Before the summer I had the opportunity to meet in person the third generation of the bmw x1. It was static and was accompanied by the main novelty of the range, by the iX1 electric version. On that occasion, I wanted to be able to drive it and be able to check the real scope of its update. Now we finally get behind the wheel of the new BMW X1, which already accepts reservations from 40,900 eurosto tell you all its details.
If there is a model that is important for the German brand, that is the compact SUV that we are testing. It is about what the access to the range of SUVs and also the cheapest of all that BMW offers. That means that it is also the best-selling X of all and probably one of the most balanced. With this generational change are announced news on all frontswith a renewed aesthetic, more complete technology and a mechanical range with new options.
Exterior
We already analyzed the aesthetic section when we were getting to know the BMW X1 and iX1 in static, so we are going to review in broad strokes. The first thing is that its design is totally recognizable, quite similar to the rest of the models in the range. He does it through a practically square kidney grillwhich is marked by chrome or black lines depending on the finish and has active aerodynamic technology.
They are also new headlights with adaptive Matrix LED technology, as well as a bumper that offers greater robustness through the protections of the underbody. This is repeated in several points of the bodywork, although with the M Sport package more sportiness is offered through specific bumpers. Details such as the flush door handles to favor the aerodynamic coefficient are convincing. On the other hand, the tires range from 17 to 20 inchesa size that had not yet appeared in this BMW X1.
They keep some rather discreet roof bars and in the rear we see how the essence of the model is maintained. It is the area that is most reminiscent of its predecessor, although with some notable changes. It can be seen through that newer moon, with the eye-catching LED lights that have a new light signature or with a kind of more prominent diffuser at the bottom.
The growth in cars over the years it is evident and the X1 is not far behind. It is practically the same as a first generation X3 and we see that it has increased its measurements at all levels. now stays with 4.5 meters long, 1.84 meters wide and 1.64 meters high; which translates into 53mm more in length, 24mm more in width and 44mm more in height. The wheelbase is also extended to 2.69 meters.
Inside
The interior of the BMW X1 evolves remarkably and adds new features that we have already seen in other models in the range. The most striking is the BMW Curved Display, that combination of screens in the same curved frame that we already saw in the Series 2 Active Tourer. It consists of a 10.7-inch main touch screen that is in line with the 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and uses the latest BMW iDrive system to ensure high performance.
draws attention to new center console design and the generous gap that it leaves or the complete standard equipment that it brings. Details such as the navigation system with bmw mapsthe leather sports steering wheel, the intelligent bi-zone automatic climate control, the rain sensor with automatic activation of the headlights, as well as four USB-C ports or two 12V power outlets.
Seeing it and touching it in person, the truth is that it is quite convincing internal quality level of the BMW X1. You can tell that it is a premium model, because the finishes are robust and the materials used have a remarkable touch. highlight the upholstery leather or the wood trim on the dashboard, in addition to the steering wheel or the lining of the center console. The Piano Black in the area of the screens does not finish convincing.
The increase in dimensions will result in a more livable interior, especially in the rear seats. The second row of seats can optionally be a bench with longitudinal displacement that moves 13 cm to play with space. The rear seat backs are split in a 40:20:40 arrangement as standard.
Trunk
The trunk is one of the strong points of the BMW X1. He manages to take an advantage of 35 liters over his predecessor to stay in nothing less than 540 liter capacity. It is an amount that is above the average and that, in addition, is very well used thanks to some very regular shapes. We also see how there lighting on this surfacehooks to fix the load and can benefit from an electric opening gate.
under the boot floor there is a hole to house small objects and there is also the possibility of folding the rear seats in three parts (40:20:40). In this case we will be left with a completely flat surface and a capacity that reaches up to 1,640 litersa very outstanding figure for a compact SUV.
Engine
The mechanical range it is probably the newest point in the BMW X1 2023. It experiences a total revolution by embracing electrification and offering versions suitable for all kinds of needs. At its market launch there will only be the two more traditional combustion. On the one hand, the X1 sDrive18i gasoline appears, which is the access model with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that delivers 136 hp to the front wheels. It is followed by the X1 sDrive18d diesel with its four cylinders and 2.0 liters to reach up to 150 HP of power. There will be more combustion versions with the xDrive20i and xDrive20d.
there are also two plug-in hybrid variants of this BMW X1 to benefit from the ZERO label. The X1 xDrive25e features a three-cylinder gasoline engine on the front axle together with a rear electric motor and a battery to form this propulsion system. It delivers a combined power of 245 CV and its electric autonomy will be between 78 and 89 kilometers. The X1 xDrive30e maintains that same scheme and all-wheel drive, although with a power increase to 326 hp and some interesting features.
Behaviour
We get behind the wheel of the entry-level version, the gasoline sDrive 18i. With the three-cylinder engine and 136 HP of power we see a sufficient level of power. It is ideal for those who need to move around the city on a day-to-day basis, although something could be left just for those users who want to use it for long and more loaded trips. It is a front wheel drive and has no other options. Later the xDrive20 will arrive to give that option and the extra bit of power that some might need. Not to mention the plug-in hybrids that also have that part as standard.
That said, the behavior of this three-cylinder engine is cloudy and clear. Its refinement is lower than that of four-cylinder versions and this is mainly noticeable when cold and when stationary. Luckily, the soundproofing of the cabin is remarkable and it arrives very filtered. The good part is that it has a very linear and usable response, especially in the middle area of the rev counter.
If we take a look at the technical sheet, we cannot get excited. We already anticipated that the X1 sDrive18i would have little outstanding performance and we see an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds. He prefers to stand out for efficiency, even without the Mild Hybrid system or the DGT ECO label. Although during the contact we could not draw conclusions about consumption, everything seems to indicate that it will remain within the established limits, around 7.5 liters in mixed use.
This model can only be chosen with the standard Steptronic automatic transmission. Optionally, a slightly sportier version is offered that includes paddles on the steering wheel. It has the Boost function by keeping the left paddle pressed to offer the maximum potential of the vehicle. However, the one we tested as standard did not have it and we could not benefit from that greater connection to the vehicle while driving it. It is true that it has a Low mode to go with one less gear and get more performance, but it does not make a difference.
Before there were three conventional driving modes among the “My Modes” of the brand. Now they are updated with new options, making it clear that they not only affect the behavior of the vehicle, but also the environment that is breathed inside. To the usual Efficient, Sport and Personal; Relax, Expressive and Digital Art are added to have an offer that satisfies customers in any type of situation they face.
Right out of the box you notice better refinement going on. It hardly sounds or there are aerodynamic noises and it is that the X1 has improved a lot in this aspect. It has a drag coefficient of 0.26 Cd, the lowest of the SUVs in the range thanks to details such as the active grill. Also for its fluid design with the hands flush with the body.
At the chassis level, great things were expected from this BMW X1 and the truth is that it does not disappoint. It has a very balanced set-up, with the intermediate point between comfort and sportiness, even with the stock suspension. But it is also that it offers an optional adaptive suspension to reduce the height of the vehicle by 15mm and offer a more precise response. With variable hardness shock absorbers, it improves dynamic behavior and helps reduce inertia and sway. In short, a compact SUV that will be difficult to be surpassed in this regard.
Opinion cars.com
Since its arrival on the market in 2009, the BMW X1 has become a true benchmark among premium compact SUVs. Carries accumulated 2.7 million units sold At this time and with the third, everything indicates that this figure will grow considerably. The main reason is that it has improved in almost all aspects, being more technological, being better equipped and offering more versions. At a dynamic level, the truth is that it meets all expectations and now we want to try its electric version.
The price of the BMW X1 starts at 40,900 euros in its access version, which we consider to be more or less in the middle of the segment. Although it must be taken into account that with a generous configuration it can be overcome the barrier of 50,000 euros with some ease. It must also be taken into account that the electric BMW iX1 starts at 54,900 euros, a higher rate. Luckily, you can always turn to pages like cars.com to get the best deals on a new vehicle, leasing or financing.