5 minute read
BMW X1
Power
The two-litre turbocharged petrol engine has mildhybrid assistance, giving the X1 215bhp.
THE KNOWLEDGE
BMW X1 xDrive23i xLine
Price (as tested): £46,440 Engine: 2.0-litre
turbocharged petrol engine
Power:
215bhp
Torque: 360Nm
Max speed:
145mph
O-60mph:
6.9 seconds
MPG (combined): 40.9-42.8mpg
Emissions:
148-157g/km CO2
BMW has packed its latest X1 with loads of new features, but what is the SUV like to drive? Jack Evans took it out for a spin.
WHAT IS IT?
The X1 – BMW’s smallest SUV – has been around for a little while, plodding along as one of the frontrunners in the compact end of the market. So to keep it current as rivals descend upon the segment, BMW is introducing a new X1, bringing a vast swathe of changes.
WHAT’S NEW?
From the outside at least, quite a lot has changed. The previous X1 was a decidedly compact-looking model, whereas this new, revitalised version is closer in design to the much larger X3. Up close, it’s actually hard to distinguish the two. Inside, there’s an even greater focus on practicality and quality, with the X1 aiming to deliver the kind of everyday usability that buyers in this area – mostly families – are after. A range of efficient engines is available, too, while a fully electric iX1 is due to hit the market soon as well.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
The one we’re looking at – badged X1 xDrive23i – uses a four-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance to deliver 215bhp and 360Nm of torque, making it the punchiest of all the combustion-engined X1 models. BMW claims a 0-60mph time of just under seven seconds, which isn’t half bad for a car of this type. The addition of xDrive all-wheel drive means you’ve got plenty of traction, too.
Despite its relatively brisk performance, the addition of that mild-hybrid assistance means you could see up to 42.8mpg and CO2 emissions of between 148 and 157g/km depending on specification. As you might expect, it’s the diesels that’ll prove to be the best on fuel, with the entry-level X1 18d able to return up to 57.6mpg.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
It’s quiet at speed, able to cope with lumps and bumps in the road well, and has more than enough performance for most occasions. Visibility is good and this helps contribute to a very easy driving experience.
We experienced a bit of a delay in the gearbox, with the pause between pressing the accelerator and the power arriving proving to be quite noticeable, particularly when leaving junctions or entering roundabouts. That said, when you’re up to speed, the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic shifts really smoothly and accurately. It’s particularly reliable when you want it to change down to overtake.
Style
The chunky boxlike dimensions give the X1 an upright, go-anywhere appearance.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
Up close, the chunky, box-like dimensions are actually quite appealing – to our eyes at least – and give the X1 an upright, go-anywhere kind of appearance. Our particular car, in xLine trim, has a more refined take on design than the M Sport versions. So rather than the gloss black accents that you’ll find on the sportier model, you get chrome applied to areas such as the front grille and roof bars. To us, it’s the more attractive option.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
BMW has really lifted the overall look and feel of the X1’s interior, making it a very pleasant place to be. The upright design of the car as a whole means there’s plenty of headroom for front and rear occupants, while legroom for those in the back is decent, too. Everything has a nice robust feel to it – even the satin-coloured plastics on the dash aren’t scratchy.
There’s plenty of boot space. The rear seats split and fold 40:20:40 to give really flexible loading options, but even with them in place, there are 540 litres of space to play with. Fold all those rear seats down entirely and this expands to a healthy 1,600 litres. It’s a nice square boot, too, and there’s not too much of a load lip, so putting heavier items in is easy.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
Things kick off with Sport grade, but even here you get 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights plus BMW’s latest curved infotainment setup, accessed via a 10.25-inch screen. This is alongside a digital driver display, too.
Our car, in xLine trim, starts from £38,190 and as well as all of the standard features, you get 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats plus all the aluminium exterior elements. Some choice options – such as the £2,750 Technology Plus Pack with a heated steering wheel, adaptive LED headlights and head-up display – did crank the price up to £46,440 though, so as with all BMWs, keep an eye on the optional extras to help keep prices down.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?
Auto Express said: ‘It’s yet another strong showing from BMW’, while Car Magazine described the X1 as a ‘well-rounded family car’.
WHAT DO WE THINK?
The SUV segment is awash with options but, thankfully, the X1 isn’t just another car for car’s sake. It builds on two generations of vehicles, so it’s got a bit of reinforcement heritage-wise. But it’s this, coupled with the excellent build quality and refined driving style, which helps to make the X1 feel like a very attractive proposition.
Go easy with the options list and there’s no reason why it can’t be a good-value one, either. Our only caveat would be the arrival of the iX1 which, with its 270-mile range and high performance, could actually prove to be this regular car’s greatest rival.
Inside
With plenty of headroom for the front and rear occupants the BMW also has a robust quality feel.
TARGET BUYERS:
Families looking for a premium and practical compact SUV.
THE RIVALS:
Audi Q3 Mercedes GLA Volvo XC40
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Wide choice of powertrains 2.Features BMW’s latest in-car technology 3.Practical and roomy interior
