The original BMW X1 proved to be a runaway success for the marque upon its release back in 2009, and it’s now responsible for a whole fifth of all new BMW sales.
With around three quarters of a million of the things sold this far, it’s fairly obvious that this second-generation version of the X1 is an important car for the manufacturer, something which the PRs on the launch made no bones about reminding us.
Built from the ground up, whereas the first-generation X1 shared a platform with the 3 Series Touring, the new version is actually built on the same front/all-wheel drive architecture as the new MINI Countryman.
As a result, it’s decidedly less station wagon-y than before, while BMW’s new transverse engine design and a shorter hood frees up 15mm more space inside. Ride height has also been boosted by a significant 53mm for a higher, more capable stance on the road.
In an attempt to streamline the line-up, the marque has taken the secateurs to the X1 range, culling the number of available models from 31 to just 16 variants. This has been done to make it much easier to choose the model that you like.
Buyers can choose from an entry-level 18d diesel model, which is the only version in the entire range that comes with front-wheel only drive. The rest all have four-wheel drive, and comprise a mid-level 20d, the range-topping 25d and a single 20i petrol model thrown in for good measure.
Despite many of its rivals now offering the option of hybrid powertrains, BMW told Car Keys specifically that it’s not considering making any X1 hybrids, as the architecture reportedly can’t support it.
BMW has also made an attempt to make the X1 more rugged than before, with a puffed-up body that’s more assertive looking and roof rails for storing items and boxes as standard.
Trim options range from the entry-level SE to the Sport Line model. The latter ditches the roof rails and comes with a sportier appearance courtesy of an enlarged grille, aero vents and other performance-themed bits and bobs.
The xLine model is expected to be the best-seller in the range, featuring a tougher, more off-road oriented design with aluminium scuff plates on the front and rear bumpers, plus LED headlights and heated leather seats.
Finally, BMW is also due to release an M Sport trim which will be available from this November onwards. Priced the same as the xLine, the M Sport swaps the ruggedness for a much more aggressive sport styling, courtesy of an exclusive body kit, plus M Sport suspension and a revised gearbox that allows for higher revs.
Standard kit includes leather upholstery, a handy automatic tailgate and BMW’s iDrive system with either a 6.5-inch or larger 8.8-inch freestanding monitor. Supporting DAB digital radio and phone connectivity, all X1 models also come with sat-nav right off the bat, which is a nice touch in theory, but perhaps not in execution.
To us, while the sat-nav is definitely a welcome touch, it can be a bit fiddly to use, while the navigation function can take some time to make up its mind over which direction it is that you should be going.
More impressively, the X1 can be had with a heads-up display, which beams driver information on to the windscreen. Crystal clear, even in direct sunlight, in addition to speed and navigation info, it also gives other handy details like the current speed limit and even restrictions on the road.
The infotainment system comes mounted on a newly-designed dashboard, while the X1, like all new BMWs, now comes with the eCall system, which can alert emergency services in the event of an accident.
Family-friendly features include a rear seat bench with a three-section split/folding backrest, while you can also specify it with the option to slide back and forth to free up more boot room. There’s also three ISOFIX attachments as standard, two inches more head and legroom in the back and even the boot has been given a boost up to 505 litres, meaning it’s now on par with the VW Tiguan.
The new architecture means that it certainly feels much bigger than the previous generation version. On the road, it now has the impression of a genuine SUV, yet despite the bigger size it keeps itself remarkable composed in the corners. The Sport Line model in particular has no problem taking tight hairpins with little complaint, while presumably the M Sport version will be even sharper.
It’s clear that the manufacturer has also worked extremely hard to get the X1 to perform well in off-piste environments as well. It comes with the addition of off-roading kit like an upgraded version of the xDrive four-wheel drive system and hill descent control.
We tested the X1 on a dedicated off-road course at the Ascari Race Resort and found it to be incredibly capable. It takes on steep climbs and side slopes with an ease that’s uncanny for a car of its sort.
The raised ride height does a lot to help give a better view of the road and terrain ahead. Visibility from the sides and rear are likewise good, even if the A pillars are a little thick and hard to see past at junctions.
Of all the engine options, the range-topping 25d diesel is the most powerful of the bunch, wringing out a total output of 228bhp with an impressive 450Nm of torque. Able to shift from 0-62mph in just 6.6 seconds, it’s delightfully rev-happy at speed, courtesy of a seven-speed gearbox that allows it to keep pulling rather than shifting up at the soonest opportunity.
If fuel economy is a priority, the entry-level diesel is the best choice, able to deliver a claimed 68.9mpg with just 109g/km of CO2 emissions. It’s no slouch either, and like the larger diesels it has a throaty exhaust note when pushed hard and a respectable 0-62mph time of 9.2 seconds.
Pricing for the range starts from £26,780 for the entry-level 18d with front-wheel drive, rising to £36,060 for the flagship 25d. Beware the options list, however, as we found some of the extras to be a little on the pricey side; one of the test cars we drove had its list price bumped up by nearly £10,000 in bells and whistles alone.
With the new X1, what BMW has on its hands is a bit of a shame. Seriously, it’s a shame. This is a well-equipped, lively and very capable off-roader, but realistically the majority of people who buy it will never use it to the best of its capability, and, to us, that’s a little disappointing.
Still, if you’re in the market for a practical, good-looking compact SUV with plenty of mod-cons and you don’t mind the mildly extortionate extras, we reckon that ‘disappointing’ probably won’t be a word you’ll be using too often.
