Review
BMW X1
The first generation of the BMW X1 that made more than 730,000 owners happy was recently replaced by a second generation. Not a facelift, but an upgrade with a sensitive new look, more space in the interior and the latest generation of engines. We did the test with the X1 xDrive25i.
Better appearance
Personally, we think the second generation of the X1 has become considerably better looking. It also looks more like a real SUV (SAV) with a cooler appearance and different lines than its predecessor. We recognize features of the X5, which in itself is also a handsome appearance. Compared to the first generation, the new X1 has also grown significantly in height, approximately 53 mm. The benefits of this include a greater sense of space inside. Inside, the seating position has also been raised at both the front and rear, giving both front and rear occupants a better view of the road.
Motorizations
You can order the second generation of the BMW X1 in 4 petrol engine types. The entry-level version is the front-wheel drive sDrive18i with 136 hp from 30,000 euros. You can also opt for an sDrive20i with 192 hp from 36,200 euros.
If you are looking for an X1 with four-wheel drive, there is the xDrive20i, also with 192 hp and starting at 38,250 euros. The top version is an xDrive25i with a smooth 231 hp for a base price of 46,000 euros. Only on the sDrive18i can you choose between a manual gearbox or a Steptronic. All other petrol models are equipped with a Steptronic or Sport automatic gearbox.
The diesel range includes six engine types with many options for front-wheel drive (sDrive) or intelligent all-wheel drive (xDrive). The entry-level version is the sDrive16d with 116 hp. This is only available with a manual gearbox and starts at €30,250. You then have the choice between an sDrive18d with 150 hp for 32,500 euros and an sDrive20d with 190 hp from 35,250 euros. You can choose these two versions in manual, Steptronic or sports automatic. With four-wheel drive, the xDrive18d with 150 hp is the basic version. For this you have to pay at least 34,500 euros. You also have an xDrive20d with 190 hp for 37,450 euros or the top version, the xDrive25d with 231 hp. The latter can be found in your driveway from 43,600 euros. You can choose the 18d and 20d in manual, Steptronic or sports automatic. The 25d is only available with Steptronic or sports automatic transmission.
BMW X1 xDrive25i
We were introduced to the second generation of the BMW X1 through a test drive with the X1 xDrive25i. This is the toughest petrol version. It contains a BMW TwinPower petrol engine with a capacity of 1998 cc spread over four cylinders in-line. This block delivers a power of 231 hp and a torque of 350 Nm. The top speed is 235 km/h and this X1 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in a smooth 6.5 seconds. The Steptronic shifts smoothly and has a total of eight gears available.
Head-Up Display
With the arrival of the second generation of the BMW X1, you can now also choose to equip it with an optional Head-Up display (+850 euros). What we certainly found positive about this is that the image is not projected on an intermediate screen , but really on the windshield. As a driver, you will then see the images projected approximately 2.3 m in front of the car and you can simply keep your eyes on the road at all times. You will then receive a beautiful color image with, among other things, the current speed, instructions from the navigation, but also warnings from driver assistance systems.
High-quality finish
The BMW X1 feels very spacious inside for a car of that size. This car also feels very high-quality in terms of finish. Our test car was anything but a naked basic version, but was packed with options and packs. We sat in leather sports seats turning an M sports steering wheel. We were bathed in natural daylight thanks to the monumental panoramic translucent sliding roof. The navigation system plus also contributes to a premium appearance.
Conclusion
In our opinion, the latest generation of the BMW X1 looks great, and much better looking than the first generation. Although it is the entry-level entry in the SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) range, the car feels anything but small inside. This X1 also scores high in terms of finish.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
