SUV Review: 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i

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The third-generation BMW X1, arriving as a 2023 model, wears sensible shoes. No contentious styling here. It’s upright and practical, and compared with the outgoing model, this newbie is 43 mm longer, 24 mm wide and 44 mm taller. More room for you and your stuff. BMW could have slapped on the big ‘ol bucktooth kidney grille that adorns many of its latest models, but it seems with its tidy new entry-level SUV, the automaker is playing it safe.

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That’s not to say the 2023 BMW X1 is a dullard. It sits on the road with purpose, and here the chiselled body rocks a cool hue dubbed Cape York Green Metallic ($895). The satin aluminum trim and roof rails (part of the $1,350 xLine Package) further add to its premium countenance. Standard wheel size is 18-inches although here we have optional $500 19-inch wheels.

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Power comes from BMW’s fine 2.0L turbocharged four, and for 2023 it gets a new port and direct injection system and a bump in power. Horse count jumps by 13 to 241, and torque increases from 258 lb-ft to a healthy 295. The previous eight-speed auto makes way for a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The all-wheel drive system has the X1 operating mainly as a front-driver until conditions dictate.

Standard safety kit includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, rear automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and safe exit warning. Adaptive cruise and lane keep assist are optional.

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Hop inside and the new X1’s cabin delights with its chic modern design, interesting detailing and excellent build quality. With a starting price of $45,800, the X1 is now BMW’s least expensive vehicle in Canada, but there’s nothing entry level about the interior. It feels and looks expensive. I love the floating console with storage space beneath, the cool weave design on the door panels, the hoop-like door pulls, and (for an extra 250 bucks) the Eucalyptus open pore wood trim. The ute’s tall greenhouse and low-profile dash afford excellent outward visibility.

Front and centre is a curved screen housing a 10.7-inch instrument display and a 10.25-inch touchscreen interface. This is BMW’s latest iDrive 8 system complete with “Hey BMW” voice control that does its best to cater to your needs. The system is quick, with killer graphics, but gone are the hard buttons, dials and rotary iDrive controller that we loved about BMW. If you need to adjust seat heat, for instance, call up the climate screen and start poking away at the screen.

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Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but conspicuous by its absence on the standard equipment list is heat for the front seats and steering wheel. In Canada? That will require a $3,400 package that also bestows panoramic sunroof, wireless charging and power folding/auto dimming side mirrors.

Ah, but this new BMW X1 is a joy to drive. It blends a firm yet acceptable ride with fine body control, sharp steering and a general dynamic cohesiveness that we’ve long associated with BMW. There’s a bit of turbo lag and an occasional hesitancy in the dual-clutch auto when stepping off, but beyond that this little crossover moves out smartly, and in Sport Mode our ears are treated to a meaningful snarl from the turbo four. At cruise, this new X1’s cabin is notably hushed.

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The X1’s larger dimensions translate to impressive interior space — Stetson-grade headroom and more rear legroom than in the Audi Q5 or Volvo XC40. Opening up the standard powered hatch reveals a broad load space behind the rear seat measuring 728L, expandable to about 1,620L with the 40/20/40 split seat folded. And bonus, there’s generous underfloor storage too. Tow rating is 3,500 lbs. There’s no spare tire — just a tire repair kit — since the X1 is no longer fitted with run flat tires. So avoid those potholes.

This tester has the $6,250 Premium Enhanced Package that includes heated front seats and steering wheel, auto-dimming and power folding mirrors, panoramic roof, head up display, augmented reality navigation, wireless charging, interior camera, parking assist, surround view camera, excellent 12-speaker Harman Kardon and more. The M Sport package, not seen here, seems like a pretty fair deal at $2,700. It adds adaptive lowered sports suspension, sport seats, paddle shifters, M body design, black trim and M sport steering wheel.

In the world of premium compact SUVs, the 2023 BMW X1 xDrive 28i is competitively priced. Granted, one must factor in at least another $3,400 for the default Premium Essential Package, and this specimen checked in at $54,235 with its various packages and options. But for those receptive to the intangible, engaging BMW-ness the X1 imparts, this roomy high-quality offering is one of the best-driving vehicles in the segment, and worth a long look.

Check out the latest BMW X1 model here.