Comparison: Ground clearance BMW X1 vs. competitors 2025

Evolution is the name of the game when it comes to the automotive domain, and the X1's belly gap has been on an adventurous ride across generations. The inaugural 'X1 E84 2009-2012' towered with a clearance of 194 mm, but then, as if it had developed a sudden inclination for aerodynamics, the first facelift in 2012 trimmed it down to a still-respectable 179 mm. Later, the 'X1 F48' lineage lifted itself to 183 mm, maintaining this newfound stance across both its initial rendition (2015-2019) and the facelifted version (2019-2022). It is the latest chapter, the 'X1 U11 2022-now', that partially reclaims its generational might, steadily elevating itself to 189 mm and toting along a cavernous boot to boot—with a stash capacity of 1600 mm with the seats folded.

In the Bedouin tent that is the BMW lineup, the X1's clearance stands out as somewhat of a middle child, with the ability to wade through medium-depth fords without soaking the carpets. Distinctly more elevated than the pavement-hugging sports coupes and convertibles like the 'BMW Z4 Roadster', which hovers a mere 117 mm from the Earth's crust, and the 'BMW M4 CSL Coupé' at a relatively ground-licking 113 mm. But if you think that the X1 is the loftiest member of the family, think again. In the SUV hierarchy, it is outstripped by the majestic 'BMW X5' which lords over common asphalt with a grandiose 214 mm of clearance. Even the 'BMW X3', a model category sibling, offers a sliver more space at 204 mm, a reminder that within the BMW dominion, there always seems to a bigger fish... or in this case, a taller SUV.

But how, pray tell, does our upscaled friend compare against the motley crew of contemporary marauders from rival camps? Slide over to the likes of the 'VW Tiguan', a German compatriot in the crossover coliseum, which matches the X1's levitation at a solid 200 mm. Steer your gaze to the French connection, the 'Renault Kadjar', that boasts a similar altitude also at 200 mm, while the 'Citroen C5 Aircross' eclipses many an opponent with an imperious 230 mm—enough to shame the most daunting of sleeping policemen. Traverse across the pond and you'll find the 'Chevrolet Captiva' gazes down upon most with 185 mm—a touch shy of the X1's stature but not by a vast chasm. Supporters of the three-pointed star might argue the 'Mercedes-Benz GLA' proves a worthier adversary—if only it didn't lurk at a lower echelon with a mere 134 mm ground clearance. Well, it seems the X1 finds itself perched comfortably amidst foes and allies alike, offering a clearance that seems to say, 'I'm ready for adventure, but won't dismiss the odd charming cobblestone street.