The BMW X1
The BMW X1
Debuting in 2009, the first generation X1 was BMW’s newest subcompact luxury crossover. As the smallest SUV in their line-up, its popularity grew thanks in part to its size, increased efficiency and lower price. Since its initial launch, nearly three million X1s have been sold.
Now, the X1 is the latest in the BMW family to undergo an upgrade.
With distinctive styling, increased space and enhanced connectivity, BMW have positioned the new third-generation X1 as a fully polished, practical and upmarket SUV. Does it deliver?
The new front-end design stands out, with a large signature kidney grille which encapsulates a three-dimensional chrome effect. There are new LED headlights, lower air intakes, sleeker styling details, nicer lines and a fresh feel to the new model. It’s dynamic and refined.
New flared rear wheel arches house 17-inch alloys. As you move through the range, 18-inch and 19-inch alloys come as standard, with optional 20-inch alloys on the top of the range M Sport, a first for the X1.
Luxurious nods to becoming a full-fledged SUV are noticeable inside the car with the interior offering a raised seating position and generous amounts of space. Up front there’s plenty of head and legroom with comfortable front seats which help enhance the luxury aesthetic. The seats offer ample support and adjustments, although taller adults might find them a little tight but not overly so.
Despite being a smaller SUV, it is in fact bigger than the model it replaces and offers more space than its competitors in the family SUV class. Rear space is also generous, offering class-leading leg and headroom normally afforded to bigger SUVs. Rear seats slide forward and back, and can recline, albeit slightly. Boot space has increased to over 540 litres, which is 100 litres more than the Volvo XC40. 1,600 litres are available when the seats are folded down in a convenient 40/20/40 split and an automatic tailgate comes as standard.
There’s plenty of cupholders, door pockets and storage spaces throughout the cabin, and a new wireless phone charge pad, which allows mobiles to be placed upright and visible.
The interior is well built and plush for an SUV of its class. The dashboard and display are solid and can be framed in four variants of trim, including eucalyptus wood and an aluminium hexacube effect. The geometry of the interior and design cues hail from the larger iX model. They include the digital instrument panel, BMW’s curved touchscreen and the ‘floating’ armrest with the integral controls.
All new X1s come with a 10.2-inch digital driver’s display as standard along with a 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The screen has sharp graphics and responds well. As with some other models, BMW’s famous iDrive rotary dial is gone, meaning the display is touchscreen. The wide variety of apps available do take a little getting used to, but they work without any lag or delay. Some mundane functions can be a little fidgety, such as trying to adjust climate control. Ironically, it was easier to find the ‘G-Metre’ information than it was the mpg. The lack of physical buttons might put some people off, but once you get the hang of it, it’s fairly easy to operate and navigate. Voice control comes in pretty handy.
On the road, the new X1 offers a mature drive. The driving position is good, with clear visibility all-round. Reversing camera, and front and rear parking sensors come as standard. An optional augmented view with helpful navigation directions appears via a heads-up display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sync up seamlessly.
There’s very little body roll, the car feels agile and decisive with responsive steering and brakes. I was also surprised at how quiet the car was ¬ wind and road noise are almost non-existent. The X1 receives a new seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox which is smooth and swift.
The X1 comes with two different suspension options – the standard set-up or M adaptive system, which allows you to choose a softer or firmer driving style. The standard ride is smooth and comfortable with most road surfaces being absorbed without fuss.
The new X1 has a choice of powertrains – one petrol, two diesels and two plug-in hybrids (PHEV).
The X1 line-up starts with the front wheel drive 150PS, 2.0-litre four-cylinder sDrive18d Diesel. 0-62mph is 8.9 seconds with top speed 130mph, delivering a respectable 55mpg. With a bit more grunt is the next XDrive diesel powertrain – those familiar with BMW terminology will know this relates to BMW’s all-wheel drive system. The 211PS 2.0-litre xDrive23d produces 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 140mph, delivering approximately 56.5 mpg.
The lone petrol powertrain in the range comes in the form of the 2.0-litre, 218PS xDrive23i. 0-62mph is a sprightly 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 145mph and delivering around 40mpg. It’s aided by mild-hybrid electrical assistance (as well as shift paddles on the M Sport model) which helps provide a 20PS boost of acceleration ¬–¬ very useful for overtaking.
BMW are also keeping pace with the industry by offering two plug-in hybrids. Both the xDrive25e and xDrive30e models are paired with a 1.5-litre petrol powertrain and an electric motor with a 7.4kWh battery. According to BMW, the plug-in models will produce approximately 55 miles of pure electric range, 250PS and 330PS respectively, and top speeds of 127mph.
There are three trim levels – Sport, xLine and M Sport. All come with a wealth of standard features, such as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and parking sensors. Optional advanced tech includes self-parking and adaptive cruise control.
Prices for the X1 start from £41,530 or £1,999 deposit with £559 per month.
The new X1 is a much-improved package, delivering a fully polished, practical and upmarket small family SUV. With its choice of powertrains and styling, the new BMW X1 might’ve just set the bar for the competition.
