gave BMW X1 The Bavarian has quickly grown to become one of the marque’s flagship models.
Combining premium quality, impressive handling and plenty of practicality, the X1 has been a top seller for the German brand since its introduction – now, a new and improved model picks up where its predecessor took off. left from
With a sharp and modern design, a fresh high-tech interior and a full range of petrol and diesel engines as well as hybrid and electric powertrains, the new X1 is sure to be ready to go when it first arrives in Oz. will at the end of the year.
But when it’s up against such successful rivals as Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, will the new X1 be able to hold its own at the head of the pack?
How much does the BMW X1 cost?
Two variants of the 2023 BMW X1 range will launch. $53,900 plus on-road costs When the new generation model will land locally later this year.
That starting price will get you the X1 sDrive18i, with a three-cylinder petrol engine and front-wheel drive.
The sticker climbs to $65,900 for the X1 xDrive20i, which ups the cylinder count to four and adds all-wheel drive. Pricing for the all-electric iX1 xDrive30 has yet to be confirmed, but we’re expecting it to carry a sticker starting at $8.
The petrol version of the new BMW X1 is pitted against a range of premium small SUVs, including Audi Q3, Lexus UX And Mercedes-Benz GLA.
2023 BMW X1 Price:
- BMW X1 sDrive18i: $53,900
- BMW X1 xDrive20i: $65,900
- BMW iX1 xDrive30: $TBA
Prices exclude on-road costs.
What is the BMW X1 like inside?
The X1 shares a lot with it. 2 Series Active Tourer and admission is the most obvious example of this.
The overall design is fairly simple, centered around a curved display that takes up about half the dashboard, along with a floating center console with a toggle-style drive selector and a few buttons and switches.
Between the two is a vertical wireless charging pad with a clamp to hold your phone in place, but other than the steering wheel and some air vents, it’s pretty much it.
Naturally, attention is immediately drawn to the curved display, which is divided into two parts.
Behind the steering wheel is a digital instrument cluster that can be easily configured and show drivers exactly how they want to see it. The sharp display and modern, readable graphics make it more user-friendly than anything else on the market.
The same goes for the touchscreen infotainment system that makes up the other half of the sleek display. Like the instruments, it’s fast and modern, with configurable menus and icons and logical display placement.
It’s a pity that BMW hasn’t included the iDrive rotary controller that you get in the new one 3 series which would have allowed drivers to navigate the screens without looking too far from the road – but that’s a minor criticism.
Overall, the screen is much better than what you’ll find in most competing products, and that’s a good thing, because it has a lot of responsibility.
With the arrival of the new infotainment system, BMW has removed almost all buttons from the dashboard, shuffling most of the controls to the touchscreen. This also includes the operation of the air conditioning, which is now done using a small taskbar below the display.
The controls are always there, which immediately makes the BMW system better than some of its rivals, but it’s far more fiddly than having an array of physical switches on the dash. And it’s not like BMW can’t switch well.
To that end, the X1’s cabin is incredibly well-built, with top-end materials and sharp engineering on display all around. Every aspect feels premium and classy, as well as being strong enough to last the life of the car.
Traditionally, BMW hasn’t always been able to compete with Audi on the quality front, but the X1 drives the Q3 very close indeed.
It just doesn’t match the Audi for quality. BMW has made the X1’s cabin bigger in every respect, so there’s plenty of room for four adults and a boot. 540 liters.
Of course, the hybrid and electric versions have less luggage space, but even the all-electric iX1 still has 490 liters of boot space – about as much as can fit into a 3 Series Touring Wagon.
Whichever version of the X1 you choose, you’ll find something at least as spacious as its rivals, if not more More So
What’s under the bonnet?
The X1 engine range is extensive and includes two diesel, two petrol engines and two plug-in hybrid options, as well as an all-electric iX1.
Starting with things sDrive18iwhich uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 100 kW and front wheel drive. It’s on top of that xDrive23iwhich is reinforced by a large 2.0-liter turbo With mild hybrid technology and all-wheel drive, putting out 150 kW.
For those who prefer diesel power, there is one. sDrive18d Model with 110 kW A mild hybrid, with all-wheel drive xDrive23d version with 155 kW. The petrol and diesel ranges will be split by the mid-range 20i and 20d models.
Also on the way are two petrol plug-in hybrids, both of which will be capable of driving around 90km on electric power alone. The basic 25e will have a slightly longer range – around 92km – while the more powerful 30e version will do with 88km of range.
Then there’s the iX1 EV, which uses two electric motors and a 64.7kWh battery to cover between 413 and 438km on a single charge, while still offering 230kW and faster performance.
So far, BMW Australia has only confirmed. sDrive18i and xDrive20i engine variants For the domestic market as well as the electric iX1. Mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids won’t be here from launch, at least.
How does the BMW X1 drive?
The BMW X1 has always been the best car in its class when it comes to handling, and the new model is no different.
There are some compromises, due to the ride height, but the X1 manages to feel stable and safe as well as attractive and fun – and it achieves all of this without a rear-facing ride.
Sure, it’s not the most comfortable thing on four wheels, but the way it rides it feels huge. Even in M Sport trim, which brings with it a sportier suspension and 19-inch alloy wheels, the X1 manages to stay smooth over most bumps.
You can still feel them going under the wheels, but they’re not as sharp or jarring – it’s never painful.
And it’s still one of the hottest hatchbacks around as well. Even the base front-wheel-drive versions feel nimble and nimble in a way that belies the X1’s size.
This car shouldn’t be fun to drive, but precise steering, ample grip and impressive body control ensure it’s a fun thing to do.
And it does the business when you want to be less infantile, with better visibility for around-town driving and better engines that make long distances less tiring and stressful than they might otherwise be. are
what do you get
X1 sDrive18i Highlights:
- 18 inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Power tailgate
- Keyless entry and start
- 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- Satellite navigation with augmented reality view
- Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- BMW Live Cockpit Professional
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Reversing Assistant
- Attached Package Professional
- Drive recorder
- Mirror package with anti-diesel, auto-dipping functions
- Heads up display
- Sensatec leatherette upholstery
- Sensatec wraparound instrument panel
- Front sports seats
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Dual zone climate control
- Automatic headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 4 x USB-C ports
- 2 x 12V power outlets
The X1 xDrive20i adds:
- 19 inch alloy wheels
- Heated front seats.
- Power front seats
- Driving Assistant Professional
- including steering and lane control assistant
authorities
Enhancement package: $6000 sDrive18i, $4000 xDrive20i
- Metallic paint
- Panoramic sunroof
- Harmon/Kardon Sound System
- Sliding rear seats
- Driving Assistant Professional (sDrive18i)
- Power Front Seats (sDrive18i)
M Sport Package: $3000 (xDrive20i)
- 19 inch M Sport alloy wheels
- Adaptive M suspension.
- M Aluminum Hexacube Interior trim
- M Leather steering wheel
- M High Gloss Shadow Line Trim
- M High gloss roof rails
Is the BMW X1 safe?
The new BMW X1 is yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- AEB with pedestrian, cyclist detection
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane Keep Assist
- Safe exit warning
- Traffic sign recognition
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- All-around cameras
- Front and rear parking sensors
How much does the BMW X1 cost to run?
The Australian X1 range will be supported by a three-year, unlimited kilometer warranty.
Unlike much of the industry, including most premium brands, BMW has not moved to a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
BMW Australia has not confirmed service prices for the new X1 or iX1. Stay tuned for updates.
CarExpert takes on the BMW X1
The new X1 may be very different from its predecessor, but the end result is very much the same.
With its breadth of capability, impressive technology and a wide range of models to choose from, BMW can be all things to all customers.
Even in this segment of the market there are many excellent cars, which makes it the best in the business.
It’s still very much a car against which all other premium compact SUVs will be weighed, measured and most likely found unnecessary.
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