[ First Impressions ]
Here we are again, a BMW.
My appreciation for the brand is no secret—I genuinely enjoy driving BMWs. That said, I always believe every brand has its strengths, so this isn't about blind loyalty. It's about whether this particular car makes sense for Singapore.
[ The First Drive ]
After spending an entire day behind the wheel, I started to understand why so many owners continue to recommend this model. On paper, the numbers don't immediately grab your attention—a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 140 HP and 220 Nm of torque—but the driving experience tells a different story.
The first thing I noticed was how effortless it felt around Singapore. Whether I was navigating tight multi-storey car parks, cruising along the PIE, or making my way through city traffic, the X1 never felt bulky. The steering is light at low speeds, making parking easy, yet it becomes reassuringly firm once you're on the expressway.
The 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission deserves special mention. Gear changes are smooth and quick, and paired with the turbocharged engine, the car feels responsive whenever I needed to accelerate. It's not designed to pin you against your seat, but it delivers its power confidently, making overtaking and joining expressways feel effortless.
One thing I particularly appreciated was the elevated driving position. Sitting higher than in a traditional sedan gave me a much better view of traffic ahead. In Singapore's busy roads, being able to see further ahead helps you anticipate traffic conditions much earlier, making every drive feel more relaxed.
Despite being an M Sport model, I was pleasantly surprised by the ride quality. The suspension is firm enough to remind you it's still a BMW, but it never became uncomfortable over road imperfections or humps. It strikes a nice balance between sporty handling and everyday comfort.
Inside the cabin, everything feels well put together. The sport seats provide excellent support, the M leather steering wheel feels substantial in your hands, and the overall driving position is exactly what I expect from a BMW—comfortable, driver-focused, and intuitive. Even after spending hours in the car, I never felt fatigued.
By the end of the day, I realised this isn't a car that tries to impress with headline performance figures. Instead, it wins you over with how easy it is to live with. It feels refined, practical, comfortable, and confident in almost every driving situation.
[ Real Comparisons, Real Conversation ]
Let's just address the elephant in the room. The outgoing F48 and the latest BMW X1 U11.
The newer U11 introduces a fresh exterior design, larger digital displays, and a more minimalist cabin. However, many enthusiasts still appreciate what the F48 offers.
Some buyers actually wish BMW had combined the F48's more powerful 140 hp engine with the U11's updated body. Others miss traditional BMW touches such as the conventional gear selector instead of the newer toggle switch. Even details like the M Sport badge placement and interior styling continue to spark conversations among owners.
Neither car is objectively better—they simply appeal to different drivers.
For those who enjoy a more traditional BMW driving experience, the F48 continues to hold its value remarkably well.
Another important point is that Singapore is a unique market.
With COE costs, VES regulations, fuel prices, road tax, and insurance all affecting ownership costs, manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi intentionally offer smaller-displacement engines that fit our local regulations.
The result is a premium continental SUV that remains financially sensible while still delivering the quality and driving dynamics BMW is known for.
[ Buy, or Not ]
If you have the budget, go for it. In fact, it's a no brainer.
Your worries of a pre-own car shouldn't cloud your judgement for such a great opportunity when the biggest argument online (Reddit notably) regarding the X3 lineup is not about the price but which model to get and what upgrades you should go for.
One of the biggest advantages of the BMW X1 sDrive18i M Sport is its ownership costs.
The annual road tax is approximately S$684, thanks to the efficient 1.5-litre engine. Insurance is also considerably more affordable than larger-capacity luxury SUVs. If you have accumulated a 50% No-Claim Discount (NCD), ownership becomes even more manageable.
When you're already spending a significant amount on purchasing a car in Singapore, keeping recurring costs reasonable provides valuable peace of mind.
Performance is also more than sufficient for local driving. Singapore isn't Germany—we rarely have opportunities to fully utilise a 300 hp performance car. Between one traffic light and the next, having excessive power often makes little practical difference.
The X1 reaches 100 km/h in under 10 seconds, which is more than adequate for expressway merging and everyday driving.
Another major advantage is the 5-year BMW agent warranty, valid until October 2027 for many current examples. Before the warranty expires, it's worth arranging a comprehensive inspection with the authorised dealer to identify and rectify any wear-and-tear items, such as engine mounts or other common components.
Once the warranty period ends, owners can continue servicing the vehicle with a trusted independent workshop, helping to keep long-term maintenance costs under control without sacrificing reliability.
Having the privilege to drive this car for a few hours, I believe that this car is perfect for a family size of 5. Also fair warning: the passenger seats are designed to be way too comfortable, your friends and family may not want to leave the car.
If you're interested to take this X3 out for a test drive, drop us a message in the form below or whatsapp me!
Current Status: AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
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