BMW has rearranged the X1’s lineup for 2018 and now offers five distinct trims—base, Convenience, M Sport, Premium, and M Sport Premium—each with more features than the last. Only a few features are still offered as standalone options on non-Premium trims, including front and rear parking sensors ($800), LED headlamps ($950), Navigation ($950), and heated seats and steering wheel ($550). Some new features join the party for 2018; a backup camera is now standard, as is BMW’s ConnectedDrive in-car concierge service. Apple CarPlay is now optional ($300) as is onboard Wi-Fi with wireless device charging ($500). A new color—Sunset Orange Metallic—replaces Chestnut Bronze.
Pros Sweetheart engine and transmission, athletic chassis, capacious cargo hold.
Cons Unsupportive standard seats, slow infotainment system, subtle exterior styling.
The 2018 BMW X1 is a compelling crossover pick for a budget BMW buyer who can’t do without a roundel.
pros Subtle but good looks Responsive turbo-4 Good 8-speed automatic Relatively good value in base guise Spacious cargo area
Cons Options add up quickly Front seats aren’t the best seats Pricey advanced safety package No manual transmission?
The 2018 BMW X1 is a five-seat compact SUV in the luxury segment. It comes in two versions: the front-wheel-drive X1 sDrive28i and the all-wheel-drive X1 xDrive28i. From there, you have two directions to go: xLine Design or the sportier M Sport Design. After that, you can add various option groups that BMW calls tiers. The M Sport Design already comes with the Convenience group, which is optional on the xLine Design. Afterward, packages and stand-alone options are available based on which initial design and group you select.
PROS Strong and responsive turbo engine Sharp handling makes it fun to drive Plenty of rear passenger and cargo room High-quality materials and fit-and-finish
CONS Not particularly quiet on the highway Standard sport suspension may be jarring on rough roads
The 2018 Porsche Macan is unchanged.We like the balance of price and performance you get in the Macan S. It has more capability than you'll likely ever need, yet it is still tame enough for daily driving. As for options, the Premium Package Plus is a good place to start since it adds a nice grouping of desirable equipment without getting too fancy with the customization possibilities.
PROS Quick acceleration regardless of engine choice Most athletic and engaging to drive SUV in its segment Surprisingly comfortable and composed ride Long list of options means you can customize every last detail
CONS Must pay for numerous stand-alone options to get full-featured cabin Less rear-seat and cargo space than segment competitors
The 2018 Porsche Macan ranked #4 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Porsche Macan has a score of 8.6 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 26 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Outstanding acceleration Nimble handling and quiet ride Posh interior User-friendly infotainment system
Cons Subpar fuel economy Undersized cargo hold More expensive than most rivals
The 2018 Porsche Macan is the performance pick among compact crossovers because of course it is. Purists may scoff, but we don’t much care.
Pros Breathtaking speed from a small crossover Plenty of optional goodies GTS model hits a performance sweet spot Fit and finish is perfectly Porsche
Cons Gets expensive in a hurry Oddly shaped cargo area Did we mention it can crest six figures? No manual transmission. Don’t even ask. Back seats aren’t really all that spacious
