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BMW X1

From rear-drive beginnings to a 312-hp US M35i: the X1 keeps changing its recipe.12

Researched October 23, 2026 from 39 sources

At a glance

Layout
E84: RWD/AWD; F48/U11: FWD/AWD; iX1: dual-motor AWD1
Gearbox
6-speed manual; 6/8-speed auto; 7-speed DCT in F48 and M35i237
Built at
Leipzig, Germany (E84); Regensburg, Germany (F48/U11)237
Units built
E84: 820,529 built (2009-2015)3

The story

Created as a smaller, more efficient SUV as fuel prices rose, the X1 began with rear-wheel drive and optional xDrive. The roomier U11 arrived in 2022 with Curved Display and iDrive 8, plus the electric iX1.134

2008: Concept X1 previews production20082009: BMW's first two-wheel-drive X model20092012: US launch: 240-hp four, 300-hp six20122015: F48 turns the engine sideways20152016: xDrive20d: 1550 kg, 7.6 seconds20162019: F48 facelift joins the kidney grilles20192020: xDrive25e: two axles, two power sources20202022: U11 adds hybrids and the electric iX12022 BMW Concept X1: 2008BMW X1 (E84): 2009–2015E84BMW X1 (F48/F49): 2015–2022F48/F49BMW X1 (U11/U12): 2022–presentU11/U12 2008201020122014201620182020202220242026
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones134578
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2008BMW Concept X1
2009–2015BMW X1 (E84)
2015–2022BMW X1 (F48/F49)
2022–presentBMW X1 (U11/U12)
2008Concept X1 previews production
2009BMW's first two-wheel-drive X model
2012US launch: 240-hp four, 300-hp six
2015F48 turns the engine sideways
2016xDrive20d: 1550 kg, 7.6 seconds
2019F48 facelift joins the kidney grilles
2020xDrive25e: two axles, two power sources
2022U11 adds hybrids and the electric iX1
  1. 2008

    Concept X1 previews production

    The near-production Concept X1 appears at the Paris Motor Show, previewing a production model due within a year.35

  2. 2009

    BMW's first two-wheel-drive X model

    The compact SAV launches with rear-drive sDrive and optional xDrive, opening the BMW X family to drivers who do not need four-wheel drive.134

  3. 2012

    US launch: 240-hp four, 300-hp six

    For 2013, US 28i versions get a 2.0 L turbo four and 8-speed automatic; the xDrive35i packs a 3.0 L turbo six and 6-speed automatic.6

  4. 2015

    F48 turns the engine sideways

    After more than 730,000 first-generation sales, the F48 adopts transverse engines and front-wheel drive or xDrive; its body stands 53 mm taller.78

  5. 2016

    xDrive20d: 1550 kg, 7.6 seconds

    The transverse-engine diesel delivers 188 hp and 400 Nm through an 8-speed automatic; 0-100 km/h takes about 7.6 seconds, with a 219 km/h top speed.9

  6. 2019

    F48 facelift joins the kidney grilles

    The grille halves meet in the middle; UK models gain standard LED headlights, and exhaust outlets grow from 70 to 90 mm.710

  7. 2020

    xDrive25e: two axles, two power sources

    Gasoline drives the front axle, electricity the rear: 220 hp and 385 Nm combined, 9.7 kWh gross, up to 57 km electric range and under 3.6-hour Wallbox charging.1112

  8. 2022

    U11 adds hybrids and the electric iX1

    Gasoline, diesel, 48V mild hybrids and plug-ins share the range. The iX1 xDrive30 brings 64.7 kWh and 417-435 km of WLTP range.113

Every generation

  • BMW 3 Series
    E90/E91
  • BMW Concept X1
    BMW Concept X12008
  • BMW X1
    E842009–2015
  • BMW X1
    F48/F492015–2022
  • BMW X1
    U11/U122022–present

Power over the years

From 143 hp to 321 hp in 13 years.

0100200300400 200820102012201420162018202020222024 hp 2009 · 143 hp · 18d, UK launch2009 · 177 hp · 20d, UK launch2009 · 204 hp · 23d, UK launch2012 · 114 hp · sDrive16d2012 · 184 hp · 20d facelift2012 · 218 hp · xDrive25d replaces xDrive23d2013 · 240 hp · US sDrive28i / xDrive28i2013 · 300 hp · xDrive35i (North America)2020 · 220 hp · xDrive25e, combined2022 · 313 hp · iX1 xDrive30 (temporary boost)2022 · 321 hp · xDrive30e plug-in hybrid2024 · 312 hp · M35i xDrive (US) 321 hp xDrive30e plug-in hybrid 143 hp 18d, UK launch
236111213141516
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
200914318d, UK launch
200917720d, UK launch
200920423d, UK launch
2012114sDrive16d
201218420d facelift
2012218xDrive25d replaces xDrive23d
2013240US sDrive28i / xDrive28i
2013300xDrive35i (North America)
2020220xDrive25e, combined
2022313iX1 xDrive30 (temporary boost)
2022321xDrive30e plug-in hybrid
2024312M35i xDrive (US)

Versions

8 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • SE

    Standard

    SE

  • X1 Long Wheelbase (F49 / U12)

    Standard

    X1 Long Wheelbase (F49 / U12)

  • iX1 xDrive30

    Standard

    iX1 xDrive30

    313 hp

  • Performance

    X1 xDrive35i (E84)

    2013–2015

    300 hp
  • X1 M35i xDrive

    Performance

    X1 M35i xDrive

    2024

    312 hp

  • Limited

    X1 20i Tech Edition

    2021

    192 hp

  • Limited

    X1 Edition Powder Ride

    Winter 2012–2013

  • Limited

    X1 Outdoor

    2022

How to spot one

Look for

  • Second generation: taller, upright SUV proportions and a C-shaped rear window line.811
  • Third-generation xDrive28i: exhaust outlets are concealed.4

Year by year

  1. 2012 facelift

    Chrome-topped headlights, mirror indicators, less black rear-bumper trim and gloss-black audio/climate controls identify the facelift.36

  2. 2014 update

    Sparkling Brown metallic paint and a fresh 17-inch alloy design join the range.3

  3. 2015 generation change

    The second generation stands 53 mm taller, with more upright proportions and side windows that taper toward the rear.811

  4. 2019 facelift

    The kidney grilles join in the center; sharper LED lights, a revised front bumper and 90 mm exhaust outlets mark the refresh.10

  5. 2022 generation change

    The third generation brings an almost square grille, flush handles and a curved dashboard display.413

  6. 2024 model year (U.S.)

    The U.S. xDrive28i moves from iDrive 8 to 9; its new home screen has a vertical strip of function icons.2423

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a BMW X1
    X1
    Photo of a BMW 3 Series wagon
    BMW 3 Series wagon

    BMW 3 Series wagon

    The first-generation X1 is shorter and taller than the wagon; its raised body is the useful clue.19

  • Photo of a BMW X1
    X1
    Photo of a BMW X3
    BMW X3

    BMW X3

    The second-generation X1 resembles a scaled-down X3; look for its smaller, more compact body.11

  • Photo of a BMW X1
    X1
    Photo of a BMW X2
    BMW X2

    BMW X2

    The second-generation X1 has upright proportions; the related X2 uses a more rakish SUV shape.711

Against its rivals

  • Audi Q3

    X1 vs Audi Q3

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    X16.3 s
    Audi Q37.8 s
    24
  • Mercedes GLA250

    X1 vs Mercedes GLA250

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    X16.3 s
    Mercedes GLA2506.1 s
    24
  • Lexus NX200t

    X1 vs Lexus NX200t

    Price as tested lower is better

    X1$45,920
    Lexus NX200t$46,550
    24
  • Infiniti QX30

    X1 vs Infiniti QX30

    Price as tested lower is better

    X1$45,920
    Infiniti QX30$44,000
    24

Prices

Value today $11.5K–$34.1K28

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K$80K 201520202025 Value today: $11,480–$34,131 2013 · $31,545 · US base, destination included2013 · $47,370 · US tested, xDrive28i; $3000 M Sport2014 · $39,725 · US base, xDrive35i2014 · $41,975 · US as tested, xDrive35i2016 · $35,795 · US base, xDrive28i2016 · $42,595 · US as tested, xDrive28i2023 · $39,595 · US base, xDrive28i2023 · $50,795 · US as tested, xDrive28i2024 · $50,895 · US base, M35i2024 · $60,295 · US as tested, M35i 2013 · $31,545 (including $895 Destination and Handling) · US launch base, 2013 model year; destination included 2024 · $20,500 · 2013 xDrive35i, 6k miles, BaT2025 · $13,250 · 2016 xDrive28i, 58k miles, BaT2025 · $9,555 · 2013 sDrive28i M Sport, 67k miles, BaT2026 · $13,000 · 2014 xDrive28i, 19k miles, BaT2026 · $10,000 · 2014 sDrive28i, 58k miles, BaT $20.5K BaT, 2024
246723303132333436373839
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2013Launch price$31,545US launch base, 2013 model year; destination included
2013Price when new$31,545US base, destination included
2013Price when new$47,370US tested, xDrive28i; $3000 M Sport
2014Price when new$39,725US base, xDrive35i
2014Price when new$41,975US as tested, xDrive35i
2016Price when new$35,795US base, xDrive28i
2016Price when new$42,595US as tested, xDrive28i
2023Price when new$39,595US base, xDrive28i
2023Price when new$50,795US as tested, xDrive28i
2024Price when new$50,895US base, M35i
2024Price when new$60,295US as tested, M35i
2024Auction sale$20,5002013 xDrive35i, 6k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$13,2502016 xDrive28i, 58k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$9,5552013 sDrive28i M Sport, 67k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,0002014 xDrive28i, 19k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$10,0002014 sDrive28i, 58k miles, BaT
2026Value today$11,480–$34,131

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 8 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “2018: best-selling BMW X and segment leader”
    • “Cobra 11's 200th episode”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 39 sources
  1. BMW X1 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. The BMW X1 M35i xDrive. press.bmwgroup.com
  3. BMW X1 (E84) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. The all-new 2023 BMW X1. press.bmwgroup.com
  5. BMW X1 Concept - Car Body Design carbodydesign.com
  6. BMW X1: The U.S. Gets its First Sub-Compact Premium SAV. press.bmwgroup.com
  7. BMW X1 (F48) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  8. The new BMW X1 press.bmwgroup.com
  9. BMW X1 xDrive20d review - Does BMW's smallest SUV help retain the brand's sporty reputation? | evo evo.co.uk
  10. The new BMW X1. press.bmwgroup.com
  11. Used BMW X1 (Mk2, 2015-2022) buyer's guide: great to drive, but expensive to run | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  12. Sustainable driving pleasure with two power units and intelligent all-wheel drive. The new BMW X1 xDrive25e. press.bmwgroup.com
  13. The all-new BMW X1 and the first-ever BMW iX1. press.bmwgroup.com
  14. Used BMW X1 buying guide: 2009-2014 (Mk1) | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  15. Used BMW X1 buyer's guide | | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  16. Used BMW X1 and iX1 (Mk3, 2022 to date) buyer’s guide: big SUV quality in a small package | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  17. Increased electric range and efficiency thanks to cutting-edge battery technology: the new BMW X1 xDrive25Le for the Chinese market. press.bmwgroup.com
  18. 2023 BMW X1 And iX1 Long Wheelbase bmwblog.com
  19. BMW Once Shoved A Turbocharged Straight-Six Into Its Smallest Crossover And It's Now Dirt Cheap Speed - The Autopian theautopian.com
  20. Play the Big Game: The BMW X1 20i Tech Edition launched. press.bmwgroup.com
  21. Winter sport in their genes: The BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride and the BMW X1 Edition Powder Ride. press.bmwgroup.com
  22. BMW X1 Outdoor é a nova edição especial limitada do SAV Premium mais vendido do Brasil press.bmwgroup.com
  23. Tested: 2024 BMW X1 M35i Is Highly Caffeinated caranddriver.com
  24. Five Luxury Compact SUVs of 2016-2017 Compared caranddriver.com
  25. TV-Tip: Premiere für den BMW X1 bei Alarm für Cobra 11 bimmertoday.de
  26. BMWBLOG interviews Calvin Luk, BMW X1 Exterior Designer bmwblog.com
  27. Do it all BMW X1 F48 Off Road Build With a Lift Kit & A/T Tires offroadium.com
  28. BMW X1 Resale Value and Depreciation - iSeeCars.com iseecars.com
  29. 2024 BMW X1 Depreciation Value | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  30. 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i Long-Term Wrap-Up caranddriver.com
  31. 2014 BMW X1 xDrive35i Tested caranddriver.com
  32. 2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i Review - First Test motortrend.com
  33. 2024 BMW X1 Review, Pricing, and Specs caranddriver.com
  34. No Reserve: 2013 BMW X1 sDrive28i M Sport for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,555 on November 3, 2025 (Lot #217,946) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 2024 BMW X1 Price, Cost-to-Own, Reviews & More | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  36. No Reserve: 19k-Mile 2014 BMW X1 xDrive28i for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,000 on September 13, 2026 (Lot #262,986) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: 2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,000 on September 3, 2026 (Lot #261,316) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 2016 BMW X1 xDrive28i for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,250 on November 26, 2025 (Lot #221,370) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. No Reserve: 6k-Mile 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,500 on August 30, 2024 (Lot #160,658) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • press.bmwgroup.com
  • carbodydesign.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • bmwblog.com
  • theautopian.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • bimmertoday.de
  • offroadium.com
  • iseecars.com
  • kbb.com
  • motortrend.com

Photo credits

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