The BMW X1 xDrive18d M Sport at a glance
The ravages of time
It is now a proud seven years old, is even offered as a long version in China and is optionally available as the xDrive25e (combined fuel consumption: 2.1-1.7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 47-39 g/km²). also partially electric on the way. We are talking about the BMW X1 F48, the compact SUV from the Munich car manufacturer. Thanks to the 2019 facelift, you may not really be able to see its age on the outside, but the interior of the X1 cannot deny that it comes from a different time. An easy-to-read, partially digital instrument cluster, the non-slip M steering wheel and the now outdated iDrive console are still driver-oriented – but the technical lag to newer BMW models can no longer be argued away.
It all depends on the sliding rear seat bench
Compared to the first generation E84, BMW promised significantly more space, but even in the F48 there are no space miracles despite the transversely installed engine. Tall drivers and passengers can comfortably set themselves up in the front, and are given sport seats with strong lateral support for an extra charge, but it is difficult for travelers over 1.85 meters to find the right seating position in the second row at the latest. Here the 1 Series greets you as a civil sibling and if you don’t think of the optional sliding rear seat bench when ordering (which at least makes a difference of up to 13 centimeters), you will doubt the space available when installing a child seat station. The 450 to 505 liters of trunk volume are more than in a Golf, but of course the X1 has to compete with the VW Tiguan, which has a much more airy 615 liters to offer.
Premium claim, not everywhere
After all, with the rear seat folded down, up to 1,550 liters fit into the compact Bavarian, with the passenger seat even being able to be folded down for bulky goods for an extra charge. The three-part rear seat bench also makes large transports easier. Although the BMW controlling has visibly held back with the red pencil, bad savings were made in the loading compartment. Cheap plastic is one thing, sharp-edged retaining lugs that can hurt you are another. That fits neither with the premium claim of BMW nor with the rest of the well-made X1, which as xDrive18d with M Sport package should also cost more than 47,000 euros (combined fuel consumption: 6.1-5.4 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 159-142 g/km²).
This is how the BMW X1 xDrive18d drives
The Munich driver hardly gets any criticism in the driving chapter. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder B47 diesel remains a very pleasing powertrain years after its debut. 150 hp and 330 Newton meters are enough in the F48 for every situation, not making it an athlete, but also not an obstacle on the country road. It sounds rougher on the inside than some VW derivatives, but skimps on fuel consumption considerably. According to the on-board computer, around six liters are easily possible, but those who like it faster will hardly need more than 8.5 liters per 100 kilometers. Meanwhile, the engine is coupled to an eight-speed automatic, not from ZF, but from Aisin. This usually shifts appropriately, but does not quite match the smooth pace of the specialists from Friedrichshafen.
Driving dynamics come at the expense of comfort
Meanwhile, the optional adaptive chassis goes well with the basic dynamic character of the BMW X1. The spread between comfort and sport is palpable, with the crossover not becoming a sedan chair even in the most forgiving setting. The steering leaves a mixed impression, which is appealing because of its directness, but almost drifts off into nervousness. There are also upsides and downsides when it comes to braking behavior. While the 1.8-ton Bavarian always comes to a standstill without a hitch when it’s dry, it takes an unusually large amount of pressure in the wet before the anchor takes hold.
Trailer yes, off-road maybe
With a trailer load of 1,700 kilograms, the BMW X1 xDrive18d is also able to tow a consistently stately caravan, but with this value it lags behind the Tiguan, which, with the same motor, can pull the full 2,000 kilograms. If you want to go off-road with the all-wheel drive, the front-heavy xDrive provides a good basis; a hill descent aid also makes it easier to drive down steep descents. The ground clearance of 183 millimeters makes it possible to wade through even rough dirt roads.
Conclusion
With a few exceptions, it is well made, sufficiently variable and, as the xDrive18d, extremely economical, the X1 F48 is a good choice for anyone who thinks a 1 Series is too small and an X3 too big. The Munich always offers space for two, families at least pay attention to the sliding rear seat bench. Adaptive chassis, steering and automatic leave an overall sporty impression, the X1 does not become a sedan chair even in comfort mode. However, behind all premium characteristics there is also a hefty price tag, which can quickly push the new car price above the 60,000 euro mark. If you want to spend less, you can look around at the X1 F48 among the numerous used cars, but pay attention to a fresh main inspection without any complaints in the exhaust gas test. (Text and image: Thomas Vogelhuber)
