
X1 is equipped with cruise control. Here are the relevant details: 1. Button Location: The cruise control button for the BMW X1 is located on the left side of the steering wheel. Pressing the button activates the system, allowing you to store the desired speed, which will then be displayed on the speedometer. Repeatedly pressing the rocker switch up or down adjusts the speed to the desired level. 2. Usage Method: Once the cruise control is activated in the BMW X1, you can set the speed between 30 km/h and 230 km/h, but only when the vehicle speed is above 30 km/h. The rocker switch for cruise control has two operating positions in both directions. The first position changes the speed in increments of 1 km/h, while the second position changes the speed in increments of 10 km/h.

I often drive the X1 on long trips, and it does have cruise control, which is very convenient to use. There's a row of control buttons on the left side of the steering wheel—just press the one with the speed icon to activate it. Once the speed is set, the car can maintain a constant speed automatically, so you don't have to keep pressing the accelerator. However, I should remind you that it's best not to use it on rainy days or highways with many curves, as the system may not react quickly enough to sudden acceleration. Also, configurations vary by year. I've tried the 2023 X1, which comes standard with this feature, but the 2018 base model might require an upgrade. My advice is to check directly if there's a silver control lever on the left side of the steering wheel when buying the car.

From a professional perspective, all X1 models come pre-equipped with cruise control hardware interfaces, but specific configurations depend on the model year. For example, post-2020 sDrive20Li and higher trims have it as standard, while the base sDrive18i may require it as an option. Operation is straightforward—it can only be activated above 40km/h after startup. However, note that if the cruise control icon doesn't appear on the dashboard, it's likely the previous owner didn't opt for this feature. I've even seen cases where owners installed it afterward, but this can easily lead to wiring issues. When buying a used car, I recommend specifically test-driving to check this feature—it can save a lot of effort on highways.

My 2021 X1 hits the highway every week, and the cruise control has saved me a lot of fuel. It's simple to use: first accelerate to your desired speed, then press the SET button on the left side of the steering wheel. Use the scroll wheel to adjust speed up or down—stepping on the brakes temporarily deactivates it. Just remember, the system doesn’t auto-brake, so you’ll need to take control if a car suddenly cuts in. Also, it’s best to turn it off in winter when roads are icy to avoid tire slippage. If the function stops working, it’s likely due to a loose connection in the steering wheel control module—just have a professional shop check it.

The new X1's cruise control has been upgraded to be more intelligent, unlike the rigid system in older models. For example, it can automatically compensate for power on slopes and applies slight braking to control speed when going downhill. I've tested it by driving continuously for two hours without touching the accelerator - completely freeing my right foot. But I must remind novice drivers: never use it in congested urban traffic as it's hard to maintain proper following distance. Some models also feature speed limit functionality - once set, you won't exceed the limit even when flooring the accelerator, making it particularly suitable for long highway drives. This configuration is highly recommended as a factory option, as retrofitting it later would be costly and troublesome.

The cruise control on the X1 works quite smoothly, but now the higher trim levels come with more advanced adaptive cruise control. The standard cruise control only manages speed, while the adaptive version can automatically follow vehicles and maintain distance. I've compared them—the front bumper with radar sensors is the distinguishing feature; the standard cruise control only has the basic control module. The standard version is sufficient for highways, but the adaptive version is safer on urban expressways. When buying a used X1, it's recommended to check this feature carefully. If the dashboard doesn't show a green indicator after pressing the cruise control button, it likely means the feature isn't installed or is broken. If functioning properly, there should be a distinct raised speed control button on the left side of the steering wheel.


