Compare the2024 BMW X1VS 2024 Infiniti QX50

The X1 has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The QX50 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the X1. But it costs extra on the QX50.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the X1’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The QX50 doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the X1 and QX50 have rear cross-traffic warning, but the X1 has Cross Traffic Warning with braking function (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The QX50’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

The X1’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The QX50 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the X1 and the QX50 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the BMW X1 is safer than the QX50:

The BMW X1 achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The QX50 is not a “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

The X1’s corrosion warranty is 5 years longer than the QX50’s (12 vs. 7 years).

There are over 73 percent more BMW dealers than there are Infiniti dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the X1’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the X1 has a standard 210-amp alternator. The QX50’s 130-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Infiniti vehicles. With 20 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Infiniti.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Infiniti vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Infiniti is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Infiniti vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 4 places higher in reliability than Infiniti.

The X1 xDrive28i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 280) than the QX50’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The X1 M35i xDrive’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 45 more horsepower (313 vs. 268) and 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 280) than the QX50’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the X1 xDrive28i is faster than the Infiniti QX50:

On the EPA test cycle the X1 gets better mileage than the QX50:

Regenerative brakes improve the X1’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The QX50 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the X1’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The QX50 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The X1’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The QX50 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the X1’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the QX50:

The X1 stops much shorter than the QX50:

The X1’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the QX50 Sport/Sensory/Autograph’s 45 series tires.

The X1 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the QX50; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

The X1 has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The QX50’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The X1 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The QX50’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The X1 xDrive28i handles at .85 G’s, while the QX50 AWD pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The X1 xDrive28i executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the QX50 AWD (26.3 seconds @ .67 average G’s vs. 26.9 seconds @ .64 average G’s).

The X1 xDrive28i is 7.5 inches shorter than the QX50, making the X1 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the BMW X1 amounts to more than styling. The X1 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .27 Cd. That is significantly lower than the QX50 (.32) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the X1 get better fuel mileage.

The front grille of the X1 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The QX50 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The X1 has 1.1 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more front legroom and .2 inches more rear headroom than the QX50.

The X1’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the QX50’s (3500 vs. 0 pounds).

Standard Trailer Stabilization Control on the X1 uses the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The QX50 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Infiniti. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 4% lower rating, Infiniti is ranked 9th.

The power windows standard on both the X1 and the QX50 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the X1 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The QX50 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The X1’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The QX50’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the X1 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The QX50 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The X1’s Parking Assistant can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling the transmission and speed with the brake pedal. With its available fully controlled system, the driver just activates it and it parks autonomously, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The QX50 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Insurance will cost less for the X1 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the X1 will cost $1085 to $4440 less than the QX50 over a five-year period.

The X1 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the X1 will retain 53.35% of its original price after five years, while the QX50 only retains 46.64% to 48.58%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW X1 will be $3587 to $20221 less than for the Infiniti QX50.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW X1, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Infiniti QX50 isn't recommended.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X1 third among small premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The QX50 isn’t in the top three.

The BMW X1 outsold the Infiniti QX50 by over two to one during 2023.