The second generation 2015, available since fall BMW X1 has not much in common with its predecessor except the type designation. It now builds on the 2er Active Tourer, previously the Munich was an offshoot of the 3er Touring. What else has changed? We asked the X1 as sDrive 18d everyday test.
The term sDrive already suggests: The X1 has front-wheel drive in the basic versions such as the 18d due to the 2-series Active platform - Warning, very bad word for die-hard BMW fans. Since more and more customers do not necessarily want to order an SUV as an all-wheel drive, this option brings additional buyers. The front-wheel drive variants are good for fleet consumption anyway.
The new model has become around 1,5 centimeters shorter and now extends to a length of 4,44 meters. Despite the shrunk dimensions, it now generates significantly more space for the occupants than before. The nice thing: Not only the front passengers can develop well, the rear users are also happy about plenty of movement options. Anyone who orders the sliding rear seat (surcharge: 300 euros) can also switch back and forth in favor of more from the knee or luggage compartment. In general, the X1 showed its best charging talent. In the normal case, the luggage part holds a good 500 liters, which is more than the VW Tiguan (470 liters) or Audi Q3 (460 liters). It thus exceeds the loading volume of the longer 1.550-series touring (3 - 495-1 liters).
Even the actual sitting allows the new X1 well. The seats of the front chairs can now be pulled out, which relaxes the leg muscles of tall drivers and front-seat passengers. The interior is otherwise as you know it from BMW models. The operating functions are selected via the large central control knob. Navigation and connection of the smartphone to the on-board system are easy. Definitely beautiful and practical is the head-up display, which reflects the driver-relevant data on the windshield at the X1.
The small diesel, currently still the entry-level diesel in the X1 portfolio, makes 110 kW / 150 horsepower and fits well in conjunction with the eight-speed automatic to the compact SUV. 330 Nm ensure proper pulling power. The engine does not have a problem that makes 1,5 tons of heavy vehicle rev up well. If necessary and in sport mode, there is the Dynamiker, then the chassis reacts but also "sporty" and lets the occupants participate in each uneven road surface unfiltered. Then rather chose the comfort setting and driven the X1 artgerecht as a high-build SUV through the curves. Depending on traffic conditions can also quietly activate the Eco mode. It is ideal for cruising relaxed in busy traffic and thus reducing fuel consumption. On the highway under full load some 8 liters flow through the pipes, with a sensitive gas foot we approached a low 6. On average, 7,1 liters flowed through the lines, so the standard value of 4,5 liters was clearly missed.
Our test car is available from 32.900 Euro in the price list. In addition 2.100 Euro come for the eight-speed automatic transmission. Of course, an X1 also allows even more customization in addition to higher trim levels. Here is a check mark, there is a check mark and schwups the SUV costs about 40.000 Euro. By the way, if you prefer a four-wheel drive, you have to pay the 18d 2.000 Euro.
Oh yes, there is another difference to the first generation: the new looks good. Where the predecessor somehow always reminded of a high-deck station wagon, the current model plays out the classic design specifications of this popular genre and is now really full on the road. He does not lack self-confidence.
Author: Elfriede Munsch / SP-X
