The 2018 BMW X1 sDrive28i gets 26 MPG combined. It’s an adequate figure that won’t impress anyone, but also won’t deter the typical X1 buyer. This vehicle is a compact, entry-level luxury crossover aimed at young professionals and empty-nesters. These buyers prioritize urban maneuverability, brand cachet, and a sporty driving experience over ultimate fuel efficiency. The X1 occupies an important space in the BMW lineup, bringing new customers into the fold, and while economy is considered, it is secondary to other considerations.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 X1 sDrive28i will get 23 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects urban driving’s stop-and-go nature. The X1’s responsive 2.0L turbocharged engine provides ample low-end torque for quick acceleration from traffic lights. The highway MPG, while respectable, is less impressive when compared to other crossovers that focus less on performance. This suggests that while the X1 can cruise comfortably on the open road, its focus leans more toward spirited driving than maximizing long-distance fuel savings. The eight-speed automatic transmission (S8) contributes to efficiency, and is also tuned for quick shifts and engaging driving dynamics, further prioritizing performance over pure economy. While not bad, those who do mostly highway driving should check X1 MPG across all years and potentially consider a different vehicle.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 BMW X1 sDrive28i to be $2,250. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price at the time of testing. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of roads you drive on, and the price of gasoline in your area. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and premium fuel (which is recommended, though not strictly required) will all increase your real-world fuel expenses beyond this $2,250 baseline.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy can deviate significantly. X1 drivers who frequently engage the “Sport” mode or drive predominantly in congested urban environments are likely to see figures closer to the low end of the EPA’s range, or even slightly below. Conversely, those who prioritize smooth acceleration, stick to highway cruising, and use the “Eco Pro” driving mode may be able to achieve figures exceeding the EPA estimates. The X1’s relatively small fuel tank capacity also means that frequent fuel stops may be necessary, especially on longer journeys, somewhat diminishing the benefit of the better fuel mileage experienced during relaxed highway driving.

How it compares

In the competitive landscape of compact luxury crossovers, the 2018 X1’s fuel economy is respectable, but not class-leading. The Acura RDX, for instance, offers a similar driving experience but gets around 23 MPG combined in its FWD configuration. The Lexus NX 300 delivers approximately 25 MPG combined, prioritizing comfort and refinement over outright performance. The Audi Q3, another German rival, achieves roughly 23 MPG combined, emphasizing its luxurious cabin and advanced technology. The Cadillac XT4 gets about 26 MPG combined, and is geared towards buyers preferring bold styling and available advanced driver-assistance features. These minor differences in fuel economy are often less significant to buyers than factors like brand loyalty, styling preferences, and specific feature sets. Someone interested in all Bmw fuel economy data will likely already have a positive view of the brand, so slight fuel economy shortcomings might not matter.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the X1’s “Eco Pro” driving mode. This mode adjusts throttle response, transmission mapping, and climate control settings to prioritize fuel efficiency. While it might slightly reduce the car’s responsiveness, it can make a noticeable difference in overall fuel consumption, especially during city driving or on relatively flat highway stretches.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The X1’s turbocharged engine delivers ample power, but using that power will quickly deplete your fuel. Practice smooth, gradual acceleration and anticipate traffic flow to minimize the need for sudden stops.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern cars, including the X1, are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling wastes fuel unnecessarily.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed with cruise control helps optimize fuel efficiency on long highway drives. Avoid constantly speeding up and slowing down, as this wastes fuel and reduces overall efficiency. If traffic is variable, it is best to disengage cruise control and drive using the accelerator and brake pedal.