BMW created a whole new segment 10 years ago with the introduction of the X5 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). The smaller X3 followed in 2004, with the X6 creating a new niche in 2008. With over a million and a half X models sold, BMW have released this, the new baby of the range, the X1. Will the X1 carve out it’s own following or live in the shadow of the larger X3, we headed to Scotland to find out.
Car-like looks
On the outside, the five-door SUV looks like an attractive mix of shrunken X5 and curvaceous estate. BMW claim to have gone in a more car-like design direction with the X1, but the upright kidney grilles, short front and rear overhangs and squared-off arches are all cues from the X3 and X5. Where the X1 differs in design from its bigger brothers is in the lower roof line, steeply raked rear windows leading to the characteristic Hofmeister kink and the elongated bonnet. Other key X1 exterior styling features include the sweeping front headlight units with their eyebrow-like detailing and jagged rear light clusters and the use of aluminum detailing for the bumpers and side skirts with the optional x line package.
Better looking than its bigger brother?
Overall, I think that the new X1’s styling is attractive, its looks are far more cohesive than its bigger brother the X3. The shape suits big wheels and lighter, modern colours.
The inside story
The inside of the new X1 feels every bit the premium small Sport Activity Vehicle with its elegant mix of high quality trim, and durable finishes. The commanding driving position is actually an illusion as you sit low in the X1, but with a high sight line - what BMW calls the semi-command position. Interior space is good too, with enough space for five and luggage in the generous 420-litre boot. This can be increased to 1,350-litres with the innovative 40:20:40 rear seat folded down.
Choice of two- and four-wheel drive
A first for BMW is the fact that the X1 is available in two- and four-wheel drive versions. xDrive four-wheel drive versions feature the latest stability control system that regulates the power to each wheel. sDrive two-wheel drive cars are £1,305 cheaper and weigh 85kg less, so it’s no wonder that BMW expect to sell more of the two-wheel drive versions than the four.
Which engine?
There’s a choice of three engines, all diesels for the X1. a 143bhp 18d available with two- and four wheel drive, a 177bhp 20d also available in two- and four-wheel drive versions and the range-topping four-wheel drive only twin-turbo, 23d with 201bhp. I drove the 23d mated to six-speed automatic transmission and found it to be a pokey if clattery unit. The auto box changes gears smoothly enough, but feels a bit slow off the mark. I found it be far more lively in the sport mode where it held on to the gears longer and was quicker to downshift. Our test car was also fitted with steering wheel-mounted paddles, but these weren’t intuitive in the way they worked.
What's it like to drive?
In a word excellent, the four-wheel drive system grip is strong and the X1 has fine body control. The X1’s steering is also precise, in fact it feels more like a small estate to drive than a SUV. Shame then that the ride on the optional 18-inch alloys and run-flat tyres felt unresolved on bad surfaces, and there was some road noise on the motorway. The xDrive models might have four-wheel drive, but don’t expect to do any serious off-roading in the X1. Its lack of ground clearance, road tyres and no low range gears put pay to that.
Summing up
BMW see’s the X1 as a halo car to bring new buyers into the brand,and whilst this is partly true I think there’s too much overlap with the X3. The X1 looks and drives better than its bigger brother, offers the choice of two- and four-wheel drive and has more green technology. The only downside is that all X1 versions are expensive (prices range from £22,660 - £29, 055) and are priced too close to the X3 yet offer the same sort of ownership experience. Overall, it’s an interesting if expensive alternative to rivals such as the Ford Kuga, Nissan Qashqai, Toyota RAV-4 and Volkswagen Tiguan.
Fancy a closer look? Check out our BMW X1 gallery
