
  • Parking Distance Control
  • Automatic High Beams

These features boost safety in different driving conditions. The Active Blind Spot Detection now comes with an exit warning function, which can warn you of an approaching vehicle or cyclist on either side of the vehicle. The system will flash the ambient lighting or the LEDs in the vehicle’s mirrors and emit a warning sound when you’re about to open the door, and there’s a risk of collision.

Meanwhile, the Collision Warning with a braking function can help you avoid accidents. It gives you visual and acoustic warnings when there’s a pedestrian or vehicle that you might hit in front or rear. The system can automatically apply the brakes to prevent an accident from happening.

8 BMW X1 Drive Modes To Match Your Driving Style

2023 BMW X1 Gear Selector And My Modes
BMW
2023 BMW X1 allows you to switch to a different drive mode using a switch labelled My Modes near its gear selector

Next to the gear selector of the X1 is a switch that you can easily toggle to set My Modes. This allows you to choose the driving style that reflects your mood. The vehicle will change its behavior when you select one of these modes:

  • Personal
  • Sport
  • Efficient

The BMW X1 will automatically adjust how the engine performs and how the car handles depending on your selection.

Your choice will also change the interior lighting and display on the big screens of the vehicle. For example, in Sport Mode, the display will turn red to complement the more spirited driving style. The Personal Mode will allow you to customize your display’s content, layout, and interior lighting. Lastly, the Efficient Mode changes the theme to blue and optimizes the driving experience with fuel efficiency in focus.

9 Intelligent Personal Assistant

Central Information Display of the 2023 BMW X1
BMW
The Central Information Display of the 2023 BMW X1 allows you to control the different functions and features of the vehicle.

To make life easier for BMW owners, the X1 comes with an Intelligent Personal Assistant. Aside from greeting you when you get behind the wheel, you can conveniently instruct the car to open windows, adjust the temperature, or find the nearest gas station or your favorite restaurant using natural dialogue. Aside from voice commands, the system shows you that it is attentively listening by displaying graphics on its large screens and showing the position of whoever is talking to it.

The Intelligent Personal Assistant is practically a car expert that knows everything about your vehicle. It can help you with different functions, features, or service requirements. It remembers your needs and learns your habits or settings. All it takes is a “Hey BMW…” and your wish is its command.

RELATED: 2023 BMW X1: Performance, Price, And Photos

10 Wide Range Of Options And Packages To Fit Your Lifestyle

BMW M badge on the 2023 X1
BMW
BMW M badge on a 2023 X1 with M package

While the 2023 BMW X1 is already an attractive package with its standard features, the car manufacturer offers a long list of optional equipment:

  • Design xLine – comes with optional 19-inch Y-spoke wheels or 20-inch multi-spoke alloy rims; Black High Gloss, Fine-Wood, or Aluminum trim; SensaTec dashboard; additional design elements for the exterior.
  • Convenience Package – comes with wireless device charging feature; Comfort Access keyless entry; auto-dimming mirrors; panoramic moonroof
  • M Sport Package- comes with optional 19- or 20-inch rims; Aerodynamic kit; M steering wheel; shift paddles; Sport seats; Adaptive M suspension; and more
  • Premium Package – Parking Assistant Plus; Head-Up Display; Harman/Kardon sound system; Interior Camera; Surround View; Drive Recorder; Live Cockpit Professional; and more

You can also get select upgrades such as remote engine start, universal garage door opener, sport seats, among others to enhance your driving experience without inflating the 2023 BMW X1 prices too much.