BMW X1 (09 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 16 September 2011
BMW's fourth X model - the X1 - is also the smallest, yet retains much of the practicality and spaciousness of its larger counterparts. It's slightly shorter than a 3-Series which makes it easy to manoeuvre and park, especially in town, and yet still has impressive space for passengers in the back as well as a large and useful boot. It's available with either two-wheel drive (badged sDrive) or four-wheel drive (xDrive) while all the engines are impressively efficient and economical diesels, giving the X1 low running costs. There are criticisms, including some unusually below-par plastics in the cabin and a rather notchy gearshift on manual models, but decent levels of standard equipment, the usual BMW build quality and superb refinement make the X1 a sound choice.
4 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Buying new

The X1 is competitively priced alongside models like the Ford Kuga and Volkswagen Tiguan, which - it could be argued - do not have the same upmarket image as the BMW. It's affordable running costs give it plenty of appeal and it's well equipped as standard, with just one trim available. Getting a discount could be tricky though. BMW dealers rarely give much in the way of money off, so you'll need to be a very determined negotiator. There is a very long list of optional extras though, which could serve as a useful bargaining tool to get you a better equipped car.

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3.5 out of 5

Buying used

The smallest X model in the BMW range is a popular choice and there'll be no shortage of examples on the second hand market. There's a 50/50 split between two-wheel drive (sDrive) and four-wheel drives (xDrive) versions but the most common model is the sDrive20d. All are economical and perform well, but the 23d is the best model if you're after a bit of extra pace.

  • Boot/Load Space BMW X1 (09 on)
  • Interior BMW X1 (09 on)

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4 out of 5

Selling

An affordable, yet practical BMW will always be easy to sell and that's exactly what the X1 is. The popularity of compact offroaders which rarely actually go off road shows no signs of diminishing and the fact this is a BMW gives it extra appeal to used buyers. All models will be simple to sell, but the 20d is the one most will look for.