The third generation BMW X1 has taken a big step forward. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

In third generation form, BMW's X1 has become what the X3 used to be; a fully-fledged family SUV. And a much more sophisticated one, thanks to a completely new cabin. There's mild hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and full-electrification on offer. And a much more credible executive vibe.

Background

Once, the X1 was the SUV BMW was somewhat apologetic about. Looking at this very credible MK3 version, is difficult to remember what a botched-together job the first generation 'E84' design from 2009 was, based on an old 3 Series Touring estate. The MK2 'F48' version of 2015 was much better, but still felt rather 'X3-lite'. This replacement MK3 'U11'-series car though, is a model you might well feel like downsizing into from an X3. And if you did, there could even be things about it you might prefer. Like the X3 with its iX3 model, there's an all-electric variant now on offer, the iX1. BMW has expanded and improved the X1's Plug-in Hybrid range too. The cabin won't even be recognisable if you happen to know the old car, thanks to the freshly added 'Operating System 8' tech. That despite the fact that the chassis this MK3 design runs on is still the UKL2 platform that underpinned its predecessor. An interesting confection then. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

As you'd want in a modern small SUV, electrification is very much in evidence across the engine range here, with mild hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and full-EV powertrains all now represented in the line-up. In addition, 7-speed Steptronic auto transmission is now standardised, as is xDrive 4WD on most models. Not everyone wants to pay the price for electrification and 4WD though, which is why BMW continues to offer a 150hp X1 sDrive18d diesel model at the foot of the range that doesn't feature any of it. Above that though, things really get into gear and 4WD is standardised. The xDrive23i petrol model (218hp) and the xDrive23d diesel variant (211hp) both get 48V mild hybrid tech. Next up is PHEV technology, with two options this time round, the X1 xDrive25e (245hp) and the X1 xDrive30e (326hp), both able to travel up to 55 miles without troubling their 1.5-litre petrol engines. At the top of the range is the powerful M35i xDrive version, which offers 300hp and sprints to 62mph in just 5.4s. Finally, the big news is that there's also now an all-electric variant, the iX1 xDrive30. It's powered by electric motors on both axles which create the AWD system and together deliver a combined output of 313hp. The motors are powered by a 64.7kWh battery which, when fully charged, can take the iX1 up to 272 miles.

Design and Build

This third generation X1 completes the visual switch of this model line from Crossover to fully-fledged SUV. It's larger than its predecessor too, 53mm longer, 24mm wider and 44mm taller. At the front, slim LED headlights flank the large, almost square BMW kidney grille. The profile has a dynamically rising character crease. And at the rear, horizontal lines and the narrow rear window emphasise the extra body width. Inside, it's all change, mainly because of the adoption of BMW's 'Operating System 8' media system, which sees the introduction of a 'Curved Display' on the dash top, made up of a 10.7-inch instrument monitor seamlessly joined to a 10.25-inch central infotainment screen. The latter display incorporates the 'BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant', a voice control system responding to the command 'Hey BMW'. Wireless 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring is standard. And the infotainment set-up now updates itself with 'over-the-air' upgrades, so you'll get into your X1 one morning and find it able to do something it couldn't do the day before. As for practicalities, well the front of the cabin's now more spacious and the seats offer better all-round comfort. A 22mm wheelbase length increase means the rear compartment is roomier too, now with three full-sized seats and a base able to slide by up to 13cms. That aids the larger 540-litre boot too and if you flatten the 40:20:40-split rear backrest, up to 1,600-litres of capacity is available. The PHEV and EV models aren't quite so good here, offering 490-litres with the rear seat up and 1,495-litres with it folded.

Market and Model

Pricing has risen a bit this time round, now starting at just over £35,000 for the entry-level sDrive18d un-electrified diesel version. But there's a big jump after that if you want one of the two mild hybrid variants, the petrol xDrive23i, priced from just over £40,000, and the diesel xDrive23d, priced from just over £42,000. Think in terms of around £45,000 upwards for the two Plug-in Hybrid derivatives: and £45,000-£55,000 for the all-electric iX1. In the mainstream X1 range, there's a choice of five trim levels; 'Sport Premier', 'xLine Premier', 'xLine Premier Pro, 'M Sport Premier' and 'M Sport Premier Pro'. The two 'M Sport' models that many will want get 19-inch M light alloy wheels, Adaptive M Suspension and M High-gloss Shadowline trim. Interior appointments at this level include sport seats, an anthracite-coloured headliner and an M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles. All variants get a comprehensive media package that includes 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' wireless smartphone integration. And BMW ConnectedDrive upgrades keep the car up to date with the latest software, with upgrades ranging from new services to improved vehicle functions. Specify the 'Comfort Access' pack and you'll get the 'BMW Digital Key Plus' feature, which will allow you to lock or unlock your X1 with your Apple iPhone. And you'll be able to share this functionality with up to five users using the 'My BMW app'.

Cost of Ownership

As you'd expect from a current BMW, emissions are low and fuel economy is excellent. Let's give you the figures, starting with the un-electrified sDrive18d diesel, which manages up to 57.7mpg on the combined cycle and up to 129g/km of CO2. Thanks to BMW's latest 48V mild hybrid tech, the mid-range variants aren't far behind. The xDrive23d diesel actually improves slightly on the figures just given, managing up to 58.9mpg and 125g/km. And the xDrive23i delivers up to 43.5mpg and up to 146g/km of CO2. What about the Plug-in Hybrids? Well, as we told you in our driving section, these can go up to 55 miles on battery power, and that means the WLTP cycle gives them a rather unrealistic 353.1 mpg combined fuel showing: the tax-beating CO2 reading is up to 17g/km. These Plug-in Hybrids have a maximum charging capacity improved to 7.4kW (it was 3.7kW on the old X1 Plug-in model), which enables the high voltage battery to be fully recharged from empty in 2.5 hours - or around 8 hours from a conventional domestic power socket. Finally, there's the iX1 full-electric version, which as we told you in our 'Driving' section can go up to 296 miles on a charge in single motor eDrive20 form - or up to 272 miles in xDrive30 AWD guise. The iX1 can support single and three-phase AC charging up to 11kW, which allows the battery to be fully replenished from empty in 6.5 hours. DC charging at up to 130kW makes it possible to boost the battery level from 10 to 80% in 29 minutes, or increase range by 75 miles in just 10 minutes.

Summary

The X1 has taken a big step forward here. There's a step forward in price too of course, but we think many potential customers will feel that to be justified, given the considerable evolution in maturity now on display. The previous X1 was very much an SUV that was bought by those who couldn't quite afford an X3. This car though, has its own attractions. And in summary? Well thanks to this update, we think the X1 will continue to be the best selling contender of its kind. The brand might continue to prefer not to call this an 'SUV' but the truth is that amongst compact models, the X1 continues to epitomise the kind of car that term now defines in today's market. It delivers all the key elements needed from a modern fashion-led compact family crossover, but also has an essential dose of that BMW 'want one' factor that's done so much for the Munich maker's sales. You'll need to be convinced of that to choose one, but if you are, you'll find this Bavarian model difficult to ignore in this over-crowded sector. The X Factor? You might well think this car has it.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated rear window

Rain sensor including auto headlights activation

Electric windows - front and rear, with open/close fingertip control, anti-trap facility and comfort closing

Windscreen washer nozzle for rear view camera

Windscreen wipers front with heated washer nozzles

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Electromechanical parking brake

Integrated brake system

Energy recovery system

Braking readiness

Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)

Dry braking

PC iBrake PostCrash approach control warning with light braking function

Automatic hold function

Front and rear brake discs

Carpets/Rugs

Anthracite Velour front and rear floormats

Chassis/Suspension

M Adaptive suspension

Driver Aids

Servotronic Power Assisted Steering

Attentiveness assist

Drive off assistant

My Modes

Driver Convenience

Automatic start/stop function

Electrically opening/closing tailgate with opening/closing with remote control and contactless opening and closing

Driver Information

Tyre puncture warning system

BMW Teleservices

Connected eDrive Services

Condition based service

Brake pad wear indicator

Personal Profile - automatic lock when driving away selectable

iDrive controller

Widescreen display

Language version English

BMW Operating system 9 with BMW Maps, real-time traffic information, in-car experiences, remote services and smartphone integration

Driving Mirrors

Body colour door mirrors

Electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Luxury instrument panel

Engine

Diesel particulate filter

Performance Control

EU6 emissions management

Larger Fuel Tank

Diesel with SCR emission control system

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

BMW Personal eSim

Exterior Body Features

Invisible exhaust tailpipe

Contoured rear roof spoiler in vehicle colour with side aeroblades in black high-gloss

Rear side wing doors

Model inscription on right tailgate

Folding door handles integrated flush with surface

Key with M identification

Matt black roof strips

Badge on engine compartment lid and tailgate

M specific radiator grille in satinated aluminium

Front and rear bumper panel with M specific design, in body colour with inserts in black high gloss

M identification on the sides

M roof rails high gloss shadow line

Sill cover in body colour

High gloss shadowline

Exterior Lights

Follow me home headlights

Dynamic brake lights

LED number plate light

Front door exit lights

LED 3rd brake light integrated in rear spoiler

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Anthracite headlining

Front and rear door pockets

4 grab handles

Glove compartment

2 bag hooks in luggage compartment

2 cup holders in front

M sport leather steering wheel

12V - Power sockets with front centre console and luggage compartment

Storage compartment with folding cover under centre console armrest cushion

Bottle trays in all doors

Storage compartment net in left side trim panel

Storage tray in right side trim panel

One piece parcel shelf opens together with tailgate and removable

Front centre console storage compartment

Rear armrest in door trim panel

3 upper retaining strap clips integrated into rear panels of seat backrests

Middle centre console storage compartment

Clothes hook rear

Sport leather multifunction steering wheel with thumbrests and operation of instrument display, audio, telephone and driver assistance

Manual steering column height and depth adjustment

Tilt adjustment incl. cargo function of 2nd row of seats

2 x USB Type C ports for charging in front centre console + 2 x USB Type C ports for charging in rear centre console

Interior Lights

Ambient interior lighting

Front and rear footwell lighting

Interior door handle recess light on all doors

Light on right in luggage compartment

Vanity mirror lights

Packs

Technology plus pack - X1

Safety

First aid kit

Warning triangle

Rear door child safety locks

Front and rear head airbags

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

Driver/front passenger side airbags

Front passenger airbag deactivation

Crash Sensor - activates hazard/interior lighting + unlocks doors

Tyre pressure monitor

BMW emergency call

Three point seat belts in all seats

Seats

Front/rear adjustable head restraints

3 rear headrests

40:20:40 split folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Driver and front passenger heated seats

Child seat ISOFIX attachment for two outer rear seats and front passenger seat with anchorage points

Single front passenger seat

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Alarm system with tilt sensor, monitoring doors, bonnet interior and tailgate

Closing system with central locking

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Transmission

Steptronic transmission with double clutch and gear shift paddles

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 112

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 131

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 140

Noise Level dB(A): 67

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 134

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 135

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 188

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 129

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Code: B47C20U2

Cylinders: 4

Gears: 7 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Compression Ratio: 16.5:1

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 16

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 84

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90

CC: 1995

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.3

WLTP - MPG - Low: 39.2

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 57.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 5.1

WLTP - MPG - High: 65.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 55.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 55.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 4.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 7.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 56.5

General

Based On ID: N

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Generation Mark: 3

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 25E

AdBlue: No

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 86

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 76

NCAP Safety Assist %: 92

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Badge Power: 150

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Coin Series: MSport [Tech+ Pk]

Coin Description: sDrive 18d

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 36.7

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.9

Engine Power - KW: 110

Engine Power - RPM: 3750

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 266

Engine Torque - NM: 360

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Top Speed: 130

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 150

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Wheel Style: STYLE 838 M DOUBLE SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 225/55 R18

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 225/55 R18

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4500

Width: 1845

Wheelbase: 2692

Width (including mirrors): 2104

Height: 1642

Weight and Capacities

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 476

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Loading Weight: 575

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1800

Minimum Kerbweight: 1575

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 54

Max. Roof Load: 75

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2150

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1527

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.7

Body Glass

Sun protection glass

Brakes

M Sport brakes with dark blue metallic calipers

Embellishment Trims

Aluminium mesh effect interior trim finishers with pearl chrome highlights

Fine-wood Eucalyptus open-pored trim with pearl chrome highlights

High gloss black interior trim finishers with pearl chrome highlights

Entertainment

Harman/Kardon surround sound audio system

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Panoramic opening glass sunroof

BMW Individual special paint

Individual metallic paint

BMW Individual Metallic paint

BMW Individual Frozen paint

Interior Features

Luggage net

Perforated Veganza upholstery

Vernasca leather upholstery

Heated steering wheel

Packs

Driving assistant professional pack - X1/iX1

Driving assistant pack - X1/iX1

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Cape york green

Metallic - Portimao blue

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Space silver

Metallic - Mineral white

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

Individual metallic paint - Storm Bay

BMW Individual special paint - Custom

BMW Individual frozen paint - Pure grey

BMW Individual Metallic paint - Blue Bay Lagoon

Seats

Electric front seats with memory and door mirror memory

Active seat for driver and front passenger - electrically adjustable lumbar support

Sliding rear seats - Mechanical fore and aft adjustment 130mm

M Sport seats

Towing

Towbar

Trim - Leather

Vernasca leather - Black

Vernasca leather - Mocha

Vernasca leather - Oyster

Trim - Part Leather

M Alcantara/Veganza combination upholstery - Black/Blue With contrast stitching

Trim - Vinyl

Veganza perforated - Black

Veganza perforated - Mokka

Veganza perforated - Oyster

Veganza perforated - Red/black

Wheels - Alloy

20" M multi spoke alloy wheels finished in frozen midnight grey diamond polished - Style 869

19" M double-spoke bicolour light alloy wheels finished in midnight grey diamond polished - Style 871

Wheels - Spare

Space saver spare wheel with jack