BMW's smallest X model has been updated, In fact, it’s been re-invented – changed from an ostensibly rear-drive architecture to a front-AWD-drive platform BMW also uses for the 2 Series Active Tourer and the latest MINI models.
How many of you will notice, is perhaps a moot point. The new X1 carries similar proportions and styling to its successful predecessor, but is improved BMW says by more cabin space, more power and better fuel economy, thanks to "an efficiency-optimised version of the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system".
It sounds like slick marketing gaff, and it probably is. But it's hard to ignore fuel consumption and emissions reductions of up to 17 per cent, and it's even harder not to notice new equipment items like full-LED headlights, adaptive dampers, head-up display and BMW's Driving Assistant Plus system.
The new X1 shares its UKL chassis architecture with the MINI Cooper and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, and is taller (+53mm to 1598mm) than the last model, while also being a little wider (+23mm to 1821mm) but shorter front to rear (-38mm to 4439mm).
The wheelbase also shrinks (-90mm to 2670mm), yet (thanks to the magic of transverse engine packaging) the cabin offers more space and a better view out thanks to higher set, stadium-style seats.
Rear seat kneeroom grows between 37 and 66mm, depending on variant, while the 505-litre boot (now accessed via an optional electric tailgate) is 85 litres bigger than the outgoing model. Cargo space may be expanded up to 1550 litres by way of 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats.
Front (sDrive) and all-wheel drive (xDrive) variants will be offered, as will a choice of lighter, more thermally efficient 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel engines (in various states of tune, see below). The ‘cleanest’ of these lowers fuel consumption to just 4.1L/100km (and CO2 emissions of 109g/km).
The top-shelf engine found in the xDrive25i is essentially the same unit found in the MINI John Cooper Works, and offers 170kW and 350Nm. Three-cylinder engine options will join the range from November. In total BMW will build the eight X1 variants listed below although not all will come Down Under.
Expect the Aussie entry-grade front-wheel drive petrol and diesel models to mimic those of the current line-up, while all-wheel drive options will be limited to the petrol-powered X1 xDrive25i arrive from launch. The diesel-powered X1 xDrive25d is yet to be confirmed for Australia.
Depending on variant, engines are offered with a choice of six-speed manual, six-speed automatic (three-cylinder models only) or eight-speed automatic transmissions.
The on-demand all-wheel drive system, familiar to the MINI Countryman, splits torque between front and rear via an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch, and receives instruction via the X1's stability control system. It can send up to 100 per cent drive to the rear, but is also smart enough to adjust the torque split while cornering to help eliminate understeer and oversteer.
The X1 also features hill-descent control.
The new X1 rides on a strut (front) / multi-link (rear) suspension set-up and can be fitted with two-stage adjustable dampers. Disc brakes are featured all-round while the adoption of electro-hydraulic improves fuel economy and adapts modes in step with the variable shock absorbers. Alloy wheel options range from 17 to 19 inches in diameter.
Aerodynamic improvements drop the X1's coefficient of drag (Cd) to as low as 0.29 (depending on variant) with smoother under-body panelling, active grille shutters, a lighter all-wheel drive system, idle-stop, brake-energy recovery, on-demand ancillaries, low rolling resistance tyres and a coasting mode (built-in to the eight-speed automatic transmission) also aiding efficiency.
The X1's passenger compartment remains faithful to the style of the predecessor, and includes large door pockets with bottle-holders, a storage compartment integrated within the lower dash fascia, covered cup-holders on the centre console and armrests for both front seat occupants. There are also drawers under the front seats, map nets on the back of the front seats, a central armrest with cup-holders in the rear and an additional rear 12-volt outlet.
BMW has retained the X1's driver-focused dash layout and the traditional two-dial instrument panel, though the look is lightly refreshed. It also plays host to a mix of new and old equipment, adopting an integrated (not floating) centre screen in 6.5 and 8.8-inch format, the option of ConnectedDrive with head-up display (familiar to the new X5) and BMW's Driver Assistant Package with stop-and-go active cruise control, autonomous braking and collision avoidance systems and revised self-parking technology.
App-based services also cover internet connectivity, navigation, infotainment and climate systems, while the safety items include the usual array of passive and active driver aids, as well as an optional lane-keeping assistant and blind-spot monitoring. There's also a generous range of paint, upholstery and trim options, and four personalisation packages: Advantage, M Sport (including 10mm lower suspension), Sport Line and xLine.
Most Australian-spec models are expected to include foglights front and rear, keyless entry and ignition, auto headlights and wipers, a tilt/reach adjustable steering column, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and a rear-view camera and reversing sensors on the kit list.
A digital radio, a panoramic roof and 360-watt / 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system will likely be offered optionally.
BMW Australia has yet to confirm the exact model line-up, timing or pricing, but says we should know more towards the model’s local launch in October
On the road the new X1 feels more grown-up than its predecessor, and is both more refined, and quieter. The petrol engine is a peppy and linear partner that cooperates brilliantly with the eight-speed auto. In Sport mode using the steering wheel-mounted paddles shifts, creates a cheeky burp on up-shifts, hinting at the potential of the unit.
The tight winding launch roads and Bavarian summer holiday traffic didn't really allow any speed tests. They did, however, allow us time to appreciate the X1's vastly improved ride and reasonably competent handling.
The new X1 very much feels like a front-wheel drive when viewed against the outgoing model, and although the electronics do much to mitigate any surprises, there's still a tendency for the nose to push toward understeer when pushed. No surprises there, but we should point-out that the initial turn-in is sharper than anticipated which sees the subsequent mid-corner 'push' feel a little more exaggerated than it otherwise would.
Still, this isn't a sportscar, and considering how well the X1 performed on the off-road course BMW provided, is likely to prove less relevant to those who plan of using the SUV for recreational purposes.
Switching to the turbo-diesel (which is still to be confirmed for Australia), we found a slightly noisier, but indeed torquier, engine.
There's an ease with this engine the petrol can't quite match, and again one helped by the smooth-shifting eight-speed auto. However, there is a little lag when stepping back on the throttle, say at a roundabout, or when setting off from a standing start.
The idle-stop system is really quite quick, but the turbo lag makes getting away cleanly a little bit of an ask. This is an engine far better suited to long distance touring, methinks.
On test, we noted fuel consumption of around 8.4L/100km in the xDrive25i and 6.8L/100km in the xDrive25d. The figures are perhaps not representative of real-world driving, given most of our time was spent on-and-off the throttle in the foothills of the Austrian Alps. In short, we expect we'll achieve better when sampled on home soil.
With looks that give the new X1 a 'shrunken X5' style, more space and far better NVH characteristics, the smallest member of BMW's X family has certainly improved. If BMW can keep the model's pricing close to that of the predecessor then there's no reason it shouldn't have a hit on its hands.
2015 BMW X1 xDrive25d: | 2015 BMW X1 xDrive25i: |
Price: $TBA (plus on-road costs) | Price: $TBA (plus on-road costs) |
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel | Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol |
Output: 170kW / 450Nm | Output: 170kW / 350Nm |
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic | Transmission: Eight-speed automatic |
Fuel: 5.0L/100km (ADR Combined) | Fuel: 6.4L/100km (ADR Combined) |
CO2: 132g/km (ADR Combined) | CO2: 149g/km (ADR Combined) |
Safety Rating: Five-star (EuroNCAP) | Safety Rating: Five-star (EuroNCAP) |
What we liked: | Not so much: |
>> Improved ride comfort | >> Familiar looks inside and out |
>> Cheeky exhaust note of 25i | >> Handling a little nose-heavy |
>> Much improved NVH qualities | >> Minor turbo-lag in diesel |
Also consider:
>> Audi Q3 (from $42,900 plus ORCs)
>> Lexus NX (from $52,500 plus ORCs)
>> Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (from $48,300 plus ORCs