BMW X1 review - Engines, performance and drive
With a broad selection of engines to choose from, the BMW X1 offers a good mix of performance and economy
BMW has achieved a sweet spot with the X1 whereby, if you’re a keen driver with a growing family, you won’t feel too short changed if you choose the third-generation crossover model as your daily wheels.
Yes, you sit higher up than in the 1 Series hatchback, but the X1 offers lots of grip through tighter turns, while body roll is kept to a minimum. We’d like a little more feedback from the steering wheel, but it offers good precision along narrower, twisty B-roads.
Performance is strong whether you opt for petrol, diesel or hybrid power, although the top-of-the-range xDrive30e plug-in hybrid is seriously rapid for a family car. The seven-speed automatic transmission is less impressive; we found it to be slow-witted when attempting to pull away at junctions or roundabouts, which means navigating through busier in-town traffic is more problematic than it should be. Out on more open roads it’s perfectly fine, however.
Overall refinement is superb, although if you’re prioritising ride quality we’d recommend avoiding the larger 20-inch alloy wheels and firmer suspension set-up that comes with the M Sport trim level.
0-62mph acceleration and top speed
If you’re after the fastest standard X1 model then either of the two available plug-in hybrids will be your best bet. The 241bhp xDrive25e manages 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds, while the 321bhp xDrive30e is able to cover the same benchmark in an impressive 5.6 seconds.
The entry petrol (sDrive20i) and diesel (sDrive18d) models need 8.3 seconds and 8.9 seconds respectively, to do the 0-62mph sprint. The 215bhp xDrive23i petrol and xDrive23d diesel versions sit in the middle of the pack in terms of sprinting ability with respective 0-62mph times of 7.1 and 7.4 seconds.
If you have a real desire for outright speed, BMW has introduced a high-performance M model to the X1 range. The X1 M35i is powered by the same turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine that’s found in the M135i hot hatchback. With 296bhp and 400Nm of torque, this performance SUV sprints from 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds. It even goes on to a top speed of 155mph.
