With 25 MPG combined, the 2018 BMW X1 xDrive28i lands in the middle of the luxury subcompact SUV class. It’s not trying to be a hybrid, and it’s not a gas-guzzler. Instead, it offers reasonable fuel economy with the premium features and sporty handling that BMW buyers want. The X1’s buyers likely want practicality, luxury, and an engaging drive and see the MPG as a fair trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 BMW X1 xDrive28i gets 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. This difference comes from the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission. The city number is for typical stop-and-go driving, where the X1’s quick throttle and shifts keep up with traffic. The highway number shows the engine can cruise at higher speeds, helped by the transmission’s overdrive gears, which improves efficiency on long trips. Most drivers have a mix of driving environments, and the X1’s numbers reflect this.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2018 BMW X1 xDrive28i is $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using average national fuel prices. Individual costs will vary based on driving and local gas prices, but this gives a standard way to compare fuel costs with other vehicles. It’s helpful for buyers who want to know the long-term cost of owning this X1.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a start, but real-world fuel economy often varies. Driving style, traffic, terrain, and tire pressure all affect MPG. Drivers who accelerate quickly may see numbers closer to the city rating, or even lower. Drivers who accelerate smoothly and maintain consistent highway speeds can often reach, or even slightly beat, the EPA’s highway estimate. Checking your X1’s trip computer and changing your driving can improve fuel efficiency.

How it compares

The 2018 BMW X1 xDrive28i’s fuel economy is competitive in its class. The Audi Q3 Quattro gets about 23 MPG combined, slightly worse. The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC gets about 26 MPG combined, a small improvement because of its shape. The Lexus NX 300h hybrid does well with about 31 MPG combined, but costs more to buy. The X1 finds a balance. Buyers who want sporty handling and BMW style may see its fuel economy as a fair compromise compared to more economical, but less exciting, cars. For more information, all Bmw fuel economy data is available. Looking at X1 MPG across all years can also help buyers decide.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking can lower fuel use in the X1. The turbocharged engine responds well to slow throttle, so you don’t need to press hard on the gas. Watch traffic to avoid sudden stops, letting the regenerative braking system capture energy instead of wasting it.

Regular maintenance, like checking tire pressure and changing the air filter, can help fuel economy. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder. A clean air filter helps the engine breathe, improving combustion. BMW suggests specific maintenance to keep your X1 efficient.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine run while stopped wastes gas. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, like in a parking lot, turn off the engine. Modern cars, including the X1, restart quickly and reliably, making this an easy way to save fuel.

Avoid using accessories when you do not need them. Features like air conditioning and bright headlights take power from the engine, raising fuel use. Use them only when you need to, especially on short trips where they have a bigger impact on fuel economy. Driving with the windows down at higher speeds also creates drag, wasting fuel.