BMW X1, The Bavarian SUV For All Audiences

The BMW X1 is the smallest SUV in the X range of the German firm. Since 2015, the second generation has been available, which abandons the rear drive for the single-wheel drive versions to mount a more conventional front one.

It has been adapted to the needs of the current market, as it reduces its exterior size while  increasing its habitability and  now boasts a more premium air than its predecessor.

Its main rivals, the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA, have similar characteristics in terms of engines and structure, but do not enjoy the balance of the X1 in terms of power and consumption, and above all, dynamism. In this section the BMW is superior to the rest, as usual.

Exterior and interior design

The BMW X1 released in 2015 has changed a lot compared to the first generation. Now it is shorter, wider and taller, which gives the vehicle a more solid floor and better habitability. The visual features have been updated and it has adopted the latest developments in the BMW range.

As for the interior, the shapes of the dashboard have been softened and can now be equipped with panels painted in piano black. In addition, the new layout of the controls, similar to that of the  BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, abandons the integrated navigator, located at the top of the dashboard as is the trend in the current market.

By the way, we are talking about a screen of up to eight inches for the most expensive infotainment system, and it is operated through the iDrive control located in the center console. A more ergonomic steering wheel with an updated design completes the package.

Mechanics

Mechanically, the new X1 can equip 3- or 4-cylinder engines depending on the model, with powers ranging from 116 hp to 231 hp. You can choose between front or all-wheel drive xDrive, as well as a 6-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed ZF automatic.

The range is made up mostly of diesel propellants, and it is that these take more than half of the sales. The smaller engines are shared with the Mini range and with the 1 Series, which will follow in the footsteps of the BMW X1 and will soon equip front-wheel drive.

Exclusively with the xDrive system are the most powerful options, the 25i / 25d. In the case of gasoline, it is the only version that can have this system. This leaves us with about 20i and 18i associated with the front-wheel drive sDrive immovably.

Moving on to diesel, both the 20d and 18d are available with both types of traction. As a version of access to the range is the modest 16d, with only 116 hp, simple traction and manual transmission.

Prices

The starting price of the BMW X1 range is marked by the 16d, available from 31,450 euros. The 18d do the same from 33,100 euros, while the 20d starts from 38,700 euros. Above all, with a price of 45,350 euros we would find the X1 25d.

The most concise range of gasoline has a starting price of 33,900 euros for the 18i, a figure that increases to 38,700 in the case of the 20i, which equals the price of its diesel equivalent. As the most expensive option is the 25i, located at the top of the range with a base price of 46,450 euros.

It should be noted that in a volume vehicle such as the BMW X1, promotions that include equipment at a more contained price are the order of the day. In addition, with search engines like Carnovo you can find offers from specific dealers; several thousand euros can be saved in some cases.

Data BMW X1

• 5 doors
• 5 seats
• Trunk: 505 liters
• 3 and 4 cylinder engines from 116 hp to 231 hp

• Consumption and emissions: 3.9 l / 100 km and 104 g / km CO2
• Front or all-wheel drive xDrive
• Price: from 31 450 euros