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First drive: BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.

First drive: BMW X1 xDrive25d
New BMW X1 compact SUV takes back the class it invented.

   



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BMW X1

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BMW quietly admits the previous X1 was a bit of a cobbled-together toe-dipping exercise. Thing is, it worked; people bought them - lots and lots of them. An all-new X1 addresses the original car's shortcomings, adding masses of space and driving better than ever.

Test Car Specifications

Model tested: BMW X1 xDrive25d
Price: £36,060
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Body style: four-door, five-seat small SUV
CO2 emissions: 132g/km (Band E, £130 per year)
Combined economy: 56.4mpg
Top speed: 145mph
0-62mph: 6.6 seconds (auto)
Power: 231hp at 4,400rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 1,500- to 3,000rpm

What's this?

An all-new BMW X1 SUV, which now sits on BMW's compact car platform. The model it replaces arguably created the small premium SUV segment - though BMW insists on calling it a Sports Activity Vehicle - or SAV. Being a toe-dipping exercise, BMW created the original X1 from various bits of the rest of its model range. That meant compromise, though despite being light on useful space and a touch awkwardly proportioned it sold in big numbers. That success has seen BMW create this all-new car, its move to the new small car family platform significant as it's a transverse engine up front, which is hugely to the benefit of interior space. It also allows more recognisably SUV styling, the long bonnet of the old car gone. More obviously related to the BMW X3 and X5, it's chunkily styled with small overhangs, a shorter bonnet and larger passenger cabin. It's a departure styling-wise from its predecessor, then, but that's no bad thing.

That different look for the outside really does translate to a huge improvement to passenger space inside. Get in the new X1 and you could be convinced it's an X3 such is the generous feel to the cabin. BMW has learnt lessons from its Active Tourer MPV range, the so he X1 features the same sort of rear seat versatility of its practical cousin, the seats sliding fore and aft, as well as folding. The boot is massively bigger, too, it growing by around 200 litres (with the rear seats down), so the X1 is now a far more convincing practical vehicle. It's also far better built, with an interior befitting of the badge on its bonnet.

How does it drive?

As with the majority of BMW products the biggest seller will be wear a '20d' badge on its boot lid. Here we review the X1 xDrive25d, which is essentially the same 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine but with two turbochargers instead of one. That makes for 231hp at 4,400rpm and 450Nm of torque from just 1,500rpm, which allows an impressive 6.6-second 0-62mph time. Choose the 20d - as everyone will - and you'll be a second behind and run 10mph slower on the autobahn, though use a touch less fuel. The xDrive25d's economy is 56.4mpg on the combined consumption cycle, though expect a real-world number in the region of 38-to 40mpg.

The four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine has been improved, though it remains a percussive unit. It's not intrusive, but there's a background sound that's a constant accompaniment, which isn't the case with the petrol alternatives. When combined with the optional eight-speed automatic gearbox you'll forgive it that sound, as it's an impressive all-round performer. Ample torque, excellent response and the transmission's incredible ability to pick the right ratio from its spread of gears makes for both excellent performance and good economy.

The chassis. using four-wheel drive here (sDrive on lesser models denotes front-wheel drive), is talented, too. Grip is good, ride comfort impressive and the steering accurate. For a tall SUV it's entertaining to drive too, with real agility and good grip and traction. It feels very much like its X3 and X5 relations on the road, that maturity translating to the entire car, so the X1 no longer feels like the runt of the X car litter.

Verdict

The BMW X1 might have been the first premium small SUV on the market, and something of a surprise success for the German company, but it wasn't without some serious compromises. With the all-new X1 BMW has addressed those, comprehensively, creating a new class leader in the segment it effectively invented. It's now spacious enough to have some buyers wonder why an X3 is needed, while it's an entertaining drive and feels of far greater quality than its predecessor, too.

4 4 4 4 4 Exterior Design

4 4 4 4 4 Interior Ambience

4 4 4 4 4 Passenger Space

4 4 4 4 4 Luggage Space

4 4 4 4 4 Safety

4 4 4 4 4 Comfort

4 4 4 4 4 Driving Dynamics

4 4 4 4 4 Powertrain


Kyle Fortune - 21 Jul 2015



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2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.

2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.



2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.
 

2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.
 

2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.
 

2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.
 

2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.
 

2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.
 

2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.
 

2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.
 

2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.
 

2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d. Image by BMW.
 






 

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