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This is an old car model that is no longer for sale by the local distributor since Nov 2022.
Click here for the new model BMW X1 that is currently for sale.
Editor Review
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Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI S tronic S Line vs BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport
26 Feb 2020  |  Audi Reviews
The new Audi Q3 and the facelifted BMW X1 are the latest new offerings in the premium compact crossover segment. Which one should you buy?
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Audi Q3
Better equipment and high cabin quality
Slightly more spacious cabin and boot
Comfortable and pliant ride
BMW X1
2.0-litre engine delivers ample power
More agile and sporty to drive
Smooth and seamless gearbox
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   Consumer Reviews of BMW X1
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3.5
 
19 Consumer Reviews
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Comfort
4.0 Reliability
3.5
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Handling
4.0 Features
3.5
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Exterior Styling
4.0 Interior Design
4.0
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Value for money
3.5 Engine Performance
3.5

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baml2010
Neutral Newbie
5 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 07-Feb-2018
Its a great car... when it works...  Posted on 07 Dec 2021
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 1.0
Handling 5.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 4.0
Value for money 1.0 Engine Performance 1.0
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Review
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!

What I like
Very decent package overall.

What I do not like
As it ages, reliability becomes a major issue. Like most BMWs.


Terencetkw
Neutral Newbie
2 reviews
0 points
1 forum posts Joined on 26-Aug-2008
Nice car but let down by PML's lacklustre aftersales service  Posted on 09 Nov 2021
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Review
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.


Gurusanand
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 22-Jan-2010
Most reliable car I've owned!  Posted on 25 Sep 2021
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
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.

What I like
Sturdy build and the drive is enjoyable.

What I do not like
Blind spot detection feature is missing which is almost available in all cars in 2021 model.


jaca
Neutral Newbie
4 reviews
0 points
1 forum posts Joined on 06-Apr-2015
Good handling front wheel driven, practical SUV for small family  Posted on 26 May 2021
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 5.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
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.

What I like
Distinctive large grille, good look
Ample interior space for family of 4
Large boot space
Smooth gearbox in comfort drive mode
Less body roll, firm and stable ride
Responsive gear-shift and throttle, heavier steering makes it fun to drive in sport mode
Memory seat & side mirror
Configurable ambient lighting

What I do not like
Less active safety features (Blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency brake, etc)
No digital instrument cluster
No Apple Carplay
No cruise control
Vibration from engine during start
Less refined idle start/stop function


starcloud1
Neutral Newbie
4 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 01-Sep-2020
Solid sensible car  Posted on 01 Sep 2020
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 4.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 3.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
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.

What I like
Engine is a good fit for this size of car.
More economical and practical than an X3 when 4x4 is not required.

What I do not like
The user interface feels dated.


Mmohdsal
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 18-Apr-2013
Love It!!  Posted on 19 Aug 2020
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 3.0 Engine Performance 3.0
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Review
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.

What I like
Spacious
Acceptable height and size
Easy to park with parking camera and top view sensor
Low petrol consumption
Large touchscreen panel

What I do not like
Front wheel drive as I am used to driving a 3 series with a rear wheel drive
3 cylinder


Wasteland
Neutral Newbie
16 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 13-Jul-2019
Decent SUV  Posted on 27 Feb 2020
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Comfort 3.0 Reliability 3.0
Handling 4.0 Features 2.0
Exterior Styling 4.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 2.0 Engine Performance 3.0
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Review
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.

What I like
Pretty torqey engine, the torque comes in at low rev.

Engine is quite responsive to the pedal throttle. The car is tuned to make it seems fast and responsive.

Good overall view around the car with large windows all around except for the rear windscreen.

What I do not like
Lacking in features.
Small touch screen.
Dashboard speed dials are pretty old school.
Dashboard layout is pretty bad in design, you cant see the lower bottom of the dashboard as it's blocked by the steering wheel.
The start stop button is located at a bad area, you literally cannot see it as it's blocks by the turn signal stalk.
Fuel consumption seems to be 1L/10km, not sure is it because this is a new car and needs a run in.


A_patche
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 17-Jul-2010
Perfect car for small family  Posted on 27 Mar 2019
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 3.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
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.

What I like
- Spacious interior
- Simple and classy design (will not be outdated over time)

What I do not like
- Unfortunately no Apple OS (small thing really)


Mervynwm
1st Gear
142 reviews
76 points
65 forum posts Joined on 15-Mar-2009
A 3-cylinder FWD Beemer.  Posted on 19 Mar 2019
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 3.0
Handling 3.0 Features 2.0
Exterior Styling 3.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 2.0 Engine Performance 1.0
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Review
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.

What I like
Not much

What I do not like
No electric tailgate
3 cylinder fwd
Underpowered
Noisy when revved
Price


Inlinefour
Twincharged
3 reviews
23,383 points
6582 forum posts Joined on 03-Nov-2012
SDrive20i  Posted on 13 Apr 2018
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 4.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 3.0
Value for money 4.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
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

What I like
iDrive 6 touchscreen

Touch iDrive Knob

Pull handles for folding seats

Auto Tailgate

Spacious Seats

What I do not like
Doors are very light

Sensatec Leather Dash no luxury feel

Cabin sound insulation not so good


leecheesiong
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 08-Mar-2018
Subcompact SUV with huge interior cabin and great driving experience  Posted on 07 Mar 2018
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Comfort 4.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 5.0 Features 4.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
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.

What I like
1) Passenger cabin space is great. Rear headroom and legroom is close to 2017 X3
2) Distinctly BMW-like driving fun
3) Excellent steering wheel system providing great driving experience
4) Good boot storage space with and without storage extension
5) Sporty exterior SUV design and practical cabin for family daily usage
6) Ambient lighting make the car feel luxury

What I do not like
Run flat tyre induced cabin noise. Fitted with non run flat tyre, cabin noise reduced greatly.


baml2010
Neutral Newbie
5 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 07-Feb-2018
Smart Efficient Luxury  Posted on 05 Mar 2018
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
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.

What I like
very well spec'd and fairly loaded
touchscreen idrive system
quiet and comfortable cabin
convenience package equipment
cavernous interior
iconic bmw daytime running lights, compliments the sporty powerful stance
innovative and efficient power delivery
handing is composed, sharp and tidy

What I do not like
not much else at this price point


suvdriveps
Neutral Newbie
3 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 03-Feb-2018
X1 sDrive 18i - A quality product  Posted on 03 Feb 2018
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 5.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 4.0
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Review
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.

What I like
Great exterior with winning body design, awesome kidney grills

Headlights/LED daytime design and functions

Spacious rear seats and boot space

Luxury interior with all the bells and whistles, great dashboard layout

Sensors and safety features

Ambient LED on doors and dash

iDrive infotaiment has a lot of features and very intuitive

FWD architecture and engine is indeed fuel efficient

Responsive BMW handling

Comfort, Sport and Eco modes

Pricing is attractive. 5yr warranty and 5yr free service!

What I do not like
Can slightly hear the tire roar due to run flat tires

Exterior tends to get confused with the 2016 X3


champ88
Neutral Newbie
3 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 06-Jan-2018
Surpassed expectations. A well thought out package at a reasonable price.  Posted on 31 Jan 2018
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Comfort 5.0 Reliability 4.0
Handling 5.0 Features 5.0
Exterior Styling 5.0 Interior Design 5.0
Value for money 5.0 Engine Performance 5.0
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Review
Recently bought the 2018 X1. If you don't plan to drive like an F1 driver, this compact SUV is more than sufficient for Singapore driving. The engine/twin turbo is efficient and a perfect fit with the seven speed dual clutch transmission. The interior space is just as roomy(if not roomier) as the previous X3 and the finish is excellent. It has all the features of a modern BMW.

The exterior is quintessential BMW X design. Its body and structure design along with its safety features earned it top crash test ratings from various agencies, EuroNCAP, IIHS, NHTSA, ANCAP etc. (safety first!)

Other compact SUVs we short listed were the GLC, GLA, Harrier, NX and CRV. The X1 fell right in the middle of the curve and is right on the relative value sweet spot.

I can also see why it was ranked #1 in surveys and US/Euro based awards as a class leader. Its a no brainer and a practical choice.

What I like
-Steptronic dual clutch transmission seven speed
-Fuel efficient and low CO2 emissions
-Surprisingly generous interior space, bigger than the X2 and similar to X3.
-Quality interior finish, love the ambient lights package
-Drive/park assist and easy to use infotainment system/touch screen
-Exterior good looks and LED/headlights package
-Versatile for small families.
-Top safety ratings and award winning, recently won Car & Drivers 2018 best lux compact suv award in US and best in-class in Germany.

What I do not like
-No sunroof for this version


GGTT
Neutral Newbie
1 reviews
0 points
0 forum posts Joined on 11-Sep-2017
The worst car I had gotten after owning more than 10 car brands!  Posted on 19 Oct 2017
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Comfort 1.0 Reliability 1.0
Handling 1.0 Features 1.0
Exterior Styling 1.0 Interior Design 1.0
Value for money 1.0 Engine Performance 1.0
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Review
Car broke down and could not start just after 2 days of ownership and had to be sent back to PML. Diagnosed with faulty starter and had to be replaced. Tons of sensor issues after 2 months of ownership with the boot door behaving erratically by opening and closing on its own. Imagine the boot door opened on its own at the traffic junction! Sent the car back to PML but was informed they can't diagnose the problem and could only perform software reset. After some escalation, the Service Manager (A..Y) finally updated that the new sensor module has arrived but PML refused to take ownership if the problem still persists after the fix and maintain they are just the authorised dealer although all their correspondences made reference to BMW. I will proceed with legal action if the problems still do not go away.

Please see the following videos for 3 problems I am having now:

1. Faulty starter on the 2nd day of ownership - https://youtu.Be/_FNzr_1BmZ4

2. Boot door closed by itself although both feet firm on the ground and did not activate the kick sensor - https://youtu.Be/sQjmsFlWhFY

3. Car door relocked after unlocking - https://youtu.Be/uYAQ0nYqLvA

What I like
None!

What I do not like
No faith in the quality and reliability of this brand!

BMW X1
3.5 stars - based on 19 reviews