Buyer’s guide to the BMW X1

This small SUV offers practicality and a premium experience — here's all you need to know...

In 2009, BMW came out with the X1 – the German firm’s entry-level SUV, which today remains its smallest crossover offering.

Now, the popular model is in its second generation and follows the same well-rounded formula as the original.  In the market? Here’s everything you need to know about the X1…

What powertrains are available?

There are currently four engines available – two petrols and two diesels. The base motor is a 138bhp 1.5-litre petrol found in the sDrive18i model and comes with the choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic.

As for the more powerful petrol, that’s a 187bhp 2.0-litre, which also has the option of either a two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive drivetrain. These are badged sDrive20i and xDrive 20i.

The diesel powertrains consist of a 147bhp 2.0-litre diesel that has 350Nm of torque and a range-topping 187bhp 2.0-litre – the latter of which is only available with four-wheel drive.

All offer decent performance and economy, with the 187bhp diesel capable of 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds and a claimed 48.6mpg.

A plug-in hybrid, badged xDrive25e, is set to go on sale in 2020.

What trim levels are offered?

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BMW offers four trim levels to choose from – SE, Sport, xLine and M Sport.

SE – from £28,795

This base level trim comes with a fair amount of equipment, including dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, LED headlights and taillights, and cruise control with a braking function.

Sport – from £30,545 

Sport adds some racy features, such as 18-inch Sport alloy wheels, Sport front seats, Exclusive Sport front and rear bumpers, and contrast stitching on the instrument panel. 

xLine – from £31,545

For the most rugged X1, the xLine trim comes with an off-road-focused exterior styling package, Dakota leather upholstery, electric folding exterior mirrors and heated front seats.

M Sport – from £32,345 

The top-of-the-range M Sport trim gets you things like an M Sport leather steering wheel, M Aerodynamic exterior styling, and aluminium interior trim with Estoril Blue finisher.

What about personalisation?

It’s important to note that what trim level you decide to go for can affect your colour choices. For example, M Sport has a less extensive list of colours to choose from compared with the other trims. However, that being said, colours like Mineral Grey metallic, Black Sapphire metallic and Alpine White are available on all models.

Wheel options are rather good across the board, with each trim getting a selection based on its focus. M Sport gets a racier choice of wheels compared with xLine models, which opt for more off-road-ready styled rims.