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Introduction:

To help members understand the latest automotive technology so they can purchase vehicles that best suit their needs, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center (ARC) began testing and reviewing vehicles over a decade ago

For the 2024 edition, we include testing and ranking cars and light trucks with the latest technology, including having at least one advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) feature. In addition to vehicle evaluation, the guide covers a number of pertinent automotive topics in detail—for example, the latest advanced safety features, how to properly maintain your vehicle, and new vehicles coming to market in the next few years.

2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i

Vehicle Type: Small suv Gasoline
85
 overall score
Category Ranking: 5

Vehicle Price

Base Price: $38,600
Price as Tested: $48,495

Fuel Information

Fuel Type: Midgrade
Fuel Capacity (gal): 14.3
EPA City mpg25
EPA Highway mpg34
EPA Combined mpg28

Advanced Safety Features

  • Advanced Headlights [S]
  • Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
  • Blind-Spot Warning [O]
  • Driver Monitoring [S]
  • Forward-Collision Warning [S]
  • Lane-Departure Warning [S]
  • Lane-Keeping Assistance [O]
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [O]
  • Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking [O]
  • [S] Standard, [O] Optional

Overall Observations

BMW's X1 small entry-level luxury crossover, redesigned for 2023, is now available in just a single trim level, the xDrive28i. The X1 scores high marks in almost every area. It's lots of fun to drive, with responsive handling and good steering feel. Power from the new turbocharged engine (241 hp) is strong, although we did experience some throttle and turbo lag. All-wheel drive is standard. The X1's fit and finish are excellent inside and out. There's plenty of legroom and headroom front and rear, and at 26 cubic feet, cargo space is generous. Our X1 test vehicle's ride quality was on the firm side, due in part to its optional M Sport seats and suspension. Basic advanced safety features are standard on the X1, but others, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, are options. There's also a dearth of physical knobs and hard keys for the infotainment touch screen. The X1's base price is reasonable, but some features you’d expect to be standard on a luxury vehicle—such as keyless entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and heated seats and steering wheel—are extra-cost options. Such options packages can push the X1's out-the-door price up quickly—nearly $10,000 in the case of our test vehicle.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Good steering feel, sporty handling
  • Quality fit and finish inside and out
  • Good power (241 hp)

Cons

  • Throttle and turbo lag
  • Firm ride; doesn’t absorb bumps well
  • Lack of hard buttons and knobs; overreliance on touch screen

Vehicle Specifications

Model year tested: 2023
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/3
Curb weight (lbs): 3750.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 177.2 / 72.6 / 64.6
Wheelbase (in): 106.0
Number of air bags: 9
Warranty (months/miles): 48/50,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Continental EcoContact 6Q
Front and rear tire size: 245/40 R20
Max towing capacity (lbs): 3,499
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Auto 7-speed
Drivetrain type: All wheel
Engine/motor: 2.0L I4 turbo
Engine horsepower @ RPM: 241 @ 6,500

Test Data

Test Vehicle Scores

Advanced Safety Features:

8.10

Fuel Efficiency:

6.05

EPA Emissions Score:

8.00

Acceleration:

5.28

Braking:

8.63
Handling: 6.35
Quality and Drivability: 8.38

Ride Quality:

7.07

Interior Size:

4.07

Easy of Entry and Exit:

7.33

Visibility:

7.94

Interior Noise:

5.09

Cargo Capacity:

2.61
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