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BMW is sending an all-new X1 to dealers this fall. Are the updates worth waiting for? It’s larger, has a new infotainment system, more M options and more cargo capacity. Dealers are getting ready for the new 2023 models to hit the lot and, traditionally, this is the season to get a good deal on a current-year vehicle. So, should you buy a 2022 X1 or wait for the new 2023 BMW X1?

Is the BMW X1 a luxury SUV?

The interior of a 2023 BMW X1 in tan and black.
2023 BMW X1 interior | BMW

The first generation of X1 came out in 2009. BMW positioned it as its entry-level SUV (or SAV, as BMW calls it), meaning it’s the least expensive BMW in its lineup. It’s about $2,000 less than the 2 Series coupe. But that doesn’t mean that it skimps on the luxury touches. The X1 remains true to the brand’s core with a punchy turbo motor, good handling, and a surprisingly large cargo hold, and lots of technology, however, it’s no off-road SUV.

What is the 2023 BMW X1 release date?

2023 BMW x1 in orange
2023 BMW X1 | BMW

BMW Said the U.S. market launch for the X1 will be in the fourth quarter of 2022. Visually, it gets a new front end with a squished-face look of the larger SUVs, like the X6, and flared wheel arches in the rear. The new X1 grows, too, a couple of inches in every direction. BMW says the extra length and width improve its agility, as well as shoulder and elbow room inside. It’s a bit smaller than the X3 and X5.

The 2023 BMW X1 gets a larger interior, higher price

The 2023 BMW X1 in orange driving along a shore.
2023 BMW X1 | BMW

Inside, the new iDrive system is simplified and lets you access it via voice or touch from a new curved screen. The X1 also gets new seats, a larger panoramic roof, and more. Interestingly, the transmission loses a cog, but it’s now a modern dual-clutch automated manual and the engine now makes more power, at 241 horsepower.

An M Sport Package will add adaptive suspension, sport seats, and some leather-trim options. The new model has a slightly higher base MSRP of $38,600. BMW has all the new specs on its site.

The 2022 X1 could be a great value today

Though the x1 will be new in 2023, there’s nothing wrong with the 2022. The 2022 X1 has a starting MSRP of $35,400 and comes in two-wheel drive sDrive28i or an all-wheel drive xDrive28i version for $2,000 more. It has a 228-horsepower twin-turbo four-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic. The current generation earns lots of recommendations, too.

The X1 has an 8.8-inch screen with voice controls and standard Apple CarPlay compatibility, as well as Active Driving Assistant, which includes front collision warnings, lane departure warnings, and more. You can add a $4,350 M Sport package to it that adds roof rails, extra trim, and 18-inch wheels. The M sport suspension is an extra $400. The several option packages allow you to order BMW’s synthetic SensaTec fabric or Dakota Leather, a heads-up display, and maintenance programs.

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Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Dan Mayfield

Dan joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in journalism and a lifelong passion for anything related to the automotive industry. He grew up wrenching a 1949 Ford pickup truck and an MGB with his dad, learning how not to wire a fuel pump (he inadvertently set the MGB on fire).

After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the University of New Mexico, Dan has contributed his expertise to a range of local outlets, including the City of Albuquerque, US Eagle, and the Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity.

On weekends, Dan spends Saturdays enjoying “cars and coffee” chats and, on Sundays, he’s watching the Route 66 Cruise roll through town. He also races motorcycles, and it’s not unusual to find him elbows-deep in his latest cafe racer build.

Taking advantage of the local desert terrain, Dan also enjoys exploring and driving off-road in his trusty Ram Rebel pickup truck, which provides personal insights into his contributions to our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers coverage. Dan strives to give our readers unique information about the dynamic automotive market, reading anything that has to do with cars, trucks, bikes, 4X4s, and, in his words, “everything with a motor.”

Dan has earned a number of accolades from the Public Relations Society of America, and is a University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Fellow.