Wow, This SUV Is A Huge Improvement! (BMW X1 2023 Review)

[@chasingcars]

How do you feel about subscription features already built into the car, but that you have to pay to activate?

[@textliter]

Had the same problem in my M2 with the carplay subscription. Activated for life for $20. Easily sorted via a coding patch. I'm sure the same thing will happen with this. They would be hard pressed to void your warranty except on the affected component.

[@geoffreyclarke7340]

I find it offensive to be honest. Really poor, and a negative for my perception of their brand

[@mehmettemel8725]

Simple thing to do is don't buy it,let them know that they are losing potential customers,especially these days when there are lot of other makes to consider.

[@johntothechan]

Basically paying a subscription fee for hardware that’s already bought. No different than paying a subscription fee for your glovebox or your trunk. I’m glad ac was invented before subscription hell or we’d be subscribing for it too.

[@analysethis6061]

To be honest, I think its simply brilliant. Firstly, you are packaging the car with all the tech and options. This itself reduces the cost of production. 2. You are scribing for features you would normally use in extreme weather conditions, which would last only a few months a year. Standard equipment is good enough for Suvs in this price range. As every coin has two faces, this ploy from BMW may go both ways.

[@Rtruo85]

Yeah in the US BMW pulled back on the subscription option due to public outcry… a few states have actually even introduced legislation that prevents manufacturers from charging subscription fees for features already installed in the car. What a mess.

[@LoLhashbrownx]

now they’ll just add that price into the car. good for you but bad for people that don’t actually need those added subscriptions.

[@skulkloe]

Hacker challenge - jailbreak the BMW and activate all the BS subscription features for free.

[@chasingcars]

Will be interesting to see if this happens.

[@mharro88]

Or just don't buy a bmw. They've gone to shit since Albert Biermann left anyway

[@yecuzz]

@@berniesutton7277 Other peoples? He means hacking their own cars 😂

[@MrSlowAZZ]

@@mharro88 F80 FTW

[@MM-tt7hy]

These things are connected all the time, so you can at least say goodbye to warranty and perhaps the possibility to updates for any system.

[@chrisperera2818]

I believe BMW will retroactively provide all BMWs purchased from October 2022 with the new five year warranty.

[@chasingcars]

Yes, that’s correct.

[@kevinn1158]

We don't have subscriptions in Canada. That's a terrible way to go. What keeps them from changing the subscription price going forward? I'd say look at cable TV now vs all of these subscription offers and how quickly they add up. No thank you to subscription heated seats. In Canada a 2023 X1 2.8 X drive, M sport with that premium package you mentioned with 19" wheels for 55k CAD. 62k Aussie. This has 241hp. What's this cost in the great country of Australia?

[@michaelvella8511]

If BMW decides to copy the Australian system in Canada I won't buy.....

[@peterhammer4644]

Thnks for a good review 👍

[@chasingcars]

My pleasure 😊

[@Australiano87]

Hi Tom, I’ve ordered the new X1 xdrive20i M Sport (20” wheels + Vernasca oyster leather + Enhancement package) in Storm Bay Grey for 78.5k driveway. I was really considering the iX1 but here in QLD it would cost over 90k. Do you think the electric is worth the extra 13k?

[@chasingcars]

Enjoy the car! It’d take 5+ years to recoup that difference on a quick back of envelope calculation, so primarily worth it to buy the iX1 if you wanted the extra power and feel good factor of going electric. Not economical on the face of it.

[@AYeung-s8f]

Pastrana is that you? 😉

[@Australiano87]

@@AYeung-s8f yep!

[@Australiano87]

@@chasingcars thanks! Tbh Id prefer to have the option of the xdrive28i as the USA market…hybrid and 240hp.

[@MrSlowAZZ]

$13K is a lot of fuel and with ⚡️📈 especially with some fast chargers @ 60c/kWH 😅

[@RahulGupta-mv9dw]

Awesome chasing 🚘 ❤

[@vinkiaan]

Great review by Chasing Cars 👍 test drove 18i X1, ordered one, beautiful interiors, great driving experience, pretty decent rear space, good family SUV, the subscription thingy is funny though :)

[@skippysdead]

The subscription features amount to a cynical way to screw us for profit, I would find it insulting as a potential customer. I would be paying for them already in the car's purchase price - if I was silly enough to buy one. BMW's scorn for customers is revealed.

[@PhiveWalls]

If I don't opt for the heated seat and steering subscription, can I charge BMW for carrying the extra dead weight around?

[@NZsarge1]

This subscription jiggidy pokery is BS!

[@ashleygordon9714]

I’m looking at downsizing from a Mazda CX8 to an X1…I have a 2.5 year old and 6 year old still in car seats. General feel on how it’d be ok for a run around town family car? We’re keeping the CX8 for trips etc.

[@jamesyu8183]

Yes! Huge improvement,but the price now here in Canada is same as the price of BMW X3. Do you think we still need choose it? Why not X3? Which has better gearbox zf8.

[@wariojoel2273]

Not same as x3 here in Canada. X3 is about 16k higher than 2023 x1 with highest options

[@Billywoo12]

Subscription means production cost saving, simplicity and future revenue. I agree, it does seem materially wasteful to include bits and bobs that may never be used.

[@michaelvella8511]

To me It means lure you in with a fair price then after you fall in love with the car you end up dishing out 30% more in the end.

[@jaylewisgilbert]

Would love to watch an Apple Watch ultra review from Chasing cars😂

[@justjamie72]

Who builds things into an already expensive car, and then asks you to unlock and level up, by paying extra?? I’ll stick to my CX-30, thanks

[@b.p.r.]

I’m talking about the subscriptions. I think it’s the way just to get more money. It should be standard not a subscription service it’s not Disney+ Especially when the things are already built into the car that is just silly

[@davidperry3531]

I can't see what the fuss is about. If you want heated seats, then you just pay $589 up front or if you only want them in winter, subscribe for a few months at a time.

[@chasingcars]

David, the fuss is that the hardware is already there. The fact the features are cost optional isn’t controversial, because they always were. But the work has already been done.

[@davidperry3531]

@@chasingcars It makes sense for BMW to include the hardware on the production line to overall reduce costs and streamline systems rather than coping with variable ticked options.

[@chasingcars]

Sure. So why not enable them? The money’s already spent. Some component of that is in the cost of the car. BMW estimates 2% of people ticked the heated steering wheel last time around; not enough to amortise building it into each and every vehicle!

[@davidperry3531]

@@chasingcars If only 2% of people paid for the heated steering wheel, then it must be cheaper for BMW to produce every wheel with the hardware, otherwise why would they do it? It makes sense. Why should the consumer be concerned how BMW construct or price their cars anyway?

[@graemespeed8892]

To me SUV’s should come with baby on board or a disabled parking permit….give me a real car any day

[@chasingcars]

BMW have many non-SUVs too.

[@Kruse1]

I really don't know what's going on at Munich anymore, the mind boggles.

[@Joe-eg7ml]

Nice review. Have a x1 msport with 20s on order. Like ur smart watch, what is it?

[@XQoozMii]

I’m curious to know how BMW managed to stuff up the ride quality so badly on the previous gen model. Like, that’s one of the things you expect to be top notch when paying top dollar for a luxury brand. 1990s Hyundai would’ve probably tuned the suspension better and that’s embarrassing. Glad they sorted it though.

[@chasingcars]

Same. Skinny tyres, narrow track, huge alloys, low-profile rubber, at times unpolished damping. The new car is an improvement in every way.

[@johnholst]

First! Love the look of this new X1! Thanks Tom!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks!

[@5alfaman]

I have a 2020 X1 and love the smaller size. I am not a big fan of the digital dash, having had one in the past. I am a sport car enthusiast and love the more nimble ride. I am not considering the new X1.

[@avuazahc1966]

Even here in South Africa we are getting the same 1.8 sdrive and also a unique 2.0d sdrive as a starters. My wish is 2.0d xdrive with its 140kw/400nm as found in 220d GC

[@kodessa]

I hope we're getting an iX1 review when that launches.

[@chasingcars]

Of course!

[@videos1332]

@@chasingcars Any update on the iX1 review?

[@SunnyBoys2]

Dick move to paywall the heated seats/steering wheel

[@aslkdfjhg]

In my opinion buyers are fine with being sold goodies at the dealer after buying the car like bike racks and body panel warranties, but putting in actual hardware and paywalling it is a step too far. It's a slippery slope to a move away from buying a product, to purchasing a licence to use a product.

[@MM-tt7hy]

You can still pay beforehand to have the hardware fully activated. The subscription method (which includes a possibility for lifetime activation) actually means you get more possibilities then before. Also good for resell value (the buyer has the possibility to buy a lower spec car and upgrade himself).

[@cuda260]

Not too bad considering some of their recent efforts but a tad overpriced (even by the standards of car prices in late 2022), the subscription thing deserves to fail and that engine still needs more power even allowing for the fact it's being sold as a model designed to force you into the next rung up.

[@nextfall1047]

BMW lost me when they went FWD. I use to own a 228i which was a brilliant little pocket rocket, loved everything about it except how hard it was to get in and out of with a dodgy back so eventually had to let it go. RWD was their advantage but now thats gone other brands style and equip better. And as far as subscriptions go.... no way, Also their cars are getting too big. That new X1 is X3 size from a few years back which is why the original X1s were popular, people wanted smaller for the cities.

[@jessexi]

I’m totally distracted by your Apple Watch Ultra when you drove the car. That’s a good match to the X1.

[@chasingcars]

Sorry!

[@custom158mission]

For ppl who actually want heated seats it's a good option to subscribe them in winter n not in summer

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, I get that appeal for sure. That said, given the tech is in the car, it feels a bit scroogey to not enable it.

[@custom158mission]

@@chasingcars maybe the whole point for BMW is they are banking on customers to enable them 😅 I agree with the wastage comment though, I m guess this is where all those missing semi conductors have gone lol

[@ashoka81abm]

Thanks for the nice review! Any idea about the real world fuel economy of Xdrive20i Tom ?

[@chasingcars]

Not great. We just had the xDrive20i in the garage and it did about 11L/100km.

[@shanebagnall1979]

Great review. My wife has ordered a 2.0lt MSport. I’m very impressed with the size and styling changes BMW has made over the previous model.

[@openranks4519]

Way overpriced 🙄

[@SteveStevens-d8u]

Where do you get these prices from? The xdrive 20i you won’t buy knew under 85k and you’re calling it 65k plus on roads so 70odd.

[@TTThedarkknight]

Thank you for calling it mid size and not small. Cars are getting too large these days

[@chasingcars]

No worries.

[@michaelvella8511]

Lexus hasn't heard of this trend yet.....🤣

[@jeanvonbarberode2377]

Even Skoda offers 7 years warranty and service pack and is much cheaper. For 55K Skoda offers Karoq Sport with 2L petrol engine 140KW and many features and generally from past Skoda is more reliable than BMW.

[@mrv6159]

I don’t think the iX1 compares to the Model Y. The model Y compares to iX3 and EQC. The “old” X1 was generally considerEd to drive quite well, at least I thought so. The xC40 drives like an empty box on wheels in my opinion.

[@chasingcars]

The comparison is a valid one on price grounds, and the 4500mm iX1 isn't worlds apart from the 4750mm Model Y.

[@peterhammer4644]

@@chasingcars I can almost say with certainty that the quality level on the iX1 is miles better than in the Tesla.

[@a.g.8871]

I'm driving the f48 lci and I don't see any improvements. It's a lot heavier, it only has a 7 gear dct while the old one has an 8 stage tq auto gearbox which shifts so much more smoothly and just as quick, has no iDrive which makes system navigation pretty uncomfortable especially when you need to use it on a curvy road. So...actually it's a big step back. They just tried to make production as cheap as possible. So...for me buying another X1 is not an option.

[@prawnstar9213]

Agreed about seat and steering wheel heating.. a waste that you should not have to pay anything extra for. This means the cost of installation is already included in the cost no matter what.. this is just a way for them to make more money.. it’s a really crappy way of scamming.. kind of like when they used to try to charge to use car apple play and android auto.. which thank god is now gone.. not sure if Porsche still charges though. Turns me off.. just.. not cool

[@purplehazeffc]

I can sort of understand the thinking into a subscription service. As that is pretty much the world we are living in. But for cars, it just doesn't make sense. As you mentioned, if the equipment is already installed then there has already been a cost for those parts. Whether that feature gets used or not. I still struggle as to why nearly every car has the option for heated seats.. I'm in Perth & I would use them maybe 20 days of the year. Cooled seats on he other hand would get used 4-5 months of the year.. Never mind anyone living north of Perth or Sydney..

[@MM-tt7hy]

Sounds like the subscription model is perfect for you. Subscribe for heated seats one month per year, and leave your money in your pocket for the rest. I personally think the subscription model is fine. I use drive assistant professional only when on a road trip. For home-work traffic i don't need it. So i just take a short subscription when i need it.

[@CYC_JP]

@@MM-tt7hy No one benefits from the subscription model. You have purchased the car and you have purchased the equipments installed in the car already. Now if you want to use the feature, you have to pay extra as "subscription" to use the feature; if you don't want to use the feature, you already spent (wasted) the money to purchase the equipments capable for the feature. The only one that subscription model is perfect for is BMW as a business. Consumers are all losers. And if you praise this move by BMW then you are having Stockholm syndrome.

[@hellogoodbye.]

The heated seat option is great for resale. Someone will be turning them on. The rotary dial her nuisance and I’m glad it’s gone.

[@jakeeus]

Isn't it bizarre that they market themselves as a high quality, higher expense product, yet haven't had the faith in their own product to include even a 5 year warranty. If I was buying a premium product, I'd expect a premium warranty.

[@chasingcars]

HQ, I believe. The campaign to get to five years has been a long one.

[@berniemarshall722]

@@chasingcars There is a five year warranty now.

[@deanlgreen]

Picked up the 20i MSport with enhancement and launch package a couple of weeks ago … impressed, esp. the backdated 5 year warranty and the tech inc. the Apple wallet key. Big negative is the high level of road noise. Subscription idea seems ok to me.

[@chasingcars]

Enjoy!

[@MusiGig]

I did a test drive and the road noise put me off really, but everyone is different

[@MRMV483]

@@MusiGig Did the cars you guys drove have a panoramic roof? Because that significantly increases roadnoise in almost all vehicles

[@MusiGig]

@@MRMV483 yes it had … and that is a reason I am wondering do we need that really… maybe just a small roof is enough or life is good without that… your AC will perform better in the summer for sure. By the way, Lexus does not have this noise at all even if it had a roof th at I have observed. And th is noise is painful on long trips. Plus don’t think it will be a comfortable ride for anyone in the back bench… very uncomfortable seats

[@MRMV483]

@@MusiGig Hmm interesting, I am really interested in the new X1 seems like a great car, will have to go test the back seats out for myself. I do know that I will never ever buy a car with sunroof due to the windnoise it creates

[@michaelstanley934]

The issue is always about the styling. It is a pretty soft roader where the segment contains 60% females.

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

For me personally, I was also one of those folks who literally made fun of the 2016 prior X1 as a fake 3 series but little did I know that BMW will kill the fun with their ridiculous fed based platforms ... Even the 1 series hatch back for that matter .... I would say to anyone trying to get an X1 to get a Mazda cx60 with a proper rwd layout

[@danielmurphy639]

I really like this, but why would I not get a gv70 over this for same price I'm torn between those 2 but the gv70 gives me more space and more power and I assume better handling since rwd

[@danielmurphy639]

I know they are both awd I. Mean front vs rear biases systems

[@chasingcars]

GV70 worth considering, though we've never liked the ride quality apart from the V6 (and EV) both of which get adaptive dampers. Sadly, you cannot option adaptive dampers onto the four-cylinder GV70, which has quite a stiff ride.

[@danielmurphy639]

@@chasingcars thanks for replying I love a stiff ride I test drove a veloster n and thought this is kind of soft so my tastes are bizarre I think but appreciate your insight

[@Coenster1]

Looking yummy with the mustache and bulk, Tom!🤩

[@Funktastico]

appreciate b-roll pan shot of interiors for future videos

[@sjh4803]

Could you fit a spare wheel in the under the floor space ? Are the front and rear wheels the same size ?

[@chasingcars]

Maybe. I think it’d require a modified boot floor. Full size tyres are pretty wide (ie, tall, when they’re lying on their side)

[@anitajerkin]

Personally I'd just get run-flats.

[@sjh4803]

@@anitajerkin So it is Sunday night at 5.30 10 minutes out of Jindabyne and you hit a pot hole the size of the grand canyon. Run flats don't get you home to Sydney.

[@guz3108]

Too bad BMW choose 3 cylinder. Why not 4 cylinder with smaller CC displacement

[@chasingcars]

The mighty three pot goes OK!

[@nizm0man]

This will be a huge hit in its target market, China.

[@auswhofan]

rotary dial i-drive awful, good riddance

[@tubetotto]

Looks a bit like Skoda Kamiq on steroids

[@MaxxKoggen]

/they are going to keep the rotary dial away for 2 gens and the bring it back as an added extra.

[@chasingcars]

Possibly. Or a subscription feature.

[@eponymous7910]

Who makes the dual clutch tranny? Has it proved to be reliable over the years?

[@chasingcars]

I believe it is a Getrag unit.

[@fredwalsh4108]

Pay for heated seats and wheel ripped

[@graceandtruth13]

Does it have parking cameras?

[@textliter]

We've ordered the iX1 Xline with 20" wheels for 86k drive away. The dealer actually negotiated down and came in below LCT. Will save us around 40k in taxes over 3 years as we are taxed 47.5%. Free stamp duty in ACT, free rego too. The iX is the best value proposition out of all of them for that reason and the fact that it comes fully loaded. Edit: Also have you noticed that the centre console storage opens up the opposite way it's supposed to. It's a bit frustrating that they didn't flip it for RHD cars....

[@chasingcars]

Cool. But can you explain to me how you got to saving 40K over 3 years in tax alone? Genuine question!

[@textliter]

​@@chasingcarsWe will do a 3 year novated lease. The car is around 86k drive away. Then you subtract 5451 GST. Then you calculate the 3 year residual of around 80k which is 37504. The difference is 42k. This amount (depreciation/rent) is paid over 3 years. Add onto that insurance, electricity, maintenance and tyres and you are looking at around 51k effectively paid. Add on servicing etc. There are also finance costs to consider. Because this comes out pretax consider that 51k actually costs you more to earn. Including GST, rego (which in ACT is 2 years free) etc. At the 3 year mark you can buy out the car for 37504 + GST and turn a tidy profit by reselling it. All in all the savings are enormous because you are not paying FBT.

[@AYeung-s8f]

Pretty poor of BMW to forget to reverse the centre console to open the other way

[@MusiGig]

Lucky you are not in the premier state

[@brandon197sf]

Can I ask what state or dealer please. Looking at selling my Model Y for a IX1

[@304devang]

How does it compare to the Mazda cx5 turbo?

[@justinfawcus4626]

How is road noise as I thought the previous generation was very bad

[@chasingcars]

Quiet to average.

[@rohandalwadi1162]

Still no adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring system

[@ghioman]

they have, but as an option. You need to add Driving Assistant Plus and Driving Assistant (both, they're complementary, don't get fooled by the name, DAP does not includes what DA has)

[@uvaiskomath]

Is it runflat tyre?

[@custom158mission]

The old x1's boot size is listed as 505L, but the new one is 465L, is that right? That's only 40L bigger than the Formentor.. but it looks way bigger 🤔

[@AYeung-s8f]

I thought it was the iX1 that has the smaller boot space due to the battery pack

[@custom158mission]

@@AYeung-s8f that might make sense actually, the 464L could very well be the dimension of the ix1 instead

[@ottovonbismarck1898]

First thing I noticed is that this car is huge! No comparison to my E84 X1 from 2012.

[@peterhammer4644]

E84 is the worst BMW our family has ever owned. Our X1 25e is the 15th.

[@fritsibsen8115]

🌨🌦🌧🌧🌧❄️❄️❄️

[@giritharjeevasuba5206]

❤😍

[@vitusyu9583]

Good SUV, a significant and thoughtful upgrade, and you have a good review here also!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks!

[@chaoseus]

Does the base have ambient lighting?

[@karenroux417]

Yes

[@venc3907]

Hey mate what’s with the ‘Ron Jeremy’ moustache? 😂😅

[@venc3907]

@@edthomas8486 you look like a really sick person hahaha 🤣

[@chasingcars]

Because it looks amazing, let’s face it - and Movember.

[@venc3907]

@@chasingcars you’re a good sport. Kidding aside your content is great 👍 keep it up!

[@daraiusu]

How dies its size compare to 2016 BMW X3?

[@chasingcars]

This car is 16cm shorter

[@gpcmlin]

@@chasingcars the x3 is actually 21cm longer and 2cm wider

[@gregburville3368]

What happened to the Seamaster 300P Tom?

[@chasingcars]

Ugh, it broke earlier in the year and is awaiting a very rare component for repair.

[@prakashnarismulu3332]

Possible replacement for a X3 then ?

[@chasingcars]

Possibly. I still think the X3 drives better, but it’s also a lot more expensive than an X1.

[@topher.m]

Tom. Taking price out of it, would you go a XC40 (AWD) or this?

[@chasingcars]

I’d need to get them side by side for a comparison. The XC40 is a known quantity and I enjoy its dedication to being just comfortable and pragmatic, so it is worth a very close look.

[@berniemarshall722]

@@chasingcars I was set to buy the XC40 but they have removed self-parking from it in 2023. Not even available as an option. So that was the deal breaker - I have had VW's park assist for the last 9 years and really like it when parking is tight.

[@AYeung-s8f]

I think your 476L boot space figure is incorrect

[@chasingcars]

That is BMW Australia’s seats up boot litre claim.

[@AYeung-s8f]

@@chasingcars That’s interesting. All the other reviews say it’s 540L with the rear seats up. It’s supposedly only 10L smaller than the X3’s boot space.

[@EnShinNoi]

@@AYeung-s8f That could be with the rear seats slid all the way forward.

[@AYeung-s8f]

@@EnShinNoi Could be. No idea. I can’t find any info on 476L for the X1 on Google either.

[@AYeung-s8f]

@@chasingcars Do you have a link to the info by any chance?

[@sunnykgaming2541]

is it better then current x3?

[@wariojoel2273]

Interior wise, definitely it's better than x3, but that's all. You'll have hard time with x1's dct mission on stop/go traffic

[@sunnykgaming2541]

@@wariojoel2273 ahh. good to know. thank you.

[@justice7894]

so x line is a basic line? huh? I dont think so.... maybe make some researches first

[@chasingcars]

Sorry? The xLine package is the base-level X1 line in Australia, yes.

[@superjzh]

Great video as always. Btw, It’s certainly Movember. 🧔‍♂️

[@chasingcars]

Sure is!