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

Other BMW reviews

4 out of 5

Running costs

Like most premium German makes, BMW has a reputation for high running costs. Compared to the likes of Ford and Vauxhall, it's certainly true that labour rates and parts are more expensive, but BMW dealers do offer superb customer care. The excellent fuel economy of the X1 means running costs can be kept at a reasonable level plus there is the option for those buying new of a servicing deal called Service Inclusive. This is available on the majority of BMWs and for a one-off fee covers you for all general service requirements for five years or 60,000 miles. A further package known as Service Inclusive Plus includes brake pads, brake discs and windscreen wipers. Insurance is group 22 for the 18d models, 24 for the 20d versions while the 23d is group 26.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Variable according to on-board computer.

Warranty

Three years/unlimited miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£30.00 - £195.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

4.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
    119
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
    167
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

Offroaders usually get a bad press for being large 'gas guzzlers' but the X1 is incredibly fuel efficient, even when compared to a normal hatchback. The rear-wheel drive sDrive18d can average an impressive 54mpg and yet still boasts more than 140bhp. CO2 emission are just 136g/km of CO2 meaning affordable road tax and a low benefit-in-kind rating for company car drivers. This is due to BMW's Efficient Dynamics technology, which on the X1 includes an automatic stop/start function on all manual models. This cuts the engine in stationary traffic and automatically restarts it again when needed, giving a three per cent improvement in fuel consumption.

Find the exact engine and CO2