New BMW X1 review

The new X1, based on the current BMW 1 Series platform, completes the X line-up of X3, X5 and X6 models. Unlike the larger versions the X1 is available in rear wheel drive and permanent four wheel drive forms.

Because of the dominance of diesel engines in the SUV/SAC (Sports Utility and Sports Activity Vehicles) sector there is the choice of three power outputs, all using a core 2.0-litre, four cylinder power plant.

The 18d with 143bhp and 320Nm of torque and the 20d with 177bhp and 350Nm is available with sDrive rear wheel drive and xDrive all wheel drive specification whilst the third 23d, 204bhp, 400Nm unit is xDrive only. There is one SE level of specification for all models and prices range from £22,660 up to £29,055.

BMW X1 market

BMW say currently it is the only ‘premium’ compact Sports Activity Vehicle currently on sale in the UK although the Audi Q3 and the baby Land/Range Rover will be competitors in the future. Once the range has additional specifications added around 6,500 of them should be sold in a full year in the UK.

Owners of the current Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan , Ford Kuga and down-sizers from the BMW X3 are likely customers an but BMW think 65% of sales will go to conquest customers.

Just over half will opt for sDrive two wheel drive models, a pattern already set by other brands of medium sized, 4x4 appearance vehicles who are finding that two-wheel drive variants, because of running costs, are more popular.

The five door, five seat X1 certainly takes its styling theme from other X models in the BMW range but it is less obviously a bulky 4x4 or SAV to attract a car audience. It has a softer styling so as not to put potential owners off buying a 4x4 type vehicle.

It looks very much like what a 1 Series Touring would be like if there was such a thing. More estate with large wheels and a bit more ground clearance. The long bonnet is classic 1 Series as is the side wedge shaped profile.

The xDrive all wheel drive versions can be recognised by the additional roof rails and stain finish side sill guards.

BMW X1 interior

Inside the styling and functionality evidence is more of an X family member with semi-command seating positions and 40/20/40 split rear seating which fold and a large tailgate allows access to the load area as in conventional SUV, hatchback or estate manner.

Most of the interior is excellent and reasonably well finished but certainly you can see and feel it is built to a price. The centre part of the upper dashboard, home to the optional navigation system, looks a bit cheap.

BMW X1 on-road and off-road

The great thing about all BMW X models is just how well they drive on the roads under all conditions. There is none of the body roll, choppy hard and non compliant suspension characteristics.

Road holding, grip and steering is almost as sharp as most of their passenger cars. The X1 drives like a really well sorted sports estate, despite it extra height and weight.

During the first UK media test driving in the absolute top of Scotland, lashed by gales and high winds, the on road driving with huge amounts of standing water was safe and sure even in rear wheel drive form.

Add the xDrive all wheel drive function and the vehicle was even better especially when it came to long sections of rough stone tracks and very wet gravel sections such as you might find on a rally.

BMW X1 engines and performance

In sDrive form X1 20d with 177bhp and 350Nm of torque will be perfect for most users who do not need all wheel drive traction. With 53.3mpg the quoted official figure (38.7mpg in testing) and CO2 emissions of 139g/km road tax will be £120 a year this is a sensible choice for most people whether it is the school run, going shopping or travelling up and down motorways.

For me, a country dweller, I’d go for the more powerful 23d, 204bhp, 400Nm version with its standard fit auto transmission because it offers all wheel traction and real performance whether dry, wet, mud, ice or snow conditions.

It is only marginally faster and the fuel economy averages 44.8mpg (35.7mpg in testing) and road tax is £175. But the performance feels strong and the grip of its smart all wheel drive system, which pushes the power to the wheels that need the grip most, makes it handle fantastically well on tarmac or on rougher surfaces.

Do not get carried away, the X1 will be no off-roader but it will handle tough conditions. Shame this version will cost around £30k with a few options, around £9,000 more than an Audi A3 Sport back 2.0 TDI 170 quattro.

BMW X1 MILESTONES

BMW X1 sDrive 20d SE (Likely main selling two wheel drive model)

Price: £24,205

Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel, 177bhp, 350Nm from 1,750rpm, 6-speed manual, rear wheel drive

Performance: 127mph (limited), 0-62 8.1 seconds, 53.3mpg (38.7mpg actual), CO2 139g/km, VED £120

BIK/Insurance group: TBC

Dimensions capacities: L 4,454mm, W 1,798mm, H 1,545mm, luggage space 420-1,350-litres, towing weight braked 1,800 (4WD 20d/23d versions 2,000kg)

For: Size, choice of two or four wheel drive models, softer exterior styling over a conventional SUV, brilliant on-road handling in all conditions, comfortable, relatively well priced

Against: Poor interior quality in places

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