The third generation of the BMW X1 arrived here late last year along with the new all-electric iX1 version of the model, writes Trish Whelan.
This Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), competes in the premium compact segment and comes with distinctive new styling, more interior space, a premium ambience and enhanced connectivity.
The first generation was introduced in 2009 so it’s been around for some time. A major change is that X1 can now compete with its larger X3 sibling! Top BMW model sales are led by the ever-popular 5 Series followed by the i4 while X3 sales at 193 so far this year exceed X1 sales of 184, just a mere 9 units difference.
Viewing the car from all sides, you get the impression of a sturdy and sporty SUV-type vehicle with a stretched silhouette. In size, it is smaller than its X3 and X5 siblings but is now larger than its predecessor by 53mm (now 4,500mm), and is wider and higher than that version.
The new strong upright front end makes a ‘get out of my way’ statement just like its larger siblings do. Some like the front look, others do not.
Sculpted surfaces for wheel arches, dramatic lines, the long roofline that flows into the spoiler that extends out to the rear, all attract attention. I liked the almost square kidney grille at the centre of the front end with a 3D chrome surround. Grille bars are finished in black high-gloss as standard. M Sport models add a dynamic edge of their own with large air inlets in the sides of the front bumper and exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, as do the adaptive M suspension and high gloss trims.
My car was clad in 20-inch M alloy wheels which added another €1,063.68 to the cost of the car but certainly look the part.
At the rear, horizontal lines, the narrow rear window and those flared wheel arches emphasise the car’s width.
The upmarket interior is equally impressive with more cabin space and cutting-edge digital technology to play with. The black dash and doors were matched with beautiful pale cream leather upholstery and the raised seating position helps with visibility. Sports seats, with prominent bolsters that hug you in, can feel a bit firm at first but you soon get used to them - front seats can be heated and the driver’s has two memory settings. There are three full-sized seats in the rear with good head and knee room - but the transmission tunnel in the petrol car means less legroom for the person sat in the middle.
In the M Sport Premier Pro ICE models, rear seats can slide by up to 13mm allowing boot capacity to expand from 540 litres to 1,600 litres which is less than the electric and PHEV models. There’s just a tyre repair kit below the high boot floor.
I have to query the need by some carmakers to provide thick chunky steering wheels in place of more easy to hold narrower ones. M Sport models come with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel which allow rapid manual gear changes and include a sport boost function.
The key feature for me was the BMW driver-focused Curved Display that includes a 10.25-inch information display and a ’busy’ 10.7-inch control screen that seem to merge as one. State-of-the-art graphics have a smartphone-like look so are intuitive to find your way around and the very good Head Up Display means you don’t need to look at the speedometer while driving.
The other stand-out feature was the floating armrest with integral control panel for the newly designed gear selector lever, volume control for the audio system and other function buttons like a parking view button, auto hold, drive modes and the electric parking brake. There’s also a smartphone tray with wireless charging. Underneath is a large storage area at floor level.
The spec features a large selection of automated driving and parking systems which all contributed to it receiving a maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. I always appreciate parking aids and those in the X1 include an excellent reversing camera, a parking assist feature with surround that shows the area around your parked car in 3D, front and rear sensors, and very good blind spot monitor. A power-operated panoramic glass sunroof is standard on Pro models as is the Harman Kardon Sound System with 12 speakers.
Engines include two petrols and two diesels each with the latest generation of 48V mild hybrid technology to further increase efficiency, as well as a pair of plug-in hybrids and an all-electric drive system.
My X1 xDrive 23i was powered by a four-cylinder in-line 2.0 petrol engine with 218hp and 360Nm of torque allowing an acceleration time of from 0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 6.7 -6.9 L/100kms (c 40.0mpg). Annual road tax of €280.
All X1 petrol and diesel engines are mated to a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch as standard. The transmission automatically shifts into P when you switch off the engine and if the car is parked on a slope, the electric parking brake is automatically applied.
On the road, this very well built and solid car delivers a really smooth, refined and comfortable yet fun-to-drive performance that is true to the brand’s heritage of providing sporty performance in its cars, but the ride can be a bit firm for some people depending on road surfaces. Steering is nice and direct as I prefer and the car was agile to turn and to park. Heavy doors open wide for ease of getting in and out but the 20-inch wheels may contribute to the stiffish ride.
Prices are from €60,990.00 and are inclusive of VAT and VRT. My car with extras €76,272.65.
