BMW’s first dive into the SUV scene occurred soon after its temporary stewardship of Land Rover (between 1994 and 2000). Entitled by ownership, the first X5 was related by lineage to the 5-Series and became an overnight success story for the Bavarian company. It was inevitable that, as the SUV/crossover sector was growing like Topsy, so would BMW’s representation across that segment.
Just as the 1-Series is a post-Mini route into BMW proper, for those car customers climbing the model ladder, X1 is their route to SUV-dom. In typical form for the class, BMW applies the sDrive moniker to its rear-driven versions, while xDrive is the preserve of the stability enhancing four-wheel drive set. However, BMW has determined to differentiate more clearly between its four trim levels: SE, Sport, xLine and the more focused M Sport. Typical of the company, a Plus Pack on the M Sport variants incorporates a number of personalising elements, such as 19.0-inch diameter alloy wheels and an array of M Sport-logoed goodies, while the standard wheel is 17.0-inches, upgrading to 18.0-inches on the rest of the line-up.
Also typical of BMW is a choice of punchy petrol and diesel engines, the range starting with the 1.5-litre three-cylinder 140bhp petrol unit also used by the Mini. No slouch, it will crack the 0-60mph sprint in a modest 9.4s, with a maximum speed of 127mph driving through the optional seven-speed, twin-clutch automated transmission. CO2 levels are pegged at 125g/km, while its official economy figure is given as 56.5mpg. Next up is the four cylinder 2.0-litre ‘twin-power’ petrol unit developing a meatier 192bhp (7.4s, 140mph, 129g/km CO2, 52.3mpg). The familiar 2.0-litre diesels offer either 150, or 190bhp.
BMW’s chassis target is always aimed at maintaining its long-standing driver’s car remit. While firm, the damping and spring rates also provide high resilience, which ensures that crisp, responsive steering is matched to a moderately low centre of gravity, high body roll resistance and exceptionally rigid body/chassis construction. While low-speed handling can sometimes feel a bit ‘nuggety’, especially on some of the UK’s give-and-take road surfaces, the X1 in 2.0-litre petrol AWD form proves to be highly rewarding to drive at the legal limit, smoothing out longer amplitude imperfections and relegating bumps to little more than barely audible hiccoughs.
Although unavailable at the test session, early next year BMW will launch an X1 in xDrive25e specification, where the supplemental ‘e’ refers to the incorporation of electric drive technology from the i8 sportscar. Armed with a 9.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the X1 PHEV powers its front wheels using a 125bhp petrol engine, while the rears are driven by a 95bhp electric motor. This will provide a 31-miles EV range, a low CO2 rating of around 45g/km and exceptional frugality.