BMW X1 20d xDrive – Sovereign on and off the roads

BMW's the smallest hybrid or rather, most people already know Suva well. Less well known is the fact that this model went through a series of minor beauty treatments during its four years on the market, with which the Bavarians diligently eliminated the initial shortcomings of this model. When it comes to version 20 d with 135 kilowatt 2.0-liter diesel in the nose and xDrive drive however, the X1 is very sovereign both on and off paved roads.

So we can say that during this time the X1 got the image, materials and quality that the debut should already have, because with these corrections it justifies much better premium mission. This is now much more reflected upon entering the passenger cabin, where passengers are greeted by sight and touch with many lstronger materials and while the center console is not the latest in automotive fashion, nor BMW's interior design, the dashboard is still fairly fresh and modern enough. Just don't switch from a series 3 or two active tourers to the X1 and everything will be fine, but in the second case you will have something to comment on.

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However, the X1 definitely breaks through to the forefront in the C segment of SUVs as far as it goes sound insulation and general impression regarding quality, which is left behind by the passenger cabin. In this regard, the X1 is definitely up to the task. In terms of space, it always offers enough luxury for four adults, while it is better that the fifth, or if we say so, the third in the second row of seats is at most of medium height. Of course, excessive luxury should not be expected in terms of knee room for those sitting there, but there is more space than in a single, and getting into the vehicle and sitting are higher and thus easier, and visibility is significantly better.

From an equipment standpoint it's still a typical BMW, which means you basically get all the essentials, all the rest but it is necessary to find it on the infinitely long the list of surcharges, but in the case of the tester, we welcome the fact that he was not overwhelmed by the equipment, but they still belonged to it M sports steering wheel and let's say excellent eight-speed shiftable automation, which we highly recommend. The seats were thus covered (merely) in fabric, but offered an above-average amount of lateral grip, and we also praise the adjustable length of the seat section and the fact that the handbrake remained a classic pull and not an electronic one.

In terms of driving mechanics, the BMW is also a typical premium product, as they chassis and suspension extremely powerful and they act as if they could carry a lot more power, and the comfort of the passengers would not suffer too much. The suspension, like the chassis, is more on the sporty side than comfortable, but customers also expect (not to say demand) it, and as a result, the X1 drives just as well and feels like a fish in water between mountain serpentines and sections of roads with many closed corners. X1 does not work and does not behave like a classic suv, due to the high-quality steering mechanism, the driver always knows where to direct the wheels and, with the filigree-precise steering wheel, also knows exactly where the car will consequently go.

When you add to the equation the 2.0-liter diesel engine of the 20d version, which develops respectable 135 kW and 380 Nm of torque and eight-speed automatic transmission and powerful xDrive four-wheel drive, the picture is almost complete. The additional weight slightly reduces the maximum speed, which z 205 km/h it's nothing special, but that's why it's a nice achievement eight second acceleration up to a hundred. However, this dynamic cocktail also turns out to be quite wasteful, as it also consumes in eco pro mode and with conscious saving it rarely falls below the seven liter limit, and in the test we spent with a great deal of care 7.3 liters of fuel. If you forget a little, the consumption will exceed 7.5 liters and stabilize towards eight, and it will also be more difficult to go higher than that.

A look at the price list shows that the X1 is not a cheap toy with such a powertrain, and yes the price including the automatic, it exceeds the limit of 40 thousand (it costs 40,514 euros), which is not a small amount. Together with equipment accessories in the form of bi-xenon lights, factory navigation, sports seats and an M sports steering wheel, as well as parking aids, the price came very close to the limit of 50 thousand (48,931 euros). The fact that, despite the high basic price, there is still no cruise control in the standard equipment, for which you have to pay an extra 302 euros, deserves a lot of criticism.

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When asked if the X1 is the best in the segment, where, besides it, we find more Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA and let's say range rover evoqua it is very difficult to answer, because they also have their own peculiarities and shortcomings, but it is still true that you will drive the X1 as befits the models of this brand, and you will also pay as much for it. It is true, however, that the X1 has recently gained competition in its own house with the slightly more one-room-oriented series2 active tourer, which is much more useful and also cheaper, although for now it does not have a comparable engine and does not have the option of an xDrive drive. However, the 110 kilowatt version of the 218d with front-wheel drive is cheaper than the proven X1 20d xDrive by six thousand and at the same time offers a much more modern exterior and especially interior image. That also counts for something.

The rear part and the nose of the vehicle are nicely complemented by accessories in gray color, which also indicate an off-road mission, but it is able to annoy the driver with a fairly large "belly" outside of well-maintained roads, due to only a 19-centimeter clearance from the ground.

Even the exteriors have been familiar for years, especially with the characteristic LED rings, which are still round and do not shine with white light.

The interior is typical of this Bavarian brand, the materials have improved over the years, and the shortcomings have disappeared. It is true, however, that the recently introduced series 2 active tourer has a much more modern interior, which can tip the scales in favor of the latter for many.

Where the X1 is also known for having been on the market for quite some time is the size of the central screen and also the fact that the factory navigation has quite a few "blind spots" as far as newly built road connections are concerned.