Hardware
BMW will offer the X1 with several different engine choices, based on sales market. European customers, for whom the vehicle will debut in 2010, will receive both gasoline- and diesel-powered 4-cylinder engines with smaller displacement. The U.S. market, which is accustomed to performance-oriented vehicles from BMW, will initially receive the X1 xDrive28i, with a 260-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine shared with the current 1 Series, 3 Series, and X3. The xDrive28i features a standard 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode, and permanent all-wheel drive.

The X1 features independent suspension at all four corners, with damping tuned for a well-controlled ride on the road, according to the manufacturer. Although the X1 xDrive28i is all-wheel drive, it is not intended for serious off-road travel. Also, according to BMW, the ride is more compliant than that found on the X3, which has been widely criticized for its stiff suspension tuning. Standard wheels for the X1 are 17-inch cast aluminum, with 18-inch wheels optional.

Safety
Mirroring the safety technology found on the 1 Series and 3 Series models, all X1 models include dual front air bags with dual-threshold and 2-stage smart deployment technology protecting the driver and front passenger. Side air bags, and a front- and rear-seat curtain air bag Head Protection System offer additional protection to occupants.

The extensive list of standard electronic safety aids includes anti-lock brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). The DSC on the new X1 includes BMW's versions of electronic brake proportioning, cornering brake stability enhancement, Dynamic Brake Control, Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Standby, Dynamic Traction Control, and Start-off Assistant.