[SchumiFan]

I've had my X1 (premium pkg w/ sports seat) for about a month now and have about 800 miles under the belt. Definitely not the pure regular consumer BMW experience of 3 series or X3 but it is close enough. Here is a summary of my experience

Love It

• Handling, gives confidence while driving and grips the road well. Granted, I'm coming from a Honda but it is good for an SUV class.
• Has a lot of technology, may be a bit excessive.
• Love the HUD and configurability of instrument cluster.
• Surprisingly big for its class. I'm tall and yet I can sit behind my driver seat config comfortably.
• Is relatively quiet on highway. Decent insulation.
• Power available is more than sufficient for most of the situations.
• Somebody complained about Heated seats and steering not being powerful enough. I've found it more than sufficient even in single digit temp (F).
• Floating armrest. Storage is not traditional but you can easily stash away jacket and handbag without wasting a seat. Gives a lot of flexibility.
• Interior and exterior lighting. Auto beam light feature is very handy on back roads.
• I like the weighted steering. It is not light and not too heavy. Gives you a good feel.

Could have been better

• Apple CarPlay is buggy. Including the location based issues with maps. Sometimes it even kills my network.
• Searching for options within the menu on Infotainment system.
• Sports seats have tight thigh bolsters. I have a slightly bigger frame at 6 ft 3/220+lbs and it gets a bit uneasy on longer drives (even 1 hr+). Should be good for an average body.
• HK sound system has non-existent bass at low to mid volume. They should have made this system a bit better. It is good but definitely does not give a premium vibe.

Makes me sad

• Adaptive Cruise should be standard or at least in premium package. I believe it has all the hardware. Could have eliminated a couple of bells & whistles to have ACC.
• Ability to do more from the App instead of configuring everything in the infotainment.
• AC vent is loud at any setting above Very Low.
• I've felt that if you don't step a lot on the gas around 32mph, it becomes sluggish.Probably gear switch is not that great around that speed.

[huma]

ACC really should have been standard with premium package.
Hondas, Toyotas and Subarus are offering it standard with most models, even the lowest trim.

[ronime]

We are in a similar position to SchumiFan, 802 miles on the clock at the moment and took delivery a little over a month ago (30 December 2022).

Most of the 802 miles so far have been with my wife at the wheel and inevitably I am going to use our previous F30 320i and F40 118i as points of reference for our X1 M Sport sDrive20i Mild Hybrid.

Likes

• Interior space. The wheelbase is less than an inch longer than the F40 but the rear seat legroom and boot/trunk space is impressive.
• Reclining rear seat backs
• Seat comfort. Good range of adjustment on electric memory seats. I much prefer the Alcantara to Dakota leather and the seats warm up very quickly, even with the seat heaters on their lowest setting.
• Seating position. Good visibility and easy to get in and out of the seats for those with the onset of mobility problems.
• Ride comfort and handling. The adaptive suspension does a great job at controlling body roll in corners. I would say that our X1 rolls less in corners than our previous F40 on M Sport suspension.
• Very quiet at urban speeds
• Performance and fuel consumption for urban use. Our X1 will spend most of its time on the daily urban commute at speeds less than 40mph. Despite weighing almost 300kg more than our previous F40 with fundamentally the same B38 3-pot 1.5 litre engine, the X1 feels as nippy as the F40 and fuel consumption is about the same.
• Stop-start is mostly unobtrusive

Dislikes

• Inconsistent brake pedal feel. Brake pedal feels firm and responsive when the hybrid system is recuperating energy but is soft and unresponsive otherwise. Very difficult to feather/modulate brakes at low (parking) speeds.
• Occasional hesitance in pulling away after auto-stop
• Accelerator pedal response is overly damped in Efficient mode
• Tyre roar and tyre thump spoil what is otherwise a very quiet car
• Lack of customisation for driving modes (bring back "Individual" mode options).
• Can only set "Personal" as the default/start-up mode
• "Expressive", "Relax" and "Digital Art" driving modes are a waste of flash-memory space
• Touch screen interface can be difficult to navigate and as such can be quite distracting whilst driving.
• Nannying warnings for driver-assistance being unavailable
• sDrive20i struggles a bit at motorway speeds. Not as fuel efficient as the F40 at 70mph and really needs "Boost" deploying for quick overtaking manoeuvres.
• Large surface area. Takes ages and many buckets of water to wash by hand.
• Incorrect/misleading guidance in the Owner's Handbook (even in the updated BMW Driver's App and in-car versions of the Handbook)

Wish list

• Rotary controller and more physical shortcut buttons for iDrive
• Options for instrument display (simulated "analog" dials, or similar "curved" gauges to those in older BMW models with the Digital Cockpit).
• Options for heated seat "start" temperature (seems to be fixed at 4 centigrade, Mrs Ronime prefers 6)
• Adjustable side bolsters on front seats
• Active lumbar support option for front passenger seat
• Deeper covered storage compartment under centre armrest and correct hinge orientation on the armrest lid for RHD models
• Flock lining in glovebox
• D-rings in boot/trunk
• Better quality floor mats
• All-season tyres as a factory option
• Less steering assistance in Sport mode
• Beefier mild-hybrid system (20kW motor, 2kWh battery)

[MontyB1]

I know I posted this elswhere thought I'd share it here.

This is the online version of Autocars review of the 23i in the UK. It's not terrible by any means, but they are normally more glowing of most BMW models, not sure if this is fair or unfair criticism to be honest. The hesitation we certainly saw and is a reason we are going for the 25e over the 20i/23i in the UK, other things as ever are subjective.

BMW X1 23i Review 2023

[MontyB1]

I will say that we had the car for 24hrs ish from BMW.

- It was quiet and refined up there with the X3 for most things maybe 'slightly' down at a motorway cruise but close.
- X-line rode really well on 19s and standard suspension.
- The iD8 was fine for us, took a little bit of getting used to and she did miss having shortcut buttons but the quick menu - pull down from the top looked good to get shortcuts in there. Plus we needed to add the phone etc. to fully use it properly.
- Voice commands worked pretty well. She especially loved it when I said put all the windows down and it was just above freezing, loved it.
- Space its easily as if not more spacious inside than the X3. In fact looking at the size comparison on the internal dimensions it backs it up. Other than the boot is a 'little' smaller it's great for a family car, all you really need.
- Standard hifi was a bit week, everything was already turned up at it was only ok, the uk gets 6 speaker as standards, harman K is extra £600.

Only OK
- Steering was crazy light at parking speed, almost no feel at all my wife commented on the same, hers has great feel. It did more weight with speed but it was Toyota OAP spec at parking speeds for the X-line.
- The hesitation was an issue we both found, yes this is symptomatic of many DCT but it isn't something I often found in the Audi I had many 10+ years ago, mid you that did give you a crazy jolt from stopped if you rushed it, not nice to drive around that at the time.


Will leave the wish list, it was 24hrs, only adding more / some physical buttons would be great and the removal of the iDrive wheel wasn't terrible but seems petty to take it away. All other models other than a 2AT are keeping it, maybe an experiment too far, it was good before think they need to put it back and add a few simple buttons into the mix.

[saws]

After about 3 weeks of use, here are my thoughts:

PROS
• Headlights are awesome
• Overall space is generous
• Plethora of features and customizations
• Quiet interior
• Peppy engine.
• Large screen for nav.
• Did I say many features…

MEH
• hesitation to accelerate from start (though cancelling auto stop helps)
• start/stop is aggressive, stops engine even before I stop making slowing down stressful.

CONS
• Uncomfortable seats:
o VERY narrow seat bottom
o Side bolsters press into your thighs and rib cage causing pain on long drives.
o getting in and out is difficult
o not many seat adjustments
o minimal to no cushioning on seats, not comfy for long drives.
o These are really the worst seats I have seen in any car.
• Complicated interface for everything and lack of buttons for frequently used functions
o There is a learning curve every time I use the X1, especially if you drive other cars in between.
• Steering wheel design blocks dash bottom view, setting it lower makes it harder to get in/out.
• Ride is on firm side, even with non-M-Sport and 18-inch wheels.
• BMW-id keeps logging off and is a hassle to stop vehicle to log in again for saved settings. Need to investigate.
o Can’t make short-cuts in guest mode
• Lane keep assist works only when in cruise control. No way to enable when not using cruise control.
• Self start does not seem to enable heated seats… Need to investigate.

If only the seats were more comfortable, this would have been a great buy. Luckily its my wife's car for now who is slim and fits well in the tiny seats. Also, we plan to hand this over to our son when he graduates and hoping it will serve him well.

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by saws

After about 3 weeks of use, here are my thoughts:


CONS
• Complicated interface for everything and lack of buttons for frequently used functions
o There is a learning curve every time I use the X1, especially if you drive other cars in between.
• BMW-id keeps logging off and is a hassle to stop vehicle to log in again for saved settings. Need to investigate.
o Can’t make short-cuts in guest mode

Call the dealer and make an appointment for an "Encore Delivery" with the Genius. He/she will show you how to do all that stuff.

But it sounds like you need to go into the settings and enable the key fob to be recognized to your profile -- it's not the default setting. Once I did this, it stopped defaulting to the guest profile.

[Paradocks]

Originally Posted by saws

CONS
• Uncomfortable seats:
o VERY narrow seat bottom
o Side bolsters press into your thighs and rib cage causing pain on long drives.
o getting in and out is difficult
o not many seat adjustments
o minimal to no cushioning on seats, not comfy for long drives.
o These are really the worst seats I have seen in any car.

So....tell us how you REALLY feel about those seats.

I take it you are referring to the sports seats? I don't remember what your config was. I myself am leaning towards the non-sport seats due to my bulky frame, and this review highlights my worst fears.

[saws]

Originally Posted by tex2670

Call the dealer and make an appointment for an "Encore Delivery" with the Genius. He/she will show you how to do all that stuff.

But it sounds like you need to go into the settings and enable the key fob to be recognized to your profile -- it's not the default setting. Once I did this, it stopped defaulting to the guest profile.

You are right, I think I will, I already got the invite for encore delivery.
As for linking key fob to profile, I already did it,; even deleted and redid to be sure. I will update after encore visit if it solves this.

[saws]

Originally Posted by Paradocks

So....tell us how you REALLY feel about those seats.

I take it you are referring to the sports seats? I don't remember what your config was. I myself am leaning towards the non-sport seats due to my bulky frame, and this review highlights my worst fears.

for short drives or city driving, I can manage with these seats, but we bought it for long drives to visit our kids in colleges, and my wife hates driving, so bummer... Every body-type is different so I recommend to try it before giving up, hopefully it will be fine for you.

Yes, these are the red sport seats, here is the build info:
Alpine white with red/black interior
Xline pkg
convenience pkg
heated seats/wheel
Garage door opener
remote start (added post purchase)
Driving Assistant Plus (added after purchase)

[huma]

Originally Posted by saws

You are right, I think I will, I already got the invite for encore delivery.
As for linking key fob to profile, I already did it,; even deleted and redid to be sure. I will update after encore visit if it solves this.

I had the key, card, and phone linked to the x1. Had to delete the phone and relink the key to make it work properly

[PlasticEngine]

Originally Posted by ronime

I much prefer the Alcantara to Dakota leather

does alcantara seat cool off faster in warm weather as well? there's nothing more horrible than getting into a hot car in the summer and sitting down on hot leather(or Sensatec) seats, especially when one is wearing shorts.

how do you clean alcantara surface? for dust, I guess it's just vacuum gently, but what about spilling coffee or ketchup?

thanks in advance for your reply

[Rags2Rags]

Originally Posted by saws

After about 3 weeks of use, here are my thoughts:


CONS
• Uncomfortable seats:
o VERY narrow seat bottom
o Side bolsters press into your thighs and rib cage causing pain on long drives.
o getting in and out is difficult
o not many seat adjustments
o minimal to no cushioning on seats, not comfy for long drives.
o These are really the worst seats I have seen in any car.

If only the seats were more comfortable, this would have been a great buy. Luckily its my wife's car for now who is slim and fits well in the tiny seats. Also, we plan to hand this over to our son when he graduates and hoping it will serve him well.

As a shorter, somewhat overweight guy the seats hold me really tight around my back, almost too much. The seat area is too tight around my legs forcing me to have my leg be about 30% sitting on top of the left side bolster which is fine for a short drive but I'm sure it would be really unpleasant on our longer trips. I'm not 400lbs either so I was surprised just how tight it was. It's surprising (to me) that a person of your size (you're not huge) also has the same problem.

I feel anyone who's considered a "big guy" (also known as really tall, overweight, thicc, fatass, short and stout, shortstack, bigtuna, etc) should definitely try the seats out before buying them.

I'm ok that we went with the sports seats because we have another SUV for longer trips so I'll pretty much never have to drive for long hours in it. I will say I do like how it holds me in place when cornering.

[huma]

Originally Posted by saws

for short drives or city driving, I can manage with these seats, but we bought it for long drives to visit our kids in colleges, and my wife hates driving, so bummer... Every body-type is different so I recommend to try it before giving up, hopefully it will be fine for you.

Yes, these are the red sport seats, here is the build info:
Alpine white with red/black interior
Xline pkg
convenience pkg
heated seats/wheel
Garage door opener
remote start (added post purchase)
Driving Assistant Plus (added after purchase)

Lumbar support would have made your seats better.

[PlasticEngine]

Originally Posted by huma

Lumbar support would have made your seats better.

personally, I think it's dispeakable that BMW does not make lumbar support standard, even if it's just for the driver's seat. even cheap Toyotas under $25000 from 16 years ago had lumbar support as standard.

[Dlanod]

I've ordered the 20i MHT M Sport - slightly worried that it's going to be bit underpowered but I didn't want to go above the £40K road tax tax bracket in the UK - but in comparison to the awful Karoq 1.5 TSi that I am driving just now, it'll be fine I expect......the Karoq handles like a bath tub.........

[ronime]

Originally Posted by Dlanod

I've ordered the 20i MHT M Sport - slightly worried that it's going to be bit underpowered but I didn't want to go above the £40K road tax tax bracket in the UK - but in comparison to the awful Karoq 1.5 TSi that I am driving just now, it'll be fine I expect......the Karoq handles like a bath tub.........

Same here. We chose Alpine White paint to keep it under the £40K list price threshold for "luxury car" tax. Not sure Mineral White Metallic was worth an extra £355 per year to us.

We came to the X1 from an F40 118i with the 136hp B38 engine and bought "blind" in as much as our X1 test drive was in an xDrive23d with considerably more hp and torque.

I was worried how the new B38 engine would cope in a car that is almost 300kg heavier than the 118i but with slightly more hp and torque from this evolution of the engine and the hybrid motor assistance it holds its own for urban use and fuel economy in these conditions seems to be about the same.

IIRC, on paper the sDrive20i is "faster" than the Karoq 1.5 TSi.

It probably loses out to the 118i at motorway speeds, with the X1 being heavier, having a larger frontal area and being slightly lower geared. The "boost" paddle certainly helps for overtaking.

The adaptive damping on the M Sport is impressive. Surprisingly less body roll through corners than expected, I would say it corners flatter than the 118i.

[PlasticEngine]

Originally Posted by ronime

We came to the X1 from an F40 118i with the 136hp B38 engine and bought "blind" in as much as our X1 test drive was in an xDrive23d with considerably more hp and torque.
.

this is why I should not read this forum until I've had my usual 3 cups f strong coffee in the morning.(it's 6:17AM here)

I glanced at your post briefly and the only thing the stuck in my mind was "oh wow... those Europeans are so lucky, Ferarri would never allowed a base model of the F40 with just 136hb to be sold here in the US for probably less than $100,000 or something")

after my second cup, I realized that F40 was a BMW F40. Not the US$400,000 Ferarri F40 which was my all-time dream car.