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

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).

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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.

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.