Used BMW X1 for sale: everything you need to know
The original BMW X1 launched in 2009, and it was a smart move by BMW - it had already seen success with the X5 and then the smaller X3, so a smaller model still was a bit of a no-brainer. The X1 is now in its third generation, the most recent model covered here hitting the roads in 2022.
As an all-rounder it’s the best X1 yet and easy to recommend as a used buy. That’s partly for the sheer breadth of its range, covering everything from petrol and diesel models to plug-in hybrids and a fully electric model, the iX1. There’s always the option of the BMW X2 as well, which is effectively the same car with a sportier roofline. But it’s the X1’s mix of performance, economy, features, quality, and practicality that should put it on your shortlist.
Should you buy a BMW X1?
It’s not difficult to make a case for the BMW X1. It’s got the SUV look and feel that many buyers currently crave, a wide lineup of engines and trim levels, a practical and well-built interior, and above all, the right badge - whatever the class of vehicle, the BMW badge still holds a lot of appeal for a lot of buyers.
The most recent X1 was launched in 2022 so it’s still pretty fresh, and the availability of an all-electric iX1 means the model is somewhat future-proofed too. This iX1 is well worth a look, as while it doesn’t quite have the range (either on paper or in the real world) as some similarly-sized SUVs, it performs well and will still cover most journeys without breaking a sweat.
The X1 shares its underpinnings with some models in the Mini brand, and it has the same agile feel as a result, even at its most basic - not that the X1 is a bare-bones car. Even the lowest Sport trim level is well-equipped and the entry-level petrol and diesel engines perform well and use only modest amounts of fuel.
It’s the most practical X1 yet, and probably still the best car to drive in this class, despite strong competition elsewhere. If you’re set on a BMW then other brands may not appeal, but other cars in this class to consider include the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3, and the Range Rover Evoque, while the Volvo EX30 gives the iX1 a run for its money as a relatively compact electric SUV.
What’s the best used BMW X1 model to buy?
The X1 range gives buyers plenty of choice, especially when it comes to engines, so most people should be able to find something that suits their needs. You don’t necessarily need to spend huge money to get a good car either, since even the lower trim levels and smaller engines are well-equipped, have strong performance, and don’t guzzle fuel at an excessive rate - so a regular sDrive 20i or sDrive 18d in Sport trim may be all most people need, especially if all-wheel drive isn’t a requirement. The Sport’s smaller 17-inch alloy wheels provide the best ride quality too, while these smaller engines can avoid the hefty VED surcharge in years two to six, thanks to their lower list prices when new.
If you’re considering electric power, then the iX1 is also worth a look. Its 270-mile quoted range isn’t the most offered in this class of vehicle, and you’ll get less than that in real-world driving too, but it should cover most commutes and daily errands, and it’s pretty good to drive, being both smooth and surprisingly powerful.
Used BMW X1 fuel economy and performance
- BMW X1 sDrive 20i: The 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol in the 20i makes 170PS, good for a 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds, with combined economy of 47.9mpg.
- BMW X1 xDrive 23i: 23i models step up to a 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol, with 218PS and a 7.1-second 0-62mph time. Claimed fuel economy is 42.2mpg.
- BMW X1 xDrive M35i: The M-badged model has a 300PS 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, with a 5.4-second 0-62mph time and up to 36.2mpg economy.
- BMW X1 sDrive 18d: The entry-level diesel makes 150PS from a 2-litre turbocharged unit, returning a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds and combined economy of up to 57.6mpg.
- BMW X1 xDrive 23d: With the 23d engine, power climbs to 197PS, which drops the 0-62mph time down to 7.4 seconds. Economy doesn’t take a hit on paper, with 57.6mpg the claimed figure.
- BMW X1 xDrive 25e: The first of the plug-in hybrid X1s uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo and an electric motor to develop 245PS, with a 6.8-second 0-62mph sprint. Plug it in to make the most of 56 miles of EV range, and combined economy is up to 403.5mpg.
- BMW X1 xDrive 30e: In 30e form, you get the same 1.5-litre-based setup but now with 326PS, for a sporty 5.6-second 0-62mph time. The extra power takes its toll on economy slightly, though with the ability to plug in, you still get a claimed 353.1mpg.
- BMW iX1 xDrive 30: The all-electric BMW iX1 uses a pair of electric motors for 313PS and a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds. Range is quoted at 270 miles in xLine trim.
What used BMW X1 trim levels are available?
The X1’s trim levels are similar to those of several other BMW models, with Sport and M Sport variants, plus an xLine trim specific to X-badged BMWs, and a high-performance model that stands alone, in this case the M35i, whose equipment is based on M Sport trim. Bear in mind that BMW offers a huge range of options too, so the features listed below may only be the start for some models on the used market.
- The BMW X1 Sport gets 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an automatic tailgate, a Live Cockpit Plus display, automatic air conditioning, a leather steering wheel, an automatic gearbox across the range, parking sensors and a rear-view camera, and cruise control with a brake function.
- The BMW X1 xLine upgrades to 18-inch alloys, Veganza artificial leather trim, high-gloss black interior trim, aluminium exterior trim, and otherwise similar equipment to the Sport.
- The BMW X1 M Sport again packs the same kit as the previous two trim levels but adds more aggressive exterior styling, an M Sport leather steering wheel, optional adaptive suspension, and 18-inch wheels with a double spoke design.
Used BMW X1 dimensions and boot size
The BMW X1’s dimensions are:
- Length: 4500mm
- Width: 1845mm (2104mm with mirrors)
- Height: 1642mm
- Ground clearance: 179mm
The BMW X1’s boot size is:
- 490 litres
- 1495 litres with the rear seats folded
Used BMW X1 road tax
BMW X1s that cost less than £40,000 brand new, which means only a handful of Sport models with the less powerful engines, are subject to a lower flat rate of VED or ‘road tax’ than other X1s, currently £190 per year for petrol and diesel models and £180 for hybrids. The rest of the range attracts a surcharge, costing £600 per year from the second to sixth years on the road (or £10 less for hybrids). The only exception is the all-electric iX1, which is free to tax for the foreseeable future.
How much is it to insure a BMW X1?
The least expensive X1 to insure should be an sDrive18d model in Sport trim, which sits in insurance group 24 out of 50. At the other end of the range is the M35i, in group 35, while the electric iX1 starts in group 29.
