BMW X1

Redesigned for 2023, the X1 gained power and features, but the controls are less intuitive. The 2.0-liter turbo is very responsive. The seven-speed dual clutch automatic shifts smoothly but makes the initial take off too jumpy. Unlike most BMWs, the X1 is based on a front drive platform, although AWD is standard. The ride is stiff, and handling is fairly agile but not sporty. The new control layout forgoes a central knob and relies on the touchscreen alone.

The X1 is a compact five-seat SUV smaller than the X3. The base 240-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder, mated to an eight-speed automatic, provides quick acceleration, and is available with rear- or all-wheel drive. The 3.0-liter, 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder gets a six-speed automatic. Based on the previous-generation 3 Series (2006-2011), the X1 feels quite sporty to drive, but ride comfort is on the stiff side and the sharp and communicative steering feels heavy at low speeds. Noise isolation and interior quality are a notch below BMW's high standards but still decent. BMW totally reimagined the X1 for 2016. Larger and roomier, it moved to a new front-wheel-drive-based platform shared with the Mini Clubman.