26 MPG combined won’t break any records, but it’s fine for the 2015 BMW X1 sDrive28i. This isn’t a bare-bones hatchback; it’s a stylish, sporty, premium compact SUV built for city driving and weekend trips. The X1 is made for drivers and the BMW feel, and the fuel consumption reflects that.

City and highway performance

The EPA says the 2015 X1 sDrive28i gets 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The “sDrive” means it isn’t an all-wheel-drive model. The sDrive28i sends power only to the rear wheels, giving it the BMW driving experience and slightly better fuel economy than xDrive (all-wheel drive) models. The city number is good for a car of this size, due to the engine’s stop/start system and light build. The highway number is where the X1 stands out, which makes it comfortable and reasonably efficient for long trips, if you’re not flooring it to pass other cars.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2015 BMW X1 sDrive28i is $2,250. This is based on driving 15,000 miles a year, with city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices. Your actual cost will change based on your driving, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel. Premium fuel is suggested for the best performance, which may raise your costs above this estimate.

Real-world expectations

The EPA numbers are a starting point, but your fuel economy depends on some things. Hard driving, short trips, and heavy loads will hurt MPG. Easy acceleration, steady highway speeds, and proper tire inflation can help you reach or beat the EPA estimates. Owners report different MPG numbers, some struggle to reach the combined EPA number, and some report close to 30 MPG in good conditions. With any turbocharged engine, a lead foot will lower fuel efficiency.

How it compares

The 2015 BMW X1 sDrive28i’s fuel economy is like others in the luxury compact SUV group. The 2015 Audi Q3 2.0T quattro model gets around 23 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz GLA250 from the same year gets about 29 MPG combined, a slight edge over the X1. The Lexus NX 200t, with its unique look, gets around 25 MPG combined. The X1 isn’t the most fuel efficient, but it isn’t far off. The driving and brand are important for the X1 buyer than fuel efficiency. Access all all Bmw fuel economy data to compare BMW models side-by-side, or check out X1 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the BMW’s Eco Pro mode when you can, especially in city driving. This mode changes the throttle, transmission, and climate control to save fuel. It may hurt performance, but it can change fuel consumption, especially if you care about economy on your commute.

Check your tire pressure often. Low tires raise rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check the sticker on the driver’s side door for the right tire pressure. A portable tire inflator is a good idea.

Don’t idle. If you’re stopped for over a minute, turn off the engine. The X1’s start/stop system helps, but if you’re in a long line at a drive-through, turning off the engine will save fuel. Don’t start and stop too much in traffic, as the restarts can wear out the starter.

Drive easy and avoid hard acceleration and braking. The X1’s engine makes it fun to drive hard, but it’ll lower fuel economy. Watch traffic and keep a steady speed. Cruise control on the highway can help maintain a speed and improve fuel efficiency.