This compact luxury SUV knows how to make an entrance, flaunting a combo of speedster performance and glitzy features. This year, it's turning up the volume by adding SiriusXM satellite radio as a standard feature. Now, those lengthy road trips will be groovier than ever! The sports seats have now become exclusive commodities. They're no longer available off the shelf. To get your hands on these, you'll need to go for the M Sport pack. It's like getting a VIP pass to the sporty feel!
And don't forget about the little tweak in the 2021 model – the LED fog lamps are no longer part of the Convenience or Premium packages. Despite these changes, this SUV continues to wear the crown of BMW’s superiority, offering a splendid mix of opulence and power. So, buckle up, folks! The 2021 BMW X1 is ready to take you on a thrilling ride!
Read on to learn more about the 2021 BMW X1.
Though some elements hint at cost-saving measures, the overall design maintains the premium feel associated with the BMW brand. The driver-focused cockpit underscores the vehicle's sporty personality, with an elegant, easy-to-read gauge cluster and a well-positioned driving seat. However, the range of motion in the steering-wheel adjustments leaves room for improvement.
The crown jewel of the X1's interior is its advanced infotainment system. It features a 6.5-inch display as standard, with the option to upgrade to an 8.8-inch touchscreen. The system is equipped with features like Apple CarPlay and navigation, offering a seamless connection between the driver and the vehicle. The user-friendly interface and crisp graphics ensure an intuitive and enjoyable user experience. Despite a few shortcomings, the 2021 BMW X1's interior is thoughtfully designed to deliver comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury.
The exterior of the 2021 BMW X1 is a masterpiece of dynamic design and precision craftsmanship. The signature style of BMW is evident in the bold, kidney-shaped front grille flanked by sharp LED headlights, adding an aggressive yet sophisticated look to the vehicle's face. The sleek character lines gracefully flow along the sides, adding to the X1's sporty look and creating a feeling of movement, even when the vehicle is parked. The stylish alloy wheels complement the overall design, while the muscular rear end, complete with distinctive LED taillights, leaves a lasting impression. The X1’s unique exterior design elements not only add to its visual appeal but also play a functional role, improving aerodynamics for better performance and fuel efficiency.
Powering the 2021 BMW X1 is a 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. This duo provides a lively feel, with ample power for both city drives and highway cruises. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers not only an exhilarating acceleration, clocking a 0-60 mph time of just 6.3 seconds but also impressive fuel efficiency. While front-wheel drive is standard, the X1 also offers an all-wheel-drive option. The all-wheel-drive system, while primarily favoring the front wheels, can direct up to 100 percent of the engine's power to the rear wheels in certain low-traction conditions. This ensures optimum power distribution and enhanced driving dynamics, irrespective of the driving scenario.
The 2021 BMW X1 offers commendable fuel efficiency for its class, with EPA ratings of 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel drive variant. These numbers place the X1 in line with its segment rivals, making it a competitive choice for eco-conscious consumers. However, it's worth noting that the all-wheel drive variant's efficiency is slightly lower, with EPA numbers of 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. In real-world testing, the all-wheel drive X1 returned 29 mpg on the highway, slightly less than its EPA rating. Despite this minor discrepancy, the 2021 BMW X1 remains a solid contender in its segment for fuel efficiency.
The 2021 BMW X1 holds a strong safety reputation, underpinned by commendable ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which awarded the vehicle a five-star overall safety rating. This indicates the X1's superior protection in a variety of crash scenarios. However, it's worth noting that the X1 fell short of earning a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) due to the headlamps, which scored only 'Marginal' in that agency's testing. Despite this, the 2021 BMW X1 comes packed with a suite of standard driver-assistance features, offering drivers additional peace of mind. These features include forward-collision warning, which alerts the driver of a potential collision and can initiate braking if necessary, and a lane-departure warning system that warns the driver if the vehicle begins to stray from its lane.
The X1 also includes automatic high-beam headlamps, which can switch between high and low beams depending on the presence of oncoming vehicles. For those seeking more advanced safety technology, the 2021 BMW X1 offers additional features through optional packages. Therefore, while the basic safety features provide considerable protection, investing in advanced safety options can further enhance the vehicle’s safety profile. Overall, the 2021 BMW X1’s safety offerings are robust and provide an added layer of confidence for drivers and passengers alike.
In a nutshell, the 2021 BMW X1 is a solid blend of style, performance, and utility. Visually, it's a stunner, flaunting a dynamic design that both looks posh and enhances aerodynamics. Inside, the premium feel is unmistakable despite a few cost-saving cues. Performance-wise, it's a beast. That punchy turbo engine can get you from 0 to 60 in a jiffy, and still leave you grinning at the gas station, thanks to its commendable fuel efficiency. Safety? Checked. With a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a suite of standard and optional driver-assistance features, the X1 doesn't skimp on peace of mind.
However, it's not all sunshine and roses. The stiff suspension could give you a rougher ride on bumpy roads, and the luxurious features that make the X1 shine are mostly optional, which could bump up the price tag. The sports seats are now only available with the M Sport package; a bummer for those who fancied them standalone.
So, would we recommend the 2021 BMW X1? Absolutely, if you're after a chic, sporty compact SUV that packs a punch and doesn't guzzle gas. Just keep in mind, that to fully enjoy the BMW experience, you might need to dig a bit deeper into your pockets. After all, luxury does come at a price!
