BMW X1 2023 review
Overview
The third-generation BMW X1, codenamed U11, opened for UK orders in June 2022 and arrived as a 2023 model-year car, alongside the electric iX1. It is a much bigger, squarer and more grown-up car than the F48 it replaced, with genuine family-SUV space and BMW's latest curved-display cabin. The UK launch line-up was the sDrive18d diesel, the xDrive23i and xDrive23d petrols and diesels, plus plug-in hybrids to follow — note that the xDrive20d and sDrive18i were not UK launch engines, despite appearing in some global listings.
The diesel to buy is the sDrive18d: a 1,995cc four-cylinder turbodiesel (B47) producing 150 PS and 360 Nm, driving the front wheels through a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch automatic. It covers 0–62mph in 8.9 seconds and reaches 130mph, with launch WLTP economy of 51.4–57.7mpg and CO2 of 129–145g/km depending on trim and wheels. Launch trims wore Premier badging — Sport Premier, xLine Premier, xLine Premier Pro, M Sport Premier and M Sport Premier Pro — with the sDrive18d opening the range at £35,130.
Space is where the U11 really moves the game on. BMW quotes a 540-litre boot with the seats up and 1,600 litres folded (variant-specific data sheets quote lower figures depending on rear-seat position, so treat the headline as the maximum). The cabin is quiet, well built and loaded with tech, and the warranty is three years with unlimited mileage. Euro NCAP awarded five stars in 2022.
As a used buy, watch for the U11's recall history: Auto Express records eight recalls for the Mk3, including three brake-servo faults and two front-passenger-seat faults in 2024, plus B-pillar, seatbelt and sunroof-drain campaigns. Owner reports also mention jerky dual-clutch behaviour and occasional infotainment freezes, usually fixed by software updates, and the M Sport's firm ride divides opinion. Check any car by VIN with a BMW dealer before purchase.
UK price from: £35,130
Specifications
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder turbodiesel (B47) |
| Power | 150 PS @ 3,750-4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 360 Nm @ 1,500-2,500 rpm |
| 0-62 mph | 8.9 seconds |
| Top speed | 130 mph |
| Transmission | 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | 51.4-57.7 mpg combined (WLTP, launch range) |
| CO2 emissions | 129-145 g/km (trim/wheel-dependent) |
| Boot space | 540 litres (1,600 litres seats folded) |
| Towing capacity | 1,800 kg braked (M Sport; up to 2,000 kg by variant) |
| Insurance group | 25E (sDrive18d M Sport) |
| Warranty | 3 years / unlimited mileage |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (2022 test) |
Features
- 2.0-litre B47 turbodiesel (150 PS, 360 Nm)
- Seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch automatic
- Front-wheel drive (sDrive)
- BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8
- 540-litre boot expanding to 1,600 litres
- Up to 57.7mpg WLTP economy at launch
- Full driver-assistance and parking-assistant systems
- Three-year/unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £79.99 | Pattern part; OEM specification |
| Oil filter | £13.99 | |
| Cabin pollen filter | £22.99 | |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £27.99 | |
| 12V battery | £119.99 | |
| Engine air filter | £19.99 |
Pros
- Genuinely spacious: 540-litre boot in a compact SUV
- Strong, frugal 150 PS diesel with up to 57.7mpg
- Five-star Euro NCAP rating and unlimited-mileage warranty
- Modern, high-quality cabin with curved display
Cons
- Eight Mk3 recalls recorded — VIN check essential before buying
- M Sport ride is firm on poor UK roads
- Boot figures vary by data sheet and seat position
- Dual-clutch can feel jerky at low speed; infotainment can freeze
