BMW X1 2023: Audi Q3, Mercedes GLB competitor priced for Australia

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The all-new BMW X1 is not far off its big local launch, with the small SUV slated for a fourth quarter 2022 release. 

Prices for the new small SUV start at $53,900 before on-road costs for the entry-level sDrive18i, while the higher-specced and more-powerful xDrive20i will set buyers back $65,900 before on-road costs. 

Like most importers these days, prices are up on the outgoing F48 X1, which topped out at $58,600 before on-road costs for the sDrive20i two-wheel-drive model. Now, with the third-gen U11 X1, an xDrive variant will be available. 

BMW Australia says that the newest generation of BMW X1 is paving the way for the iX1, which will debut in iX1 xDrive30 guise in the first quarter of 2023. 

BMW has also made a significant push in the area of sustainability with extensive use of green energy in production and supply chains as well as greater use of secondary raw and natural-type materials. 

Expect pricing for the upcoming iX1 xDrive30 to become available later in 2022 before its launch in early 2023. 

What standard features will I get with the new BMW X1?

The entry-level sDrive18i will include Sensatec faux-leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, a digital radio, a reversing camera, a leather sports steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless phone charging, as well as dual-zone climate control, adaptive LED headlights and an automatic tailgate.

Also featured on the car is a head-up display and BMW’s curved display that incorporates a 10.7-inch central display with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. 

Stepping up to the xDrive20i includes the above features plus the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, heated and electrically adjustable front seats and larger 19-inch alloy wheels.

Optional extras for the new X1 include the enhancement package ($6000 for sDrive18i, $4000 for xDrive20i) that includes metallic paintwork, a panoramic sunroof, a harmon kardon sound system and sliding rear seats.

An M Sport package is also available at an extra cost for the xDrive20i only and will set owners back an additional $3000. The package includes 19-inch M Sport alloy wheels, adaptive M suspension, M aluminium dark interior trim, an M leather steering wheel and M high gloss exterior trim pieces and roof rails in the same colour. 

Another available option will be the BMW features on-demand system that allows owners to purchase a subscription to certain features on the X1 small SUV such as heated seats. A heated steering wheel will also be available via subscription – a function that has drawn some criticism by the global automotive media.  

What powers the new X1?

The sDrive18i is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol three-cylinder that produces 115kW of power and 230Nm of torque and is fed through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to the front wheels exclusively. The three-cylinder unit consumes a claimed combined fuel economy of 6.5L/100km.

In the top-spec xDrive20i, owners will gain BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system and a more potent 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine that makes total outputs of 150kW/300Nm, enough to push the xDrive20i to 100km/h in a claimed 7.4 seconds. 

Another improved area for the BMW X1 has been the chassis, where enhancements have been made to the front suspension damping as well as adding a ‘near-actuator wheel-slip limitation’ system that “enhances both traction and directional stability”.

How safe is the new BMW X1?

The newest, third-generation BMW X1 has not been tested yet by ANCAP or the overseas NCAP, however in 2015, its predecessor scored a five-star safety rating here in Australia by ANCAP. 

BMW says that the X1 has “the most comprehensive and advanced suite of driver and parking assistance systems currently available in the segment”.

Adaptive LED headlights, intelligent personal assistant, BMW live cockpit, a head-up display, parking assistant plus and driving assistance that includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view monitor and a built-in dashcam are all included with the BMW X1. 

BMW X1 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• sDrive18i: $53,900
• xDrive20i: $65,900