BMW X1 sDrive20i Test Drive Review

What’s This?

This is the compact crossover first seen as a concept at the 2008 Paris Motor Show for BMW to tackle the burgeoning crossover segment. It’s the smallest in BMW’s SUV family and went on sale in 2010 as either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

What About It?
This is the second generation of BMW’s compact crossover and much has changed. Codenamed F48, it’s now better proportioned thanks to the new UKL platform and some fundamental re-engineering. The UKL (or “Untere Klasse”; Deutsche for “Lower Class”) is a modular platform for front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive BMW and Mini models.

The second generation X1 that we get in Malaysia is the sDrive20i variant which is front-wheel drive. A front-wheel drive BMW…. sounds weird, right? The weirdness doesn’t stop there; the X1 also switches engine orientation from longitudinal to transverse. “What in blue blazes is BMW doing?”, you might ask.

But in doing so, BMW actually improved the X1. Its predecessor had a disproportionately long front and short rear, looking more like a raised stationwagon. The new X1 looks more a proper crossover with a shorter front end and longer roofline. It’s now shorter (by 38mm) but wider (by 23mm) and taller (by 53mm) than the old one.The transverse engine layout also allows for better cabin space and improved safety.

The new X1 is also bolder in appearance with the more prominent kidney grille and more angular headlights and increased ground clearance. The rear lights are also reconfigured and look more aggressive and better proportioned.

What’s Inside?

The longer wheelbase (by 90mm) translates to a more pleasant environment for knees and the re-engineering also give heads some respite. Cargo space is 505 liters, going up to 1550 litres with the rear seats folded. The cargo space has a double floor for increased storage options. The rear seats fold 40:20:40, by the way, so storing long slim cargo doesn’t mean sacrificing a rear seat section.

The “Lower Class” platform moniker is quite misleading as the interior appointments don’t spell that. The interior is leather-clad and surrounded by pleasant plastics with a swathe of red spilling across the dashboard for a dash of sportiness. The red spills over to the stitching on the seats, center console and door cards.

The front seats are electrically adjustable (driver’s side has memory) and have manually extendable thigh support. The seats are comfortable and well-bolstered though it might feel a little stiff. All the controls are centered around the driver so just about everything is within easy reach. Most of the essential controls are either accessed via steering-mounted buttons, iDrive controller or the surrounding buttons. The functions, including navigation, show up on the 6.5″ color screen on the center of the dashboard top. It does take a while to remember the button layout and operate them without taking your eyes of the road; especially the placement of the drive mode switches next to the gearshift.

There are enough cup holders and storage nooks all around to make this a practical family vehicle. The upper tray in the front center armrest is a snap-in adapter for your phone. Aft of this center console is the air-con vents for cooling the rear passengers.

In between the speedometer and tachometer is a drive info display where you can see your average fuel consumption. In Eco Pro mode, a gauge shows you the additional kilometers you have gained through efficient driving.

What’s Underneath?

The X1 sDrive20i is powered by a 2-liter four-cylinder engine with twin-scroll turbocharger with Double VANOS and Valvetronic. Power output is 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox.

Its 0-100 km/h time is officially 7.7 seconds, which is more than decent for a crossover and the snappy response of the engine and gearbox adds to the fun. Claimed average fuel consumption is 5.9 liters / 100 km (combined cycle). There are three drive modes – Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro; no prizes for guessing what they do.

What’s It Like?

So here we have a front-wheel drive BMW that also has to live by the Sheer Driving Pleasure mantra. Does it pass the test? Yes. For a crossover/SUV-body type, body rolls are well controlled. The ride is well cushioned by a suspension (single-joint spring strut front axle and multi-arm rear) that seems set up with comfort in mind.

The engine’s willingness to get going (as long as you’re not in Eco Pro mode) lets you feel some of that Sheer Driving Pleasure. However, that pleasure isn’t necessarily all about speed. The electric power steering takes away a smidge of that pleasure. The front-wheel drive configuration too throws some of that pleasure out. You can’t throw the X1 into a corner and stomp on the throttle to power out like ‘conventional’ rear-wheel drive BMWs; do that and you’ll end up literally a tree-hugger.

But if you’ve never experienced a ‘conventional’ BMW before, you won’t find the X1’s handling deficient in any way. In fact, you will enjoy its steadiness and confidence.

Any Interesting Features?

The X1 comes with BMW ConnectedDrive Services & Apps which allows you the use of the BMW Online internet portal via a dedicated SIM card in the car (or smartphone app). ConnectedDrive includes Intelligent Emergency Call, Concierge Services and Remote Services.

Intelligent Emergency Call (accident assist) and Concierge Service (PA on the road) are linked to a regional BMW ConnectedDrive call centre. Intelligent Emergency Call can be accessed via a dedicated button next to the front cabin lights. This is the SOS button for accident assistance. Concierge Service can be summoned via the iDrive menu and basically acts like your personal assistant. I did not ask the concierge where to find the cheapest diapers but you’re more than welcome to try. The service is free for three years from the date of registration. Remote Services lets you access the car remotely via BMW Remote phone app – (un)locking the car, vehicle status and information etc.

There’s also a Parking Assistant function that helps you parallel park; all you need to do is work the brake and gas pedals. Aside from this, cruise control comes with a braking function. Dynamic Stability Control, ABS, front, side and head airbags, dynamic braking lights with flashing function are some of the other safety features.

Who Is It For?

This is for someone looking for a vehicle with sporty inclinations but wants the ride height and practicality of a crossover. Not to alienate other groups of buyers but the X1 makes for a fun yet lush family vehicle. Its competing compatriots are the Volkswagen Tiguan, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA but the X1’s looks alone warrants consideration.

How Much?

The BMW X1 costs RM 279,800 and comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service. Additionally, the tires are also protected by a 24-month BMW Tire Warranty Programme which covers damage caused by sharp objects or potholes.

Have a look at the gallery below.