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Is a used BMW X1 a good buy?
The BMW X1 is an upmarket small SUV that’s aimed at drivers looking for something a little more upmarket and sportier to drive than most cars of this type, yet thanks to our BMW X1 deals, you can get one on the drive for much less than you might think.
The BMW X1 is a similar size to cars such as the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA, which are also worth considering, as all of these cars have a lot in common. There’s also the Volvo XC40 which we highly recommend.
The BMW X1 is comfortable and good to drive, so it makes an appealing family car. It’s roomy enough for kids or adults to get settled in the back and the boot won’t have any trouble fitting in a large weekly shop from the supermarket.
The engine range is good because there are no bad choices - all the engines are economical enough and provide plenty of performance. There’s even a plug-in hybrid model that you can charge up and drive a short distance on electric power alone, which makes a lot of sense for city drivers.
There are no alternative body styles for the BMW X1, though another option is the BMW X2 which is very similar but has a sleeker look. The BMW X1 is better value as it’s more practical and cheaper, however, so if you want the sensible choice, stick with the BMW X1.
Keep reading to discover what equipment is included in each version, so you can work out which BMW X1 is for you, and check out the best BMW X1 deals available right now.
Which used BMW X1 should you buy?
The range looks a bit confusing at first but the numbers just position the car in the range - the higher the number, the more powerful and quicker the car. Focus your search on xDrive models if you're after four-wheel drive, while sDrive means it's two wheel drive.
Let’s start at the beginning - the X1 sDrive 18i is the entry-level petrol model in two-wheel drive form. Then there’s the sDrive 20i, which is a bit more powerful followed by the xDrive 20i, which is the same engine but with four-wheel drive. It’s the same for the diesels - the sDrive 18d is the entry-level diesel, then there’s the two-wheel-drive sDrive 20d and finally the four-wheel drive xDrive 20d.
What used BMW X1 trim levels are available?
You'll find lots of BMW X1 M Sport models on the used market and many come with lots of optional extras meaning you can get a very high spec car. We think Sport is a good balance though, getting plenty of kit without breaking the bank.
BMW X1 SE
The entry-level BMW X1 is the SE. There are two petrol engines and two diesels, plus a plug-in hybrid model. The SE model is relatively well equipped. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), dual-zone climate control, a power-operated tailgate, LED headlights and taillights and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
It features a smooth and user-friendly 8.8-inch media system with sat-nav, digital radio and Bluetooth, plus a 40/20/40 split rear bench seat, parking sensors and cruise control.
BMW X1 Sport
The BMW X1 Sport is the next trim after SE. This specification level is available with all the same engines as SE and in petrol-electric plug-in hybrid form.
The plug-in hybrid model is the xDrive 25e, which has a petrol engine but also an electric motor that you can use to drive without the engine being on at all - provided that you charge the car before you set off - making it perfect for urban commuting. The 18i and 18d models are available with a manual gearbox but the rest of the range is automatic-only.
Sport trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, black exterior trim for a sportier look, cloth sports seats, black roof rails, sharper looking bumpers and contrast stitching on the interior, including on the leather steering wheel.
BMW X1 xLine
The BMW X1 xLine versions cost from around £33,000 when new, and this trim level boosts the amount of equipment you get over the Sport versions. It’s available with all the same engines.
xLine adds 18-inch alloy wheels, an aluminium grille, black interior trim, aluminium exterior trim including the roof rails, heated seats, electric folding door mirrors and extra lighting including logo projection under the doors.
BMW X1 M Sport
The BMW X1 M Sport is the highest trim level and as such it’s the most expensive when new, at around £34,000 upwards, but you can get plenty of money off this popular trim level. As always, though, look for nearly new or used models to get the best car for your money. All engines are available here.
M Sport trim also has 18-inch alloy wheels, but comes with darker exterior trim than the xLine model as well as dark grey headlining inside, sporty-looking bumpers, sportier suspension that helps sharpen up the cornering, glossy black roof rails and a special steering wheel.