2026 BMW X1 Redesign, Pictures, Pictures

2026 BMW X1 Redesign, Pictures, Pictures  –  The 2026 BMW X1 is the most affordable way to get into the automaker’s lineup. As the brand’s entry-level model, it has a big responsibility to be a lot of things to a lot of people and deliver a true BMW experience at a price that won’t scare people away. And yet this third-generation version doesn’t feel like any corners were cut in spite of its entry-level roots, and it’s an excellent representation of what the brand is all about.

2026 BMW X1 Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

The interior is also well done and feels like a BMW should, with the exception of some hard black plastic that’s prone to scratching. My passengers loved the standard ambient lighting, which has a purpose beyond simply looking cool. The lights will pulse if there’s an incoming call, for example, or if you try to exit the car while the engine is still running.

The different textures, smart build quality, and open layout all combine to make the cabin feel upscale. Style-wise, the X1 doesn’t look or feel like an entry-level crossover, and I wish BMW scaled up this exact design for some of its larger SUVs like the X7, because it’s that strong of a look.

2026 BMW X1 Specs

The X1 has a new digital instrument panel and an infotainment screen that are housed under a single panel of curved glass. It cleans up the cabin considerably and gives the infotainment system lots of screen real estate to show useful information. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard and are well-integrated, so if you’re using Google Maps the navigation instructions will show in the gauge cluster screen as well as the head-up display. A wireless phone charger is also available, and the design struck me as odd at first, but it ended up being excellent. The charging cradle is upright and uses an arm to keep the phone in place. It puts your phone in your line of sight, meaning you can quickly glance at a notification without having to pick it up. It also makes it less likely you’ll forget your phone in the vehicle.

To keep that entry-level price appealing, BMW has sacrificed many features and has bundled them into expensive options packages instead. Even heated seats and a heated steering wheel aren’t included as standard, and those are two features that I consider essential, especially at this price point, so that’s a big disappointment. Many of the other novel features, like an integrated dash cam system, self-parking system, head-up display, sunroof, keyless entry, and interior camera are also part of add-on packages.

Engine and Performance

The BMW X1 is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, along with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Officially, that’s enough to get this crossover from zero to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, but in practice, it’s plenty of power to pull off a convincing pass or to get up to highway speeds swiftly. One interesting note: there’s no park button – you simply turn the ignition off or apply the parking brake.

BMW nailed it with the redesign of this subcompact SUV. While the previous X1 could have been mistaken for a hatchback, this new model looks like the upscale SUV it is. The grille looks posh and gives off strong BMW vibes, the boxy and upright proportions look fantastic, and there’s something fresh about how the X1 presents itself.

The optional Cape York Green Metallic paint is also fabulous – it’s an $895 option that is worth every penny. It’s not quite green and not quite grey, but it has a subtle pearlescent shine when the light hits it just right. During my week with the X1, two passersby complimented the paint, and one of them told me it looked expensive. 2026 BMW X1 Redesign

2026 BMW X1 Fuel Economy

The sporty suspension makes the X1’s ride a bit stiff, but not to the point where it becomes an issue. The supportive seats in the front help matters, but in the back they feel a bit flat and might get uncomfortable after a longer drive. There is decent head- and legroom in the back seats, however. 2026 BMW X1 Redesign

The 2026 BMW X1 xDrive28i’s fuel economy is officially rated at 9.6 L/100 km in the city, 7.0 on the highway, and 8.4 combined of premium fuel. After 666 km (I’m not superstitious) of mixed testing, the X1 returned 8.2 L/100 km – impressive since it was riding on winter tires and it was a cold, snowy week.

2026 BMW X1 Safety Features

Making those omissions a bit more palatable is the fact that the X1 now has more safety features included as standard that BMW used to charge extra for. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection and automatic emergency braking, and safe exit warning, are all included now. Adaptive cruise control is optional. 2026 BMW X1 Redesign

2026 BMW X1 Price and Release Date

The 2026 BMW X1 starts at $45,800 plus the non-negotiable $2,480 freight fee. As an entry point into the BMW brand, that’s an appealing price, but the lack of features that should come standard is a disappointment. This tester had a Premium Enhanced package I consider essential that adds $6,250 to the price tag. With a few more options added, the total came to $57,525 before tax, which takes it firmly out of “entry-level” territory.

The 2026 BMW X1 is a fantastic entryway into the brand. This subcompact SUV does everything a BMW should – it drives well, looks cool, and feels fancy inside, but it’s also surprisingly practical and easy to live with day to day. While it’s not perfect, it gets a lot right and is definitely a highlight in its segment. It’s an excellent, well-rounded small SUV that offers the full BMW experience at a reasonable price – at least until you start to add in essential features.  2026 BMW X1 Redesign