Essentials
BMW X1 xDrive23i M Sport
Price: £41,470 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl petrol turbo
Power/torque: 215bhp/360Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive 0-62mph: 7.1 seconds
Top speed: 145mph
Economy: 42.2mpg
CO2: 154g/km ONSALE Now engine is very slick. Officially it’ll achieve up to 42.2mpg, and in our hands, around 40mpg seemed entirely possible.
It’s effective rather than exciting, but the chassis is a little more enjoyable. For a fairly high-riding car, the X1 handles more like a hatchback, with a front end that points keenly into turns, very little body roll, and lots of grip. The steering is quick and precise, if not loaded with feedback.
There is a downside, though, and that’s the ride comfort. Over most surfaces the X1 is quite firm, with higher-frequency bumps causing the car to jiggle about a lot. It’s not crashy, but some occupants might find it a little irritating. While the X1 has adaptive dampers, they can’t be adjusted by the driver. Instead, they react to the road and your driving style, and adjust their rate accordingly. It’s a shame, because in terms of road and wind noise, the X1 is more refined than its closest rivals.
Prices start from £33,775 in sDrive20i form. Standard kit includes LED headlights and rear lights, a powered tailgate, those snazzy curved displays, cruise control and a reversing camera. Upgrading to xLine trim costs £2,000, and it comes with a different design of 18-inch wheels, artificial leather, satin silver trim on the outside and aluminium-effect trim inside.
M Sport cars, with sportier looks inside and out, plus M Sport suspension, start from £38,525, while this xDrive23i version costs £41,470 before options.