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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4 out of 5

Equipment

Just one equipment level is offered in the X1 - the SE - and all models come with 17-inch alloy wheels with non-runflat tyres, electric power steering, rear parking sensors, automatic two-zone air conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking, front foglights, a multi-function leather steering wheel, engine start/stop button, reach and rake adjustable steering, a CD stereo with an auxiliary input, trip computer, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which includes traction control, ABS and cornering brake control plus rear Isofix child seat mounts. The xDrive18d and xDrive20d models get Hill Descent Control while the xDrive23d model comes with different alloy wheels, six-speed automatic gearbox, an automatically dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting and chrome exterior trim.

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Trim

Equipment

Key:

Standard item

Optional item

  • 3x3 point rear seat belts
  • ABS
  • Air conditioning
  • Alarm
  • Alloy wheels
  • Audio remote
  • Body coloured bumpers
  • CD
  • Central locking
  • Cloth seat trim
  • Driver`s airbag
  • Electric mirrors
  • Folding rear seats
  • Front electric windows
  • Front fog lights
  • Heated mirrors
  • Height adjustable drivers seat
  • Isofix child seat anchor points
  • Parking sensors
  • Partial leather seat trim
  • PAS
  • Passenger`s airbag
  • Rear electric windows
  • Roof rails
  • Service indicator
  • Side airbags
  • Sports seats
  • Steering wheel rake adjustment
  • Steering wheel reach adjustment
  • Traction control
Efficient Dynamics SE M Sport
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