BMW X1 xDrive 25i road test review
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BMW can't be accused of missing the SUV boat. It was a pioneer in the late 1990s with the X5 and its X-badged SUV range now spans all but a single numeral from 1 through 6.
The new X1 on this page supports the theory. Many prestige rivals have only recently lobbed into the compact segment but BMW has been around long enough to put its original out to pasture and move into generation two.
The generational change goes beyond just the usual styling, tech, safety, underbonnet and driving advances. The last X1 had a rear-wheel-drive emphasis (with help from the fronts in xDrive versions), as all BMWs were when it was designed; the new one, built on the same platform as 2014's contentiously front-drive 2-Series Active Tourer, is a bum-dragger in two-wheel-drive sDrive form. So it's a fundamental shift for the franchise.
What do you get?
The four-pronged X1 line-up kicks off with the sDrive18d at $49,500 plus on-road costs. That's hardly a small spend for a 'little' SUV but BMW has thrown loads of equipment at it, from LED headlights, power tailgate and 18-inch alloy wheels to an infotainment system with a 6.5-inch colour screen, sat-nav, internet functionality, apps and real-time traffic information.
Its safety artillery includes six airbags, stability control, parking sensors, reversing camera, automated parking system, auto high beams and BMW's 'Driving Assistant' system, which bundles lane-departure/forward-collision/pedestrian warnings and a low-speed autonomous emergency braking. It is yet to be assessed by the ANCAP regime but its predecessor was a five-star performer.
The second of the two diesel X1 models, the $56,500 xDrive20d, has a gutsier version of its sibling's 2.0-litre turbodiesel (140kW versus 110kW) and adds AWD to the menu.
The two other X1s are petrol-powered. The $51,600 sDrive20i shares its front-drive layout with the base diesel and – with the exception of steering wheel paddle shifters and dual exhausts – its key equipment/safety hard points.
The $59,900 xDrive25i tested here ups the ante with a more powerful turbo petrol engine (170kW versus 141kW), AWD, real leather (as opposed to synthesised 'Sensatec' trim in cheaper models), power heated front seats, head-up display, keyless entry, hands-free tailgate, 19-inch alloys, variable sports steering and premium sat-nav setup with an 8.8-inch colour monitor.
You can bolster the X1's already generous serve with a host of options, from adjustable suspension, active cruise control and sports seats to a heated steering wheel, digital radio and panoramic roof.
Like most mainstream brands, BMW doesn't do capped-price servicing in the mainstream, pay-as-you-go manner but costs can be locked in for five years/80,000km with the company's pre-paid Service Inclusive packages. The 'Basic' package is competitively priced ($1140) but the 'Plus' package – which costs $3667 and adds brakes, clutch and wipers to the covered items – is probably more indicative of the long-term cost of keeping an X1 in fine fettle for a lot of buyers.
What's inside?
The new X1 isn't just noticeably roomier than the old one but notably spacious by compact-SUV standards. Front-seat occupants enjoy an airy ambience and it's easier to see out of than many SUVs; over the shoulder vision, in particular, is quite good thanks to large quarter windows.
Back-seat riders get the flexibility of a bench that reclines and can be adjusted 13cm fore/aft. Leg space is pretty decent in the rear-most position; it's all but non-existent in the most forward position, but if you're a buyer with small children looking to maximise luggage space that's not going to be a problem.
Speaking of the boot, it's 85 litres bigger than its predecessor's at 505 litres. It has a retaining strap, luggage net and, with the false floor in place, a big hidden space underneath (there's no spare tyre owing to the use of run-flat tyres). The back seat's versatile 40/20/40 backrests fold almost flat at the flick of levers in the boot, opening up a 1550-litre, box-shaped space.
BMW has also thrown in plenty of 12-volt outlets and storage options, including multiple cupholders, a handy console bin and big, wide door pockets than can take a one-litre bottle.
Design-wise, the X1's cabin doesn't attempt to break the BMW mould but the switchgear, infotainment and other interfaces are some of the easiest to grapple with in the prestige domain. Our 25i – with its chocolate-coloured lower dash, seats and other details, plus textured wood trim – looked and felt like the real prestige deal, even if there's nothing really 'new' for the eyes to feast on.
Niggles? We found the front seats slightly short on under-thigh support. The back seat, too, is somewhat flat, firm and tough on the rear end.
Under the bonnet
The xDrive25i's 170kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four is hooked up to a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox. BMW says it can sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds and returns an official fuel-economy rating of 6.6L/100km. Both figures are very competitive for the segment.
The on-road impression seems pretty competitive, too. The turbo four cranks out its maximum 350Nm torque from 1250rpm through 4500rpm, and the eight-speed auto is quick and slick, so you can tap into muscular, effortless response without resorting to high-rev bluster.
Not that the BMW's engine has an issue with being asked to reach into its upper ranges; it doesn't, and its performance is unmistakeably urgent when whipped along. Very little is heard of it aside from a distant snarl when worked hard.
The top X1's low official economy figure (for a powerful petrol SUV) isn't entirely unrealistic. Purely city use will see it consuming closer to 10L/100km-odd but we returned an average of 7.2L/100km on our combined urban/highway loop. But there is the cost imposition of a preference for premium unleaded.
On the road
The 25i isn't afraid of being shown a bend. It turns in keenly, has utterly predictable responses, doesn't flop on its suspension and, with its big 19-inch tyres, hangs on like a limpet.
But its level of driver engagement doesn't quite match up to its roadholding abilities. The steering is usefully precise and responsive but muted in its feel. Its balance is confidence-inspiringly secure but not exactly playful or light on its toes; reach the limit and it just pushes its nose mildly but determinedly wide.
The X1's ride struggles with the realities of some Australian roads. Around town it's not too bad; a little firm, especially over sharper stuff, but not uncomfortable.
Get it onto a gnarled, potholed rural backroad, though, and there's thumping, crashing and a general feeling that the BMW is too stiff-legged by half. There's plenty of noise from 19-inch tyres in these scenarios, too.
Verdict
The X1 script reads like a fairytale most of the way through. Its value, safety and tech credentials are strong, and the roomy cabin is a model of functionality. The 25i's turbo petrol engine mixes punch with restrained thirst. And you get all that with – to this punter's eyes at least – the best proportioned looks of any member of BMW's occasionally awkward-looking X-badged catalogue. Kudos to Australian-born Calvin Luk on that one.
What's missing, though, is that last skerrick of dynamic depth and finesse. It's a smarter, better X1 that's very, very good at being an SUV, but if you're looking for an ultimate driving machine you might not entirely be won over.
BMW X1 xDrive 25i price and specifications
How much? From $59,900
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged-cylinder
Power: 170kW at 5000-6000rpm
Torque: 350Nm at 1250-4500rpm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Fuel use: 6.6L/100km