Auto review: 2023 BMW X1 improves greatly

As BMW tries to take a bite into Mercedes Benz’s piece of the review pie, it shows out in strides. In 2023, BMW takes the X1 into new levels with an all new design, look and upgrades. First, the color, San Remo Green Metallic, is absolutely gorgeous to say the least. What a color!

As a 2023 updated model, the X1 is a really great vehicle and for the price, owning a BMW has never been so affordable. Paired with a potent 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder and 7-speed dual clutch transmission, the BMW X1 has phenomenal power and great gear ratios, making it easy to get out of the way, or make a pass in cases when historically the X1 couldn’t. Unlike most 4-cylinders, get up and go is hard to find, or the lag is so bad that it takes too long to get going.

With great space both in the front and for rear seat passengers, it’s the storage space that was so great, I thought I was driving an X3. A larger than ever kidney-shape grille shows the way on the X1 with its multi-color satin aluminum exterior trim on both the mirrors and grille. Our all-wheel drive tester came with the Premium package for $4,200 more as well as the X-line for only $500 more. Combined, those additional options included, heated steering wheel and front seats, Harman/Kardon Premium sound, and an array of safety features such as live cockpit Pro, active park distance control and more. Did I mention the X1 only has a base price of $38,600? That’s a great bang for the buck for any vehicle, let alone a BMW.

As BMW continues to provide the ultimate driving machine to consumers; it knocks this category out of the park. Similar to my passion for Volvo’s XC60 as it has great ride height, size, storage and price, the X1 does it all as well but on a slightly smaller scale. For the price, BMW does it again and does it exceptionally well. Even with our X1 loaded up really nicely, it still came in under $47,000, and that color is exactly what every consumer deserves. It is tremendous.

2023 BMW X1

MSRP: $38,600

MPG: 25 city/34 highway/31.7 combined

As tested: $46,795