BMW X1 2016 Review

BMW X1 sDrive 20i
Road Test

Yes, yes, yes, we all know compact prestige SUV sales are booming. If it looks like an SUV – even if it's not – and if it has a luxury badge on the grille, then chances of sales success are good. Which means the second-generation BMW X1 is bang on target. Here we're testing the entry-level petrol sDrive 20i. You'll spend well over $50,000 getting it on the road, so it's hardly a cheap and cheerful offering. But it is front-wheel drive, something that will offend a few, and probably not mean a dang thing to most.

This is the sort of car that would have once triggered mass outrage from the motoring purists.

A BMW SUV.

Not just that, but a front-wheel drive BMW SUV.

Not just that but a front-wheel drive BMW SUV that actually has the same underpinnings as a MINI!

But there are so many badge engineering outrages being committed in the name of economies of scale, market penetration and sale volume these days there is not much point in feeling outraged any more.

So what we have here is the second-generation BMW X1. In this case the sDrive 20i, for which you will pay $51,600 (plus on-road costs). It is the natural competition for the Audi Q3, Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

BMW has gone in a bit of a different direction in terms of price structure compared to its fellow German's offerings because this turbocharged 2.0-litre 141kW/280Nm front-driver is the cheapest petrol X1. Audi and Benz have opted for lower-powered and cheaper entry-level models; Audi for instance, offers a 1.4 TFSI Q3 for $42,900 (plus ORCs).

So clearly, you pay more for extra performance. For your money you also get an eight-speed auto with gearshift paddles, LED headlights with cornering lights, sat-nav, multi-mode 'driver experience' performance control, roof rails, a three-year subscription to internet-based services via BMW ConnectedDrive, the now-expected AUX, USB and Bluetooth connections, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate and 18-inch alloys shod with run-flat tyres (Pirelli Cinturatos in this case).

That means there is no spare tyre – never a good idea on Australia's rough roads. Nor is there smart key unlocking or powered seat adjustment, which seems wrong at this price. Those manually-adjusting seats are trimmed in a man-made leather – and look like it.

Having said that the overall interior impression is actually pretty darn good. That's most noticeable around the dashboard, instrument panels and even the legendary iDrive controller in the centre console. It's uncluttered, clean and logical. It also uses a better standard of materials than some recent BMWs. There's also a clear view out for the driver and a comfortable seat in which to be located.

In terms of safety and driver aids, the X1 is a five-star EuroNCAP performer that gets front, front-side and curtain airbags, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, pedestrian warning, high-beam assist and parking assist.

As we've already alluded to, the X1 now uses a front/all-wheel drive platform, in this case dubbed UKL and shared with the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer – or people-mover to you and me – and the Mini range, which is also owned and developed by BMW. Previously the X1 was rear/all-wheel drive, using a platform derived from the 3 Series wagon.

Upfront we'll tell you there's nothing here that really evokes traditional BMW driving sensibilities. In fact, it feels like a softened-off and slightly less darty MINI with a higher seating position.

It also has that most un-BMW of traits… torque steer. Prod the throttle hard with some lock on the steering wheel at low speed and yep, that's what that grabbing is.

The good news is BMW has been able to avoid steering rack rattle, the other unpleasant FWD trait that often goes hand-in-hand with torque steer. Pitched in to a rutted second gear left-hander the X1 tracks straight and true without getting messy.

You can flick the driver experience toggle switch to 'Sport' to retune the electric-assist steering, but it only makes it heavier so there's not much point

Dynamically though, this X1 doesn't have the same talents as its predecessor. It slips into understeer earlier and lacks the same keen edge. Compared to the Q3, GLA and especially the disappointing NX, it is pretty good though. In terms of ride there's some run-flat influence, but nowhere near as severe as in the past. The X1 delivers a firm yet well tuned compression, rebound and body control.

The drivetrain certainly takes the starring role. The new-generation four-cylinder B48-series engine that is spreading through the BMW range shows up here to good effect. Its performance can be tuned from mild to pretty lively via the switch on the centre console. Comfort is the default mode and it delivered strong, smooth response and a crisp top-end that was happy to rev all the way to the 7000rpm redline accompanied by a pleasingly perky audio.

Eco Pro took much of the edge off while Sport toned up the aggression, making throttle response and gear shifts razor sharp. That's fine for the occasional fang, but fuel consumption will be more of a priority more often. The official claim is 5.9L/100km and we were up around the 8.0L during our week-long test.

And what about off-road performance you might ask? What about it, I might reply? This thing is a front-wheel drive wagon with a bit of extra ground clearance. It's okay on a dirt road.

If there is one more really important improvement the new drivetrain package provides over the old rear-wheel drive X1 that is going to count for a hell of a lot it's the superior packaging provided by the transverse layout.

There is much more space in the rear seat in terms of legroom and headroom. There's also a 20 per cent larger luggage area, which offers up to 505 litres of storage space before you fold down the rear seat – note again though, no spare tyre.

That expands space to 1550 litres with the 40:20:40 backrest folded down. That means a full-size mountain bike fits comfortably with the front wheel removed. There's also plenty of room for storage of smaller items throughout the cabin. Everyone gets a door bin and there are seat-back pockets and plenty of cupholders.

The other important advantage the drivetrain layout delivers for X1 is styling proportion, we don't much talk about exterior looks here, but the long-nosed old X1 was a compromised odd-bod. The new model could be the best looking X model of the lot. And no we're not just saying that because it's the work of BMW's Australian designer Calvin Luk. Oh maybe just a bit.

And there is no doubt thousands of Australians are going to become proud owners of Calvin's work. No, it's not a BMW as we have traditionally known it, but that doesn't mean the X1 is anything other than exceedingly competent.

2016 BMW X1 sDrive 20i pricing and specifications:
Price: $51,600 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 141kW/280Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.1L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 141g/km (ADR combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (Euro NCAP)

Also consider:
>> Audi Q3 (from $42,900 plus ORCs)
>> Lexus NX (from $52,500 plus ORCs)
>> Mercedes-Benz GLA (from $42,900 plus ORCs)