The Most Affordable BMW SUV of 2023 Doesn’t Have the Best Resale Value
The smallest and most affordable BMW SUV of 2023 is the X1. This class leader among subcompact luxury SUVs starts at just $39,100 for the xDrive28i model. Its spacious interior makes it one of the more practical options in its segment, and it has the engaging driving dynamics that enthusiasts expect from the German luxury brand, especially the sporty M35i variation.
BMW vehicles generally aren’t known for delivering excellent value, so how well does the X1 hold its value? Let’s see how this affordable BMW SUV compares to other crossovers in the lineup.
What is the BMW X1 resale value rating?
J.D. Power gave the BMW X1 a resale value rating of 77 out of 100. That’s a mediocre score, good enough for an “average” rating from J.D. Power. According to the firm’s rankings of other BMW SUVs, the X1 is the second-best after the X4. The BMW X4’s resale rating of 80 is also “average” but borders on “great.” Every other BMW SUV scores in the 70s.
The BMW X4 is the coupe version of the X3. This compact luxury SUV has many similarities to the more popular X3. However, the most significant difference is that the X4 has a sloping roofline, giving it a coupe-like body.
Which BMW SUV has the best resale value depends on whom you ask. According to the vehicle research site iSeeCars, the BMW X1 beats the X4 in resale. iSeeCars data shows the X1 holds 56.6% of its value after five years, while the X4 holds 52.3%.
So, why does J.D. Power give the BMW X4 a higher score? It could be because the data analytics firm measures this vehicle’s resale value against the rest of the compact luxury SUV class. If you check out the iSeeCars best resale value list for compact luxury SUVs, the X4 is the highest-ranking BMW model.
In any case, if you’re in the market for a BMW and resale value is important to you, the X1 and X4 are worth considering.
Why do vehicle resale value and depreciation matter?
Resale value is vital to new-car shoppers. A vehicle with excellent resale value can get you much more money when selling or trading in after a few years. For example, iSeeCars says the Lexus UX holds 66.4% of its value over five years, and the Lincoln Nautilus has among the worst resale values at 44.3%. That means buying a Lexus instead of a Lincoln is a financially wise choice if you plan to sell or trade your car a few years after buying it.
However, resale value isn’t everything. If you buy a new car intending to drive it for more than five years, its resale value isn’t as important. On a long enough timeline, almost every car has the same resale value.
