The seating is much higher than a regular car like the 3 series or 5 series. I can't sit in one of those cars for more than a half hour before I start getting back pain because my feet are not below me but are instead in front of me. In the X1 I sit like I do in a chair with my feet below me, which is what I need because of my bad back. That was the whole reason why I was looking at a car like this. If it were not for my bad back, I'd most likely be driving a sports car.
http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicle..._position.html
The 3 series has a height of 56.3 inches and 5.5 inches ground clearance
The X1 has a height of 60.8 inches and 7.6 inches ground clearance
The X3 has a height of 65.4 inches and 8.3 inches ground clearance
The X1 is in the middle and is much closer to an SUV in height and ground clearance than a sedan or wagon. Keep in mind that most of the extra 4.6 inches of height in the X3 is due to the taller roof rails (look at a picture of the X3 and you'll see what I am talking about)