The new BMW X1, based on the current 1 Series platform, completes the X line-up of X3, X5 and X6 models. However the X1 is less obviously a brashly styled 4×4, it looks more of a chunky five door, five seater estate with a bit more ground clearance than a conventional BMW Touring model.

Unlike the larger X3/X5/X6 stablemates, the X1 range includes rear wheel drive and permanent four wheel drive models called sDrive and xDrive.

Because of the dominance of diesel engines in the SUV/SAC (Sports Utility and Sports Activity Vehicles) sector there is the choice of three power outputs, all using a core 2.0-litre, four cylinder turbodiesel power plant. The 18d with 143bhp and 320Nm of torque and the 20d with 177bhp and 350Nm is available with sDrive rear wheel drive and xDrive all wheel drive specifications whilst the third 23d, 204bhp, 400Nm unit is xDrive only. Most X1s come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox but the xDrive23d has a six-speed Sport automatic gearbox with gear change paddles as standard.

BMW’s much applauded EfficientDynamics technology plays a part in the BMW X1 story with the introduction of Auto Start-Stop technology on an X product for the first time. Available on all manual transmission cars the system improves fuel consumption figures. The BMW X1 also has the full suite of EfficientDynamics technologies including Brake Energy Regeneration, optimised aerodynamics, optimum shift indicator and on-demand use of ancillary units to name a few.

Competitors will be the Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Kuga, Suzuki Grand Vitara and the new Peugeot 3008. Also quattro versions of the Audi A3/A4s and A4 Allroad plus the Subaru Legacy Outback will be alternative buys. There will of course be down-sizing customers from the BMW X3 especially as the next generation ones will be larger but BMW thinks 65% of sales will come from conquest customers.
Many users are likely to be company car drivers and business user-choosers attracted by the relatively low levels of Benefit-in-Kind tax. Just over half of all customers will opt for sDrive two wheel drive models, a pattern already set by other brands of medium sized SUV styled vehicles.

The BMW X1 certainly takes some of its styling from other X models in the BMW range but it is less obviously a bulky 4×4 or SAV/SUV, it’s more like a muscular estate car and that will be attractive to some buyers. It looks very much like what a 1 Series Touring would be like if there was such a thing. More of an estate with large wheels and a bit more ground clearance than an SUV. The long bonnet is classic BMW 1 Series as is the side wedge shaped profile. The xDrive all wheel drive versions can be recognised by the additional roof rails and satin finish side sill guards.

Inside the styling and functionality evidence is more of an X family member with semi-command seating positions and 40/20/40 split rear seating which fold and a large tailgate allows access to the load area as in conventional SUV, hatchback or estate manner. Space in the front is first class even for tall passengers but the rear passenger room is a little cramped. The boot offers a very good amount of space but it is awkwardly shaped and the rear seat backs lie at a slight angle when they are folded. Most of the interior is excellent and reasonably well finished but certainly you can see and feel in places it is built to a price.
The centre part of the upper dashboard, home to the optional navigation system, looks a bit cheap but the optional wood finish trim improves the situation.

Currently the X1 is only available with one SE level of specification for all models and prices range, following the recent increase in VAT, from ?23,325 to ?29,900. The SE equipment levels are good with all the usual must have ‘premium’ brand items from automatic air conditioning, ambient lighting, electrically operated windows and heated door mirrors, fast-thaw front windscreen, multi-function buttons in the steering wheel, multi-speaker sound system and a stop/start ignition button. My test car had added extras to the tune of around $12,000 which included wider Y-spoke 42cm alloy wheels, Bluetooth, navigation system, a Comfort Pack which included rain sensors and parking distance control, a Design Pack which has excellent quality Oyster Nevada leather trim, sports front seats and pleasing Fineline Wave wood trim which certainly improved the appearance of the interior finish. Heated front seats are also an option and were very welcoming.

The great thing about all BMW X models is just how well they drive on the road under most conditions. The xDrive all wheel drive grip in the dry or wet is immense but is not so accomplished in the ice and snow as a conventional 4×4. None of BMW’s sports driving heritage seems to have been lost for most conditions but care is needed in really bad conditions. The xDrive system doesn’t give the driver a licence to be oblivious to treacherous roads. There is none of the body roll associated with ‘tall’ vehicles so the ride is flat and level during cornering. The suspension is firm and the ride can be choppy on poorer road surfaces.
Add the xDrive all wheel drive function and the vehicle is even better, especially when it comes to long sections of rough stone tracks and very wet gravel sections such as you might find on a rally. More recently I have had a longer spell with the xDrive 23d in the appalling snow and ice.

This is the model I’d go because the more powerful 23d, 204bhp, 400Nm version with its standard fit auto transmission offers all wheel traction and real performance whether dry, wet or in the mud. Better use of the low speed torque could have been had if a manual gearbox was an option because the xDrive system and auto box combination doesn’t allow for a second gear start-off for best traction and neither can the driver select a ‘snow’ or ‘sand’ grip mode for the drivetrain differential.

This version of the award winning BMW engine 2.0-litre diesel unit, with its twin turbocharger, provides a fantastic amount of progressive torque from very low engine speed or instant response for overtaking. At no point does it feel stressed and it’s quiet. With a top speed electronically limited to 200km/h this engine is only marginally faster than other versions and 0-100km takes just 7.3 seconds. Do not get carried away, the X1 is no off-roader, it has its limitations but with care it will handle tough on-road conditions and it costs a great deal less to buy and run than a conventional 4×4.