Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW X1 SUV (2015-2022) - Reliability & safety

Tried-and-tested parts should help the BMW X1 reliability case, but some useful safety kit is optional

Carbuyer Rating

3.5 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Reliability & safety Rating

3.0 out of 5

The BMW X1 might be a premium model but it seems owners aren't too happy with the German brand's least expensive SUV. Safety seems assured, though – the X1 did very well in crash tests. The previous generation of the car was a bit of a mixed bag in the reliability category.

BMW X1 reliability

BMW X1 owners ranked the car 74th overall out of the top 75 cars in our 2021 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, which is poor. Buyers like the physical controls and luggage space, but say that the interior quality, seat comfort, driving experience and value for money could all be better. The BMW brand has improved its standing in 2021, finishing 21st out of 29 manufacturers (up from 27th in 2020).

BMW owners praised their cars' engines, acceleration and practicality, as well as the brand's infotainment and safety technology. Interior and exterior style was rated below average. Running costs are regarded as disappointing, though, particularly when it comes to the cost of servicing. When it comes to reliability, BMW was ranked below average, and 19.2% of owners reported at least one fault in the first year of ownership, with a fifth of them concerning the electrics.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The new X1 runs on the same platform as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and MINI Clubman, so most mechanical parts are tried and tested.

Safety

The BMW X1 comes with a decent amount of safety kit as standard, including the usual slew of airbags and mandatory tyre-pressure sensors. However, the X1 also has a lot of optional safety kit, which is worth having in case the worst should happen on the road.

This X1 was crash-tested by Euro NCAP at the end of 2015 and scored the maximum five stars, scoring 90% for adult occupant protection and 87% for child occupant protection along the way. The car was particularly impressive in protecting occupants from side impacts and whiplash injuries.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    sDrive 20i MHT Sport 5dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £35,410

Most Economical

  • Name
    xDrive 25e Sport 5dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £42,670

Fastest

  • Name
    M35i xDrive 5dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £49,385
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV
Renault 5 front quarter
In-depth reviews
7 Oct 2024

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
11 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Ford Explorer review – good-to-drive EV with a long range
Ford Explorer Carbuyer UK drive
In-depth reviews
9 Oct 2024

Ford Explorer review – good-to-drive EV with a long range

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024