2023 BMW X1 vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2023 BMW X1 felt like a refined evolution of its predecessor. It retained its recognizable X1 identity but with a stronger and more polished appearance. The larger, squarer kidney grille was less startling than the one on the BMW 4 Series, signaling a robust front fascia. The door handles were flush with the sides, and standard LED headlights and taillights were introduced. The exterior color palette expanded to 13 options, including five new dynamic colors. The X1 also offered 20-inch wheels for the first time, wrapped in performance tires. The xLine design added silver accents, while the M Sport Package incorporated body-colored elements and the Shadowline exterior package.

Inside, the X1’s cabin exuded a premium feel without being overly luxurious. The BMW Curved Display dominated the dash, accompanied by long, narrow vents and a clean, uncluttered look. The SensaTec 2.0 seat coverings were available in four colors and felt premium. The M Sport Package added sport seats and an M leather steering wheel with paddle shifters. The Premium Package included a panoramic moonroof, enhancing the cabin's spaciousness. The slim floating center armrest provided a sophisticated look and handy storage. The aluminum finish on the interior door handles integrated the rear half of the cabin into the overall design.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo now lit up. The ID.4, based on VW’s MEB platform, had a distinct EV look but lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance. This might have been a drawback for some buyers, but it was a common trait among many electric vehicles.

The ID.4’s interior carried over the best qualities from recent VW gasoline-car interiors, featuring a minimalist design and a sense of quality. The base ID.4 Standard model, aside from a manual driver’s seat, didn’t feel like a significant downgrade from the higher-level ID.4 Pro S. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers was standard. The interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console, a better phone spot, and available three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2023 BMW X1 received a significant power boost with its 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This was an increase of 13 horsepower and 37 lb-ft from the 2022 model. The X1 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and tow up to 3,500 pounds, a first for the X1. The new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission replaced the previous eight-speed automatic, providing a more engaged driving experience, especially with the M Sport Package’s paddle shifters.

BMW upgraded the Adaptive M Suspension and damping systems for better comfort and stability. The X1 exhibited minimal body roll and felt agile, akin to a smaller hatchback rather than a crossover. The ride was slightly stiff, but it added to the driving experience. Visibility was good, with large windows and narrow pillars. The 2023 X1’s EPA fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined, with Premium fuel recommended.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, available only with RWD. The Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack, available with RWD or AWD. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain delivered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The 62-kWh ID.4 Standard felt spritely, though more seat time was needed for a proper comparison with the larger-battery version. The AWD ID.4 had acceleration comparable to hot hatchbacks but lacked the handling finesse. The ID.4 used regenerative braking but didn’t offer one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for new EV drivers.

The 2023 BMW X1’s larger dimensions resulted in a more spacious interior. It offered 42.1 inches of front-row headroom and 39.3 inches in the rear, surpassing competitors like the Audi Q3, Lexus UX, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, and Volvo XC40. Front-row legroom was 40.4 inches, and back-row legroom was 37 inches. Cargo space was impressive, with 25.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57.2 cubic feet with them folded down.

Heated seats were an optional $550 upgrade, which also included a heated steering wheel. This felt a bit nickel-and-dime-y for a BMW, but it was a standalone upgrade rather than bundled into the $4,200 Premium Package. The wireless charging pad, part of the Premium Package, was cleverly designed with a clasp to hold the phone in place, ensuring it stayed secure even on twisty roads.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV or Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. Cargo space was substantial, with 30.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, it was the most practical among affordable EVs.

The ID.4 had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models, providing some usable capability. Interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console, a better phone spot, and available three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2023 BMW X1 featured the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8, integrating a 10.7-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch driver information display. The infotainment system was responsive and easy to operate, though cluttered with apps and sub-menus. Voice commands worked well for climate control and the panoramic moonroof, but the navigation system required highly specific inputs. The touchscreen functioned smoothly, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included.

BMW’s Live Cockpit Plus was standard, with Live Cockpit Professional available in the Premium Package, adding a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. Four USB-C ports were provided, and the optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The X1 used a start/stop button and a toggle-style gear selector, with the vehicle automatically shifting into Park when shut off.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard.

The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a traditional split-screen view. Natural-language voice recognition worked well for simple commands. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting, lacking physical feedback. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and AI assistance, indicating navigation directions and changing colors based on drive mode.

For 2023, the BMW X1 included standard active blind-spot detection with an exit warning function. The front-collision warning system featured pedestrian and cyclist detection with brake intervention. The Active Driving Assistant Professional suite offered speed limit assist, traffic-jam assistant, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop & go function. A 360-degree camera system was available in the Premium Package, along with Active Park Distance Control and Back-Up Assistant.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover tests. The 2022 model received the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+ rating, with top scores in all crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. For 2023, it added Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.