The subcompact luxury SUV segment is fiercely competitive, filled with excellent contenders vying for the top spot. While it’s rare to find a truly “bad” car these days, some vehicles simply excel, exceeding expectations and setting new benchmarks. The 2023 Bmw X1 is a prime example of this excellence, proving that being merely “good” is not enough – you need to be exceptional. This week, we delve into what makes the new BMW X1 stand out in a crowded field of rivals like the Lexus UX, Volvo XC40, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Range Rover Evoque.
Image of the 2023 BMW X1 front exterior, showcasing its modern design.
Stepping inside the 2023 BMW X1 is a revelation. BMW has successfully brought the minimalist and sophisticated interior design, first admired in the BMW iX, to its subcompact SUV. The cabin is dominated by a striking curved display, seemingly floating above the dashboard, integrating both the instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen under a single glass panel. The driver-centric instrument cluster on the left and the vibrant touchscreen on the right create a visually stunning and technologically advanced environment.
The floating center console adds to the sense of spaciousness and modernity. It houses essential vehicle controls, including the start/stop button, a modern toggle shifter, an intuitive volume control wheel, and buttons for drive mode selection and the parking brake. This design philosophy embodies “everything you need and nothing you don’t,” prioritizing functionality and clean aesthetics. While physical climate controls are minimized to legally required front and rear defrost buttons, the permanent on-screen climate controls at the bottom of the touchscreen are easily accessible and user-friendly. The automatic climate control system itself is highly efficient, often negating the need for manual adjustments.
Interior view of the 2023 BMW X1 dashboard, highlighting the curved screen and minimalist design.
The infotainment system in the 2023 BMW X1 is not only visually impressive but also functionally superior. The high-resolution screen showcases one of the most seamless wireless Apple CarPlay integrations available. Wireless Android Auto is also supported, but BMW’s implementation of CarPlay truly shines. It leverages newer CarPlay features to project Apple Maps not only on the central infotainment screen but also beautifully onto the instrument cluster display. This is a significant advantage, as in many vehicles, in-cluster navigation is limited to the built-in (and often less user-friendly) systems. BMW allows for a small, integrated Apple Maps display within the native digital instrument cluster, freeing up the main infotainment screen for other applications like Apple Music. This smart use of screen real estate, especially for iPhone users, could be a decisive factor when choosing between the X1 and its competitors.
Adding to the tech-forward interior is a wireless phone charger located at the base of the center stack. This charger incorporates a unique restraining bar, reminiscent of a roller coaster safety mechanism, to secure your phone during charging. Simply place your phone on the charging pad and engage the bar to keep it safely in place. Retrieving your phone is just as easy, with the bar releasing instantly when you lift the device. While incredibly convenient, users with larger drinks in the cupholders might find phone access slightly restricted. Beneath the floating center console, a generous open storage area provides ample space for personal items like purses, wallets, keys, and other everyday essentials, keeping clutter out of sight.
Close-up of the 2023 BMW X1 infotainment screen displaying Apple CarPlay.
The exterior design of the 2023 BMW X1 is both inoffensive and appealing. It successfully avoids the oversized kidney grille that has become controversial on some recent BMW models. While the crossover form factor has inherent limitations in design variation, BMW’s design team has skillfully sculpted the X1 with sharp lines, subtle curves, and well-proportioned elements, resulting in a visually attractive vehicle. The San Remo Green Metallic paint option further enhances its appeal, adding a touch of distinctive elegance.
Image showing the wireless phone charging pad with the restraining bar in the 2023 BMW X1.
The xDrive28i all-wheel-drive version tested comes well-equipped and priced competitively within its class, at $46,795. However, the absence of standard adaptive cruise control is a notable and somewhat perplexing omission, especially considering this feature is standard on much more affordable base models like the Toyota Corolla. This decision by BMW USA product planners seems to prioritize upselling optional extras. Another minor drawback is the slightly slow auto start/stop restart, and the lack of a dedicated button to disable this feature. The workaround is to engage Sport mode, which deactivates auto start/stop and enhances driving dynamics.
Rear three-quarter view of the 2023 BMW X1 in San Remo Green Metallic, showcasing its exterior styling.
Despite these minor criticisms, the 2023 BMW X1 emerges as a top pick in the subcompact luxury crossover segment. Its exceptional interior design, advanced technology, and overall refinement make it a standout vehicle. It’s an ideal choice for city driving and could even serve as a stylish and safe first car for image-conscious young drivers with the budget to match. While competitors like the Lexus UX and Volvo XC40 are also strong contenders in the same price range, the BMW X1’s blend of design and features gives it a compelling edge, proving that in this competitive class, the 2023 BMW X1 is indeed more equal than others.
