BMW X1

After nearly 8 years behind the wheel of the BMW sDrive20i, I figured it's time to share my experience—better late than never.

? Space & Practicality

This compact SUV has proven surprisingly spacious. Both front and rear seats comfortably accommodate my family of four (with two kids under 12). The boot is impressively deep—especially with the adjustable base cover. I've packed a 28" suitcase plus a couple of 20" ones with no issue at all.

?? Performance & Drive Quality

Powered by the B48 2.0L twin-turbo engine, the sDrive20i delivers more than enough punch for daily driving. Acceleration is brisk, overtaking is effortless, and cruising below 150 km/h feels quiet and stable. It's a joy to drive—refined yet responsive.

? Infotainment & Comfort

The original head unit lacked a touchscreen, but I swapped it out for an Android player, which solved that. Sound quality from the stock speakers is decent—nothing audiophile-grade, but good enough for everyday use.

?? Maintenance & Reliability

Here's where things get real. BMW maintenance is notoriously pricey, and this car is no exception.

• Oil leaks are common—I've spent a fair bit replacing worn parts.

• Gearbox overhaul was needed at 120,000 km.

• Water pump and thermostat recently failed, leading to coolant leakage and engine overheating.

? Final Thoughts

Despite the maintenance costs, I genuinely enjoy driving BMWs—this being my second after an F30. The driving experience is hard to beat: smooth, confident, and engaging. Just be prepared to invest in upkeep if you plan to keep it long-term.

External - Excellent.

Interior - Below expectation as compared to a VW Highlight specs.

Steering wheel - Plastic feel with minimum functions

Dash board - cheap leather

Doors - Cheap PLASTIC!

Seats - Tight and poor support

ICE - 1 speaker each for one door - standard speaker producing low quality sound. No Bass..Nothing!

Center console - Stupid design! You cannot put your phone beside you. The cup holder section also doesnt make senses as you cannot put anything on it.

Drove this X1 for almost 4yrs... This last year alone I have sent it to the shop for issues/repairs 7 times. Its a good car if it works. But the 3 cylinder engine simply can't sustain for long. Suggest drive it till the warranty end then change it. Can see this being an liability post warranty. Sad because it had so many other positive things going for it. Enjoy it while it can last!

BMW u need to thank PML for getting this low rating.

Just like the rest of BMW lineup, the X1 shines in handling and ride ( ditch the 18" , change to 17" And u will know what I mean). However the ownership is let down by PML which provide awful aftersales service. One of the key issues with this car is very bad idling vibration for the F48 model which I owned. I had highlighted this to PML everytime during servicing but they failed to rectify this issue. They pointed out that it was caused by the engine mount which they changed but the problem still did not go away. I also had to leave my car with them for nearly 1 month when they failed to resolve the ball bearing issue for my car.

It was until I was recommended by my friend, who also owns a X1 to try BIS Automobiles, also an approved workshop by BMW (which mean they will honour any warranty and servicing given by BMW when u purchase any BMW. The warranty and free servicing is given by BMW not PML) that the idling vibration problem was finally resolved. This means that I had been forced to live with this issue for the past 3 yrs when it could be resolved by BIS in 1 servicing if I had brought my X1 to BIS back then. I own this car for 3 yrs and only now that I get to enjoy the car after 3 yrs!

Moreover I was served within 15 mins when I dropped and collected my car in BIS compared to the long wait time at PML. Since then I decided not to send my car to PML anymore. PML really need to improve on their mechanics' skillset!

Just download the My BMW app instead of the BMW Performance app and u can find all the other approved workshops apart from PML. In my opinion My BMW app is a better app than BMW Performance app as it has a host of different additional useful features than the BMW Performance app.

I purchased BMW X1 in Aug 2021 which is a facelifted model with an outstanding grill and gives a look like BMW X3. Cool interior color changing lights.

I must say the ride and handling department of BMW is key to X1's success - it feel firm and stable, even comparing it with previous AWD Japanese suv that i've owned for many years.

Good overall package considering its near to end of its model lifespan. Good thing it could be more reliable given 4-5 years in production.

Satisfied with the exterior of 2020 model with improved head and tail lights.

The center infotainment screen is high definition with physical idrive knobs/buttons, which i use 99% Of the time even it supports touch screen and very responsive.

My main complaint will be the analog instrument cluster compared with its rivals (2021 GLA, Q3).

It lacks some active safety features that can be found in most 2021 new cars.

The steering wheel is physically blocking the indicator LED for engine start/stop function, it just annoys me when i need to check the status of the function if i forgot to turn off during engine start.

Vibration from 3 cyl engine when starting engine. It is smooth during acceleration, normal drive and idle.

I have driven this car as a hire car.

It's a very well built car with typical BMW driving feel. Good road feel for an SUV.

Has been a fan of BMW.Just got it about 2 and a half weeks ago. It has changed my perspective completely about X1. Earlier models of X1s look like a 1 series hatchback. This new facelifted 2019-2020 model looks like the previous X3 with cool interchangeable ambience lighting in the interior. Safety equipped car with 8 airbags. A totally cool SAV family car.

Got a chance to drive the X1 for 2 weeks.

Exterior looks is pretty nice, stronger looking.

Interior is pretty basic, nothing to shout about. If compared to medic or Audi, X1 scores 3 out of 10.

Features wise are pretty lacking. No blind spot detection, no lane departure warning etc. For the price, I would say it's not worth it, the buyer is just braying for the BMW brand.

The drive is pretty good for a SUV, not ,UCB body roll during turns. Acceleration is pretty good as the torque comes in early. But that's about it, once you hit higher speed you can feel the car is breathless due to its 1.5 3 cylinder engine. For city drive it's pretty good.

Would recommend the 2 liter engine version. The 3 cyclinder engines gives off a funny engine sputter sound when starting the engine.

One of the good thing about the car is the clear views, there are not much blind spots, although the rear view window is pretty small and narrow compared to a sedan, it takes time to get used to it.

Overall a pretty decent car. Buy it if you want the brand of a BMW. But for the price, you can get a car with more features built in.

Bought this last year, loving it! The features are minimal but that makes it easy to drive. Engine is more than powerful enough for Singapore driving. Size is just nice, not too small (no bullying on the road) or too big (difficult to park!). Interior is soooo spacious, unlike Mercedes GLA.

Test drive this small suv from BMW sometime back, from its first looks, a typical suv look whereas it's immediate sibling,the X2, who shares the same 3 cylinder engine is a sportier exterior look.

Interior was a dated design when it's told as a latest look. Dun recall seeing a sunroof or a moonroof. The rest let's not go there.

The drive off is not that smooth, perhaps due to 3 cylinder engine capabilities only and a FWD. And Underpowered too.

Overall, if you are a BMW and suv lover but due to Budget constrain, then can consider this.

LCI version looks much nicer than the last gen one

Rims are better looking too

Auto kick boot is very practical for shopping of groceries

Steering is light and sharp

Driver has to very good view around car...Very safe with not much blind spot

Engine power is not too bad although it is FWD

X1 offers distinctly BMW-like driving fun. Responsive steering and a firm ride make tossing it around Singapore roads a joy. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder makes 192 hp with the front through an eight-speed automatic which the reason for my purchase for 2L model

Infotainment display and Bluetooth is standard with nav and is very user friendly. The front and rear compartment that surprises and delights me and can easily accommodate 5 adult passengers comfortably. This car ride higher than before, with a better view of their surroundings thanks to the X1’s sensible beltline.

Seems BMW really upped their game to capture back some market share. Very impressed with the X1. Cant say enough good things about it. Good timing to buy now after a couple years of refinements and improvements of the 2nd gen, still relatively new model yet enough time to benefit from upgrades and re-tuning since official launch. Perhaps the best compact suv now.

Opulent look and feel on the surface but proves to be a very functional everyday suv. It has enough of the gadgetry as well. It also ticks all the boxes for any sensible driver; 5 star safety ratings, peace of mind on reliability with the 5 year warranty, good for a family of 5 with the interior space, and can parallel park on its own!

The drive is fluid and polished enough, agree with most of the reviews about decent fuel efficiency. BMW improved the base engine sdrive18i with the upgraded transmission which makes it more efficient, better performance, and smoother with faster gear shifts unlike the old six speed torque converter.

The twin power turbo sdrive18i is also underrated and bow's advances with this engine dont get enough recognition. If I can get pseudo technical for a second, but this engine powertrain has a combination of rotational balance, thermal & space efficiency, and suitability for turbocharging. It also has much less second order vibration than 20i. The efficiency of the 18i with the same swept volume means you lose less energy , and because of fewer exhaust pulses per crankshaft revolution, both the turbocharging and cooling are also easier. So the efficiency gains of this set up can be made on several fronts, yet with enough power and torque. Very very smart. For our city/state where speed limit 90k and cars are only used for 10 years at most, dont really need anything more.

During my new car hunt, was exploring the likes of Land rover disco sport & evoke, merc glc, Audi q3 & q5, and Volvo xc40 & 60... When you take account what you get for the price you pay, BMW X1 is worth every dollar. Just right for the savvy consumer.

A good balance of sublime yet subtle touches inside and out as a competitive luxury crossover. Also a fun drive with the responsive steering. Well rounded for the stop go traffic during rush hour or the long run on the express way home. It runs surprisingly zippy and smooth transmission. Im glad waited for the latest version that has the DCT steptronic 7speed which adds another 4-5hp from last version. There is a bit of tire roar but its because of the run-flat tires which is a must have nowadays. Also creates more space for the already spacious boot. The interior trim is premium. But if you can go for the two toned beige & black interior, its more more plush than the all black interior which looks it a bit dull. And a big plus is PML’S 5yr warranty/servicing…. Just blew away the Japanese options.