BMW

X1

It has been around for a few years now, but BMW has really raised the bar with it’s all-new third generation X1. There’s a wide choice of powertrains, trims and also the option of all-wheel drive.

Test Drive

BMW X1 M Sport – First Drive (2022)

BMW has launched an assault on the SUV sector with the arrival of the all-new third-generation X1 and it is guaranteed to make quite an impact.

Admittedly, when the Bavarian carmaker first launched the X1 back in 2009 it was hard to work out exactly who would be tempted to buy it. It really didn’t seem to fall into any real category. Yes, it was classed as an SUV but, in reality, had the looks of an oversized estate car.

The second generation model landed in 2015 and between the two of them, they accounted for 119,000 sales here in the UK.

But now we have the third-gen model that offers additional engine choice, including two diesel and two petrol units, two plug-in hybrids and a fully electrified version soon to arrive.

Customers can select between generously-equipped trims called Sport, xLine and M Sport and there is the option of adding all-wheel drive to the mix on certain models too.

We opted for the dynamically-styled X1 xDrive 23i M Sport model powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt mild hybrid technology delivering 218hp and 360Nm of torque. It could complete the 0-62mph dash in a very respectable 7.1 seconds and maxed out at 145mph. And according to official figures, under WLTP testing, it could deliver a combined 40.9 to 42.8mpg with carbon emissions of 154g/km.

The 2022 X1 line-up is priced from £33,775 for the entry-level rear-wheel drive sDrive 20i model and increases to £45,500 for the xDrive 30e version. Our test car cost £40,940, but as is the premium manufacturer way, it featured a number of optional extras that saw the final price climb to £47,494.

When it comes to looks, the five-door BMW X1 has plenty of road presence with the front end featuring the new, oversized grille surrounded by 3D chrome trim and grille bars finished in a high gloss black shade. There are flared wheel arches, muscular shoulder lines, slim LED headlights with daytime running lights, door handles that are flush to the body, large cooling air inlets, a rear spoiler and exclusive 19-inch M Light alloy wheels with M suspension added to the mix.

Move inside and you are greeted by an interior that is absolute class. It sees a 10.25-inch information display merging seamlessly with a 10.7-inch control display behind a single glass screen that is curved towards the driver.

There are fewer physical controls and the good old iDrive rotary controller has been ditched. But the level of on-board tech impresses with a cloud-based navigation system, a pitch perfect 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, full smartphone connectivity, over-the-air software updates, powered and heated seats, plus a heated steering wheel.

Powering the tech is the latest BMW Operating System 8 which includes a more advanced personal assistant that can help with tasks such as opening the sunroof, plotting navigational routes and lots more besides.

When it comes to performance, the X1 really impresses with sharp acceleration out of the starting blocks and responsive acceleration through the seven-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox with double clutch.

Drive modes called Personal, Sport, Efficient and Expressive alter the characteristics of the car and there are steering wheel mounted paddles for added driver engagement to flick through the gears manually.

In addition, a Sport Boost function is activated by pulling the left-hand shift paddle for more than a second and this results in all powertrain and chassis settings being primed for maximum response.

Although I found the ride a little firm at times, the all-round handling was sharp and engaging throughout the test drive. The steering is well-weighted and the road holding assured, especially as our model featured all-wheel drive that brings with it added grip in more adverse driving conditions.

Another factor that works in the new X1’s favour is the increase in dimensions. It is longer, wider and taller with a wheelbase that now stretches 2,692mm (an increase of 22mm). This means there is extra space within the cabin and more storage room too. The boot can swallow 540 litres of goodies, increasing to 1,600 litres with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. There is the option of a rear bench with a sliding operation and that increases the luggage limits even further.

The three full-sized rear seats mean the middle passenger doesn’t feel so cramped and there are numerous storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin, along with charge ports to plug in devices.

When you also factor in the maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, the new BMW X1 is quite the all-rounder and it looks certain to put pressure on the premium SUV segment.

Test Drive

BMW X1 xDr20d SE

It may be the smallest and latest arrival to the BMW X family, but the X1 certainly has plenty to shout about.

Taking the styling and finesse of the highly-acclaimed X5, BMW has somehow managed to shrink all that technology and produce the first premium compact sports activity vehicle.

Designed for those who thrive on a sporty lifestyle, the X1 boasts eye-catching good looks with striking alloys, rugged lines and flared wheel arches, and despite its compact appearance, there is nothing small about this vehicle.

The interior is like the Tardis with ample space to accommodate five adults and all their luggage requirements and there are plenty of handy storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin too.

The model supplied for my test drive boasted four-wheel-drive capabilities (two-wheel-drive models available) and was fitted with the BMW comfort package which added front parking sensors, rain-sensing headlights and wipers and automatically dimming rear view mirror. Other quality features include dual-zone climate control, a multi-function leather sport steering wheel, a great sound system which is compatible with all of today’s modern devices, an on-board computer and plenty more besides.

There is a real sense of style and quality about the X1 and this is further enhanced by the very comfortable, easily adjustable Nevada leather seats and general all-round cabin ambience.

And the drive itself certainly has plenty of X factor too. The 2.0-litre engine delivers ample power and the six-speed manual transmission is very responsive.

In and around town, the X1 seemed to glide through the busy traffic and the auto start/stop technology is a real bonus when it comes to traffic jams and improving fuel efficiency. In addition, parking was made easy thanks to the great sensors. Then out on the faster roads, the ride was quiet and very smooth. Even our nation’s network of potholed roads couldn’t upset the ride. The high-seated driving position means excellent visibility although it is a bit restricted through the rear window.

Safety features on the X1 are very comprehensive with anti-lock brakes, automatic stability control, dynamic traction control, electronic brake force distribution, numerous airbags, run-flat tyres and lots more.

All in all, the X1 may be the youngster of the bunch, but there’s nothing small-minded about this baby beamer.