CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 39.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 900
Average Price: Around £15,000

BMW X1 (2025) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Beautifully appointed interior	Ride slightly firmer than some rivals
Brilliant on space and practicality	Higher-end models are expensive
Pleasant to drive	Too much desirable kit costs extra

Quick Summary

The BMW X1 is the third-generation entry-level SUV in BMW's lineup, offering a compelling blend of practicality, premium quality and driving enjoyment. At 4.5 metres long, it's surprisingly spacious for a compact SUV, with a generous 540-litre boot and comfortable rear seating for two adults or three children. The beautifully appointed interior features high-quality materials, intuitive infotainment with the latest Operating System 9, and thoughtful touches like rear seat charging ports and air vents. Available in Sport, xLine and M Sport trims, the X1 offers something for every buyer, from the practical family-focused models to the sporty M35i performance variant.

The engine range is impressively diverse, with mild-hybrid petrol and diesel options, plug-in hybrids offering up to 56 miles of electric range, and a fully electric iX1 variant. The petrol xDrive23i delivers a punchy, responsive drive with an almost hot hatch character, whilst the plug-in hybrids provide sophisticated, near-silent electric motoring. Running costs are competitive, with excellent fuel economy and CO2 emissions across the range. However, many desirable features like heated seats, keyless entry and adaptive suspension come as costly optional extras, and the ride can feel slightly firmer than some rivals, particularly at lower speeds.

Best for: Families seeking a premium, spacious SUV with excellent practicality, buyers wanting a broad choice of powertrains including plug-in hybrid and electric options, and those prioritising interior quality and technology.

Not ideal for: Buyers seeking the most comfortable, pliant ride in the class, those wanting all premium features as standard without additional cost, or those on a tight budget looking for the cheapest compact SUV option.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the X1 if: You prioritise premium interior quality and technology, need excellent space and practicality, want a diverse powertrain choice including plug-in hybrid options, or seek a satisfying driving experience in a compact SUV.

Consider alternatives if: You require the most comfortable, pliant ride, want all premium features included as standard, or are seeking the cheapest option in the compact SUV segment.

Competitive Position: The BMW X1 stands as one of the strongest all-rounders in the competitive compact SUV class. It matches rivals like the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA for premium appeal and interior quality, whilst offering superior practicality and a more engaging driving experience. The Volvo XC40 edges ahead on user satisfaction and ride comfort, but the X1's broader powertrain range, including generous plug-in hybrid electric range, and its classier interior design make it a compelling choice for discerning family buyers. The X1 represents excellent value in the premium compact SUV segment, particularly for those valuing technology, space and driving dynamics.

Read our full BMW X1 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.