‘ONE TO WATCH’

Added 22^nd May, 2020

By Jonathan Crouch

The X1 can be had with BMW's plug-in technology. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the xDrive25e variant.

‘ONE FOR THE ROAD - & THE MUD’

Added 25^th November, 2019

By Jonathan Crouch

For most buyers, an X1 would make far more sense than BMW's comparably-sized 3 Series Touring - and there aren't too many reasons to pay more for the Bavarian brand's larger X3 model either. As for appeal within this X1's market segment, well it's more practical, slightly cheaper to run and classier to sit in than Audi and Mercedes rivals. Are there downsides? Not many. A few enthusiastic drivers might miss the previous generation model's rear-driven handling balance, but there aren't too many buyers of that sort shopping in this segment. More significant is the fact that opting for one of these now requires quite a price stretch if you started out looking at a mainstream-branded Qashqai-class family-sized Crossover - even quite a nice one. Still, make that step and you'll be getting yourself a much higher quality product that'll pay back quite a lot of its price premium at resale time.

‘X MARKS THE SPOT?’

Added 14^th August, 2015 , updated 12^th August, 2015

By Car & Driving

To buy the X1 in its original form - the car produced between 2009 and 2012 - you needed to be sold on the idea of a BMW and be possessed of a budget not quite generous enough to get yourself the kind of larger X3 model you'd ideally have chosen. In this improved first generation guise though, this car set its sights a little higher, so makes a much better used buy as a result. Yes, there are smarter and more purposeful-looking SUVs and Crossovers you could choose for the same kind of money, but against those, this BMW offers a range of unique selling points. It's alone in this segment in offering the option of a rewarding rear-wheel drive layout. And a far smoother and more sophisticated 8-speed automatic gearbox. Plus you get ride quality that's arguably best in class. You'll also be tempted by the badge equity of course, which in this revised MK1 model is properly supported by the premium feeling you'll get behind the wheel or when the car's in your driveway. Add in running costs that are difficult to beat in this segment and you've a proposition that at last is good enough to reach out beyond the BMW faithful. Especially to buyers well-heeled enough to consider the top 25d variant. After all, 215bhp and over 50mpg aren't usually figures you see together in the same sentence. It all adds up to a car very well worth short-listing if you're looking for a satisfying ownership proposition amongst the many compact SUVs and Crossovers now on sale. It still isn't an obvious choice. But now, it's one you might just enjoy making.

‘LITTLE BOOTS’

Added 21^st June, 2012

By Andy Enright

The BMW X1, especially in first generation guise, is one of those cars that works better as a used car than new. Poor press reaction, largely fuelled by high asking prices, dulled sales and although the facelifted versions of this car did much to rehabilitate the X1's image, the earlier models probably represent the best value. Find a low mileage car that's been well looked after and it should prove a winner. Our recommendation is to avoid the thirstier and slower 4x4 models, as they don't really possess any off-road chops at all, and put some of the money saved towards a decent set of winter tyres. And overall? Well somewhat surprisingly, this one gets a possibly unexpected thumbs up.

Independent Reviews of BMW X1 New and Used Cars

‘ONE TO WATCH’

‘ONE FOR THE ROAD - & THE MUD’

‘X MARKS THE SPOT’

‘ONE TO WATCH’

‘X MARKS THE SPOT?’

‘AN X CLOSER TO THE SPOT’

‘LITTLE BOOTS’

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