BMW X1 road test review

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Small, luxury SUVs are big business for premium brands these days, replacing more conventional sedans as the car of choice for upwardly mobile urban families.

BMW was the first to cotton-on to the trend with its original X1 back in 2009, providing a bookend to its pioneering X5 and a smaller sibling to its X3.

While the first-generation was a sales success and offered spritely driving dynamics, BMW's steadfast policy to maintain its bias towards rear-wheel drive underpinnings compromised its interior space and functionality.

Its replacement, which has recently arrived in Australian showrooms, is an about-face on that mantra and now uses the company's latest front-drive platform ? which forms the basis of the new Mini as well as its 2-Series Active Tourer multi-purpose vehicle ? to offer a more spacious cabin, as well as bringing new technology and elevated levels of quality to the mix.

What do you get?

There are four distinct variants of the new-generation X1, divided by the choice of either petrol or diesel engines and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive transmissions.

The range starts at $49,500 (plus on-road costs) for the sDrive 18d, which is BMW speak for the two-wheel drive with a 110kW 2.0-litre turbo diesel four cylinder. The more powerful, all-wheel drive xDrive 20d we're testing here commands a $7000 premium.

Breaking with conventional, the petrol-powered models are more expensive with the sDrive 20i costing $51,600 (plus on-road costs) and the flagship xDrive25i topping out at $59,900 (plus on-road costs).

All four variants come standard with an eight-speed automatic, eight airbags, a reverse camera, forward collision and lane keeping warnings, automated parking assistance, LED headlights with automatic high beams, climate control, a decent suite of connectivity features ? such as sat nav, Bluetooth phone and audio and BMW's telematics ? and all but the 25i run on 18-inch alloy wheels (it has larger 19-inch rims) and have man-made leather trim (the flagship model comes with real cow hide).

The 25i also features a larger 8.8-inch multi media screen where the others have a 6.5-inch unit and is fitted with electric adjustment and heating for the front seats.

On the three lower-grade models, an optional Innovations Package (which costs $3510) brings active cruise control with automated emergency braking, a heads-up display, the top-spec navigation system and digital radio while, for the same price, an optional Comfort Package adds the top-line seats, keyless entry and automatic tailgate opening.

All X1 models are covered by a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, have useage-based service intervals and owners can choose from a range of pre-paid service schemes.

What's inside?

The X1's new underpinnings turn around a number of the packaging issues that compromised the original.

Firstly, and most importantly, there's significantly more space inside the cabin even though its exterior dimensions are fairly similar to its predecessor. While it is shorter and not that much wider, it is 53mm taller than before, which has helped raise the seating position (by 36mm in the front and 64mm in the back) to give a more commanding view of the road ? something that has become an important buying factor for SUV owners.

But because it no longer requires a large central tunnel for its rear-biased transmission, there is 66mm more rear legroom, which makes it more comfortable for adults to travel in the rear, as well as more boot space, which has increased by 85L to a minimum of 505L.

The rear bench has a 60:40 split fold function and can also be adjusted fore and aft by 130mm to trade some of that boot space for legroom and vice versa.

The overall presentation of the cabin is also vastly improved over the previous X1, with a more modern design to the dash, good storage options for small items in the centre console with a covered binnacle at the base of the dash and higher-quality materials all round.

Under the bonnet

The 20d's 2.0-litre turbo diesel four cylinder isn't an all-new engine, but has been slightly tweaked over to produce more power while using less fuel in doing so.

Its maximum output has been raised by 5kW to 140kW while peak pulling power has risen by 50Nm to a generous 400Nm, which is on tap from just 1750rpm. Despite that, its claimed fuel consumption has been reduced by half a litre to 4.9L/100km, although it takes a light foot or long distance cruising to achieve that number as we recorded just over the 6L mark during a mix of city and freeway driving.

Nevertheless it's better than before and its fuel consumption improvements are also in part due to the lighter body structure of the new X1, which, in combination with the extra power, ensures the small SUV makes light work of most situations, feeling spritely away from the lights and around town as well as relaxed at cruising speeds on the highway while easily tackling steep inclines and quick overtaking manoeuvres.

It still can't hide some of the normal diesel characteristics, like the clattering noise it makes on start-up when it's cold and its narrow power band, but it is quite refined and willing for its type and is well-matched to the smooth eight-speed automatic.

On the road

The X1's new underpinnings might make it more appealing for small families, but it's less convincing from a driver's perspective ? something BMW has always prided itself under its long-held Ultimate Driving Machine mantra.

The shift to a transverse-engine layout and front-biased all-wheel drive system means the X1 has lost some of the engagement factor that made its predecessor unique among its rivals. It still hangs on reasonably well through the bends and feels secure in slippery conditions, but, while sitting flat and having sharp steering, the front-end tends to push wide in spirited cornering before the all-wheel drive system reacts to send drive to all four wheels.

The overall suspension settings too leave a little to be desired in terms of comfort, as it jitters over constant bumps while hard-edged irregularities send a thud through the cabin. Road noise is also ever present, even on relatively smooth surfaces. It's liveable in most circumstances, but certainly not the benchmark in its class.

Verdict

As a small, luxury-focused SUV, the new X1 is more attractive for young families than ever before. It looks stylish ? both inside and out ? the cabin is more spacious and flexible, the engine is punchy and yet frugal and it's well equipped with all the latest mod cons expected from a premium brand. It ticks plenty of boxes for everyone other than those that enjoy driving, where it's traded some of the on-road grace of its predecessor for that extra space.

BMW X1 xDrive20d Price and Specifications

Price: $56,500 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 140kW at 4000rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1750-2500rpm

Transmission: 8-spd automatic, all-wheel drive

Fuel Use: 4.9L/100km

The Competitors

Mercedes-Benz GLA200

Price: $48,300 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 100kW at 3400rpm

Torque: 300Nm at 1400rpm

Transmission: 7-spd  dual-clutch automatic, AWD

Fuel Use: 4.6L/100km

Our Score: 6.5/10

Audi Q3 2.0 TDI Sport

Price: $56,500 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 130kW at 4200rpm

Torque: 380Nm at 1750rpm

Transmission: 7-spd dual-clutch automatic, AWD

Fuel Use: 5.9L/100km

Our Score: 6.5/10

Lexus NX200t Luxury

Price: $57,000 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 175kW at 4800rpm

Torque: 350Nm at 1650rpm

Transmission: 6-spd automatic, AWD

Fuel Use: 7.9L/100km

Our Score: 6/10