Many people prefer small SUVs because they're fuel-efficient and easy to drive while still offering some of the benefits of larger ones. However, these vehicles typically have lower towing capacity than midsize or full-size SUVs.
Fortunately, there are exceptions to the rule. And among those is the 2023 BMW X1 and its 3,700 pounds of towing capacity. Read on to learn more about the towing capabilities of the new X1 and how it compares to the competition.
What Is Towing Capacity?
Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely and lawfully tow. Towing capacity is typically listed in a vehicle's owners manual or on the inside of the driver's side door jamb, but you can also calculate it by using a simple formula. To do this, subtract the vehicle's curb weight from its gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR).
The curb weight of a vehicle refers to its total weight, which includes the weight of all fluids, such as oil and gas, and the weight of the driver. The GCWR is the manufacturer's recommended maximum vehicle weight and everything it's towing.
In the case of the 2023 BMW X1, the vehicle's curb weight is 3,750 pounds. That means the GCWR, or the amount of weight it's capable of safely and legally moving, will be around 7,450 pounds, including the SUV's weight. In other words, the 2023 BMW X1 can cruise around the York, Pennsylvania, area towing roughly its body weight behind it.
What Is Payload?
Payload is a close cousin of towing capacity and another metric often examined when considering a vehicle's power. While towing capacity measures how much weight a car can pull, payload capacity measures how much weight it can carry. Payload capacity is the total cargo weight a vehicle can safely and legally transport, which includes the weight inside the cabin, the trunk, the bed of a pickup, and even on top of the car roof.
To determine your vehicle's payload capacity, you can refer to the owners manual, check online, or look inside the driver's side door jamb. You can easily calculate your payload capacity by subtracting the curb weight from the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The GVWR is the recommended maximum weight of the vehicle and everything it carries. It's similar to but slightly different from the GCWR, which you can use to determine towing capacity.
In the case of the 2023 BMW X1, the GVWR is 4,850 pounds, which means it can safely and legally move with 4,850 pounds of weight on its axles. But 3,750 pounds of that weight is the curb weight or the weight of the vehicle itself. So the payload capacity, or the amount of "extra" weight it can carry, is 1,100 pounds (4,850 minus 3,750).
Real-World Performance Examples
So, the 2023 BMW X1 can safely tow up to 3,700 pounds. But what does that actually translate to? Just a few examples of things the X1 can tow around York, Pennsylvania, include:
- Bumper pull horse trailer with two horses.
- Gooseneck pull 16-foot livestock trailer.
- A class two boat.
- Small campers.
- Two jet skis, snowmobiles, motorcycles, or ATVs on a trailer.
Comparing the Towing Capacity of the 2023 BMW X1
The 2023 BMW X1 is a small SUV. So how does it compare to other small SUVs in terms of towing capacity? Just some of the competing SUVs that the X1 can out-tow include:
- Ford Escape: 3,500 pounds.
- Toyota RAV4: 3,500 pounds.
- Mazda CX-50: 3,500 pounds.
- Jeep Wrangler: 3,500 pounds.
- Subaru Forester: 3,000 pounds.
- Kia Sportage: 2,500 pounds.
- Ford Bronco Sport: 2,200 pounds.
The 2023 BMW X1 Engine
The 2023 BMW X1 comes with a 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline four-cylinder engine that's capable of delivering up to 241 horsepower. The vehicle can reach a top speed of 130 mph and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The X1 can accelerate quickly from a stop or slow position thanks to its impressive 295 lb-ft of torque.
The transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. For an SUV of its power and speed, the X1 still boasts an impressive fuel efficiency of 28 mpg combined.
Additional BMW X1 Towing Technology
The BMW X1's exceptional towing capacity is just part of what makes it such a good vehicle for pulling cargo. The towing experience is enhanced by several additional features that include:
- Active Blind Spot Detection.
- Lane departure warning.
- Intelligent all-wheel drive.
- Dynamic stability control.
- Hill-descent control.
- Rearview camera.
- Backup Assistant.
- Power tailgate.
Tips for Safe Towing With the BMW X1
The first and most important tip for safe towing is to stay within the limits of your vehicle. For the 2023 BMW X1, that means towing no more than 3,700 pounds on top of the weight of the vehicle itself. And be careful not to weigh the vehicle down with more than 1,100 pounds of cargo in the cabin, trunk, or rooftop. Other tips for safe towing include:
- Aim to have around 60% of the weight you tow in the front half of the trailer and a tongue weight of 10% to 15% of the loaded trailer weight.
- Make sure you've properly inflated the tires on your BMW X1 and trailer.
- Adjust your mirrors so you can see comfortably behind the trailer.
- Test all taillights and brake lights on your trailer.
- Make wider turns and allow for longer stopping distances.
Ready To Learn More About the BMW X1?
Feel free to visit our dealership on Roosevelt Avenue in York, Pennsylvania, to meet with our team, take a test drive, and learn more about the 2023 BMW X1 and its towing capabilities. And while you're here, be sure to inquire about any lease or financing specials or other BMW-certified discounts. You can also speak to our team about outfitting your new SUV with aftermarket trailer hitches or other accessories to enhance your towing experience. Contact us today to get to know the 2023 BMW X1.