First Look: 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i

It’s bigger, roomier and a lot more sophisticated, what with a variety of new, high-tech features, including the new Driving Assistance Professional.

BMW took the covers off the third-generation X1, but it doesn’t get to the U.S. until this fall.

BMW finally pulled the wraps off the third-generation X1 crossover — though U.S. buyers will have to wait until the fourth quarter of this year to finally take delivery.

Starting at less than $40,000, the crossover will be offered — at least initially — in xDrive28i trim, and all-wheel drive will be standard. An M Sport model also will be available.

The X1 was first introduced as the rare BMW front-wheel-drive model in 2009 — though it didn’t arrive in the U.S. market until 2012. The second-generation crossover launched three years later and offered a variety of configurations, including both front and rear-wheel-drive, and even a long-wheelbase version for China.

Generation III

Like other X-family models, the new X1 features black cladding along the lower body to give the crossover a more rugged appearance.

The gen-three model coming to the U.S. late this year grows nearly two inches, to 177.2 inches in length. It’s also slighter wider, at 72.6 inches, and taller, at 64.6 inches. The wheelbase grows nearly an inch to 106 inches.

The added dimensions translate into a roomier interior, according to BMW, with room for five adults and more cargo space, as well, especially with the 40/20/40 split rear seats folded down.

Like other X-family models, the new X1 features black cladding along the lower body to give the crossover a more rugged appearance. The front end picks up on the brand’s shift to a more pronounced — here squarer — version of the familiar BMW double-kidney grille. Lighting is all LED, front and back. And the 18-inch wheels and tires give the crossover a bigger and bolder appearance than the outgoing model.

Crisply sculpted body panels distinguish the new body, especially the accent lines linking the front and rear wheel arches. A long roofline flows into an integrated rear spoiler. And low roof rails come standard.

The new X1 features the BMW Curved Glass Display that covers the 10.25-inche digital gauge cluster and the 10.7-inch infotainment display.

The body has what BMW claims is a segment-low drag coefficient of 0.27, thanks to steps that include active air flaps on the front end, reducing drag when the engine needs marginal amounts of cooling air. Flush door handles and active air curtains around the front wheels further improve airflow.

Movin’ on up on the inside

Where the cabin on the initial X1 was a relatively spartan affair, the second-generation model took things up a welcome notch. And the 2023 crossover pushes even further upmarket. The new BMW Curved Display is the most notable feature. It’s a single piece of glass that actually covers two separate screens, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.7-inch infotainment display.

The infotainment system adopts the latest iDrive 8 software and now can be operated in a variety of ways: there’s the familiar iDrive controller, steering wheel buttons, a touchscreen and a new personal voice assistant that can be activated by saying, “Hey, BMW,” and using plain English commands.

BMW went even further upmarket with the interior of the new X1.

Much of the software in the 2023 BMW X1 now can be updated using over-the-air updates. The technology also allows for cloud connectivity for navigation and other functions.

The new crossover offers an array of new digital technologies, starting with a variety of advanced driver assistance systems, including collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

New for 2023 is the Driving Assistance Professional System. The optional camera and radar-based system introduces functions such as Steering and Lane Control Assistant as well as Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function for the first time on the X1.

Other optional features include a parking assistant, reversing assist camera and reversing assistant.

Under the hood

The new X1 is powered by a turbocharges 2.0-liter TwinPower inline-4 making 241 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.

The new X1 is powered by a turbocharges 2.0-liter TwinPower inline-4 making 241 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, it now cuts 0-60 times down to a factory-estimated 6.2 seconds.

“In vehicles equipped with the M Sport Package,” BMW explains, “gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel enable extremely rapid manual gear changes. The shift paddles also enable a Sport Boost function. When the driver pulls the left-hand shift paddle for at least a second, all the powertrain and chassis settings are primed to maximize their sporting responses for the most immediate acceleration possible.”

The xDrive system nominally directs power exclusively to the front wheels. In more aggressive driving scenarios — or when traction is limited — power is shifted to the rear wheels.

The latest BMW Sport Activity Vehicle features a number of updates to its suspension, including new aluminum hydromounts. A three-link rear axle is aimed at delivering a more sporty driving experience, the automaker claims.

An Adaptive M Suspension package is available, as well, and it is paired with a sportier steering tuning.

The 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i reaches showrooms during the fourth quarter and will start at $38,600 plus $995 for delivery fees.

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