BMW X1 Review
2017-2023
The BMW X1 (F48 Facelift 2019–2022 & U11 Series 2022–2023+) is Kenya's most accessible and popular entry-level European luxury crossover. Built on BMW's UKL front-wheel-drive architecture, the X1 maximizes interior cabin space, cargo versatility (505 L boot), and elevated driving visibility while maintaining signature BMW driving dynamics. Sourced in highly fuel-efficient 1.5L 3-cylinder sDrive18i, 2.0L Turbo Diesel sDrive18d/xDrive20d, and xDrive25e Plug-In Hybrid variants, the X1 delivers premium executive prestige with remarkable customs tax savings.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Sub-1,500 cc & sub-2,000 cc KRA tax advantage: 1.5L models qualify for lower customs duty valuation baseline.
- Exceptional 17.5–19.8 km/L diesel fuel economy: 2.0L B47 diesel delivers massive cruising range on highway trips.
- Practical 505 L cargo capacity: Generous boot space expanding to 1,550 L with 40:20:40 sliding rear seats.
- Elevated seating position & visibility: Easy entry/egress with high ground clearance (183–205 mm) to tackle speed bumps.
What’s not so good
- Firm suspension on M Sport 19-inch wheels over unpaved murram roads.
- Front-wheel-drive bias on sDrive models (lacks pure RWD BMW feel).
Most popular: X1 sDrive18i / sDrive18d / xDrive20d M Sport / xDrive25e PHEV
5 doorsPetrol, Diesel, HybridAutomatic, Dual-clutch
At a glance
- Model
- BMW X1 (F48 Facelift & U11 Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door Premium Compact Crossover SUV
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Clean Diesel, Petrol, Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)
- Engine sizes
- 1,499 cc (1.5T 3-Cyl) / 1,995 cc (2.0D 4-Cyl) / 1,998 cc (2.0T 4-Cyl)
- Transmission
- 7-Speed Steptronic Dual-Clutch / 8-Speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive (sDrive) or Intelligent xDrive AWD
- Ground clearance
- 183 mm (F48) / 205 mm (U11)
- Source market
- UK / Japan (RHD JDM & UK Spec)
Trims & variants
- Setup
1.5L 3-cylinder turbo petrol (136–140 hp / 220 Nm), 7-speed dual-clutch Steptronic, FWD or AWD, returning 14.8–16.5 km/L.
- Why it gets shipped
Low KRA sub-1,500 cc tax valuation bracket, smooth 3-cylinder engine, ideal city commuter.
Fuel consumption
Figures for the BMW X1 sDrive18i / xDrive18i (1,499 cc B38 Petrol). Tank: 51 L (about 842 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,688 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,241 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 13,755
- Full tank (51 L)
- KES 11,575
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Package tiers
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| xLine | Executive Base | Aluminum exterior accents, matte silver kidney grille, 18-inch Y-spoke alloys, Sensatec synthetic leather, power tailgate. |
| M Sport | Sport Luxury | M aerodynamic body styling, High-gloss Shadowline trim, 18/19-inch M light alloys, M leather steering wheel, sport seats. |
| Tech / Comfort Pack | Tech Upgrade | BMW Live Cockpit Professional, Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon surround audio, panoramic glass roof, wireless charging. |
About the BMW X1
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 F48 facelift and U11 X1 models sit comfortably inside the legal direct import window.
A massive financial advantage for Kenyan buyers is the engine lineup: the 1.5L B38 petrol (1,499 cc) qualifies for KRA's sub-1,500 cc baseline tax tier, while the 2.0L diesel and petrol engines (1,995 cc / 1,998 cc) remain under 2,000 cc to trigger the standard 25% excise duty tax bracket.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
