BMW X1 - AN X CLOSER TO THE SPOT

The improved second generation version of BMW's smallest SUV, the X1, seems a much stronger all-round proposition. Jonathan Crouch checks it out...

Ten Second Review

The X1, BMW's most compact sports utility vehicle, has been quite a success in the UK. This improved MK2 model aims to build on that, being smarter and better equipped and now offering the option of plug-in petrol power. Will this revitalised X1 continue to hit this segment's sweet spot?

Background

The first generation version of the X1, BMW's smallest SUV - which the Munich maker insists on calling an 'SAV' (or 'Sports Activity Vehicle') - had a troubled birth. First launched in 2009, it was initially criticised for its looks and for not driving as a Beemer should.

Yet its popularity endured among its buyers and in 2015, its fans were rewarded with a second generation version which proved to be taller, roomier and cheaper to run. That's sold well but since 2015, a range of tough competitors have arrived in to the marketplace for premium compact SUVs, including cars like the Volvo XC40, the Jaguar E-PACE and the Lexus UX. So BMW has improved the the second generation X1. Let's take a look.

Driving Experience

The MK2 model X1 uses BMW's efficient generation of four-cylinder engines. Plus the brand's intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which distributes the engine's power between the front and rear axles as the situation requires, has been upgraded. Most buyers though, will be happy with front-wheel-drive. There's also a wide track, short overhangs and the usual 50:50 weight distribution.

The petrol range only comes with sDrive 2WD and starts with the 140hp 1.5-litre sDrive 18i model available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch auto. The petrol alternative is the 2.0-litre X1 sDrive20i, which delivers a total power output of 192hp and can only be specified with a seven-speed Sport dual-clutch automatic. There's also an xDrive 25e petrol/electric plug-in hybrid version. Here, a BMW TwinPower Turbo engine, which generates 125hp and peak torque of 220Nm, powers the front wheels, while an electric drive system with rated output of 95hp and torque of 165Nm channels its power to the rear wheels. The interplay of the two power sources produces an intelligent, part-electric version of BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive technology.

Most X1 sales though, are made with the two 2.0-litre diesel variants. There's a 150hp 2WD sDrive18d diesel variant, offered with either sDrive 2WD or xDrive 4WD and available with an 8-speed Steptronic auto gearbox as an alternative to the usual slick 6-speed BMW manual stick shifter. Or you can have an xDrive-only 190bhp 4WD xDrive20d model, which comes only with eight-speed Sport automatic transmission that enables it to accelerate from zero to 62mph in 7.8s and go on to a top speed of 136mph.

Design and Build

This second generation 'F48'-series X1 remains unmistakably a BMW and has been updated with a larger BMW kidney grille and standard full-LED headlights. The front bumper now boasts integral LED foglamps and all model variants feature larger air intakes. Another change can be found at the driver's-side exterior mirror, which projects a two-tone LED 'X1' image when the car is unlocked. At the rear, there are revised LED tail light and redesigned inlays on the apron. The four-cylinder variants get twin tailpipes.

Inside, the flat surfaces of the instrument panel and centre console controls are angled towards the driver, while the controls located in the lower section are surrounded by quality surfaces and are separated from the front passenger side by a smartly-designed bar. The updated interior details include contrast stitching on the instrument panel, which is black on its upper section and adopts the car's individual upholstery colour lower down. There's also an updated Navigation system with either an 8.8-inch screen or the optional 10.25-inch Touch Control Display. Either way, this allows access to the sixth generation of BMW's iDrive infotainment system that introduces touchscreen control for the Control Display alongside the iDrive Controller and optional intelligent voice control. A head-up display is also available. Boot capacity remains at a practical 505-litres. It can be upped to as much as 1,550-litres by folding down the standard 40:20:40 split rear seat. A 60:40 split-rear bench is an option that can come with individual elements able to slide the seat forward or back by up to 13cms.

[theocy]

Sir i am shocked that you do not have more subscribers. I consider you to be one of the most talented reviewers. I very much enjoy your reviews. Well done, thank you for the excellent reviews, keep up the good work. Regards from Cyprus, Theo.

[ricardocor]

The most complete BMW X1’s analysis ever. He explained all the details with a context within the BMW gamma and sector’s competitors.

[badgastein]

We (me plus wife who wants new car) are totally impressed with the comprehensive review of the complete X1 range - having thought I’d read all the brochures and seen all the other reviews I still discovered new facts and features here - this really is the only review that you need to watch.

[mikehindson-evans]

A really useful summary, which was coincidentally filmed three months after we took delivery of our second UKL-based X1 (we hung onto the 2016 X1 so we have two identical X1 18dSE vehicles sitting on the driveway) and was watched a week after we ordered the next one (same spec and trim once again) for delivery in 2022. The comments about the (original X1) E84 are fair enough - but that was the vehicle which got us away from 1-series and 5-series and into his-n-hers X1 ownership. It is a product which works well for us - but you really do need to select the long-range fuel tank and the sliding rear seat at the point of ordering.

[param]

An absolutely fantastic and the mosr comprehensive review Ive ever seen on any channel. Great job and you earn a subscriber.

[farmeronecow]

An absolutely superb review, told me everything I needed to know and so much more, you've earned yourself a sub, many thanks and well done sir 👍

[judyannkiwi]

Can’t say enough of about ur polish informative video. Well delivered and executed in a brilliant way!!

[pww]

Comprehensive and professionally presented review. Thank you so much, keep up the excellent work.

[rogergriffiths]

All round the most comprehensive review i have seen and excellent at that, thank you.

[bellacavachon]

Thanks for the video. That pull out from that junction though at 9 mins and 5 seconds! er, did I miss an indicator too? LOL!

[ariframzan]

I like the rotary dial but dislike how the touchscreen is placed .

[marts]

Very comprehensive review as always, thank you 😊

[steveb]

Well, we were supposed to be having a new RAV 4 but it looks like that's been kicked into touch, company has changed its list. So, its down to a Kuga ST line X phev or an X1 MSPORT phev. Which would you choose?

[dossantana]

THE BEST REVIEW I have had in car/SUV. I am certainly buying this X1, It was a choice between the x1 the lexusnx300 and the rav4 . I Am most definitely leaning towards the X1

[pistoleer]

Its a scandal that a Reversing camera that's standard on even the cheapest cars is still only an option on a £30k+ car

[janplexy]

1:28 - despite the nomenclature, the X2 is not larger than X1.

[mohamedelgendy]

BEST REVIEW I HAVE EVER SEEN ON A CAR . THANK YOU.

[jonathanbaldwin]

Hello I be looking at one next week 2.0d m sport x drive in white what mpg is it and is it good to drive

[FNMCaffeine]

What's the difference between the European market BMW X1 xDrive20i and the US market X1 xDrive28i? Is the European market model smaller?

[ronnie]

The presenter is so short, this X1 looks like an X5 :). But to the car, this uplift doesn't include a digital cockpit which you have even already in the 1 series and (partly) in the older 3 series years earlier. A missed opportunity.