The BMW X1, which is still up-to-date, is optically and technically very different from its predecessor. Can he also convince the TÜV inspectors?
Starts in autumn the new BMW X1, a good opportunity to deal with the still current, second generation of the SUV as a used car option. The compact model, which has been available since 2015, is well represented on the well-known online exchanges. The question remains what opinion the TÜV examiners have on the first X1 on a front-wheel drive platform.
Body and interior: While the first X1 was visually somewhere between a station wagon and an SUV, the current one is clearly an SUV. He looks like one X5 mini-me. Unlike the first generation, which had the 3 Series Touring as a gene donor, the X1 (Type F48) shares the base with the 2 Series Active Tourer. The modified technical layout, including with a transversely installed engine, means that the SUV generates significantly more space for the occupants than its predecessor, despite slightly reduced dimensions (4,44 meters in length). The trunk volume is also impressive. Normally, the luggage part holds 500 liters, but if you fold down the rear seat backs, this increases to 1.550 liters. If you buy a used model with the sliding rear seat, you can choose between more knee or luggage space. The interior is typical BMW, how dignified or noble depends on the willingness of the first buyer to invest in extras that are subject to a surcharge.
In 2019, the X1 received a subtle facelift; you can see it in the modified radiator grille with a larger kidney, LED lights have been standard ever since.
Motors and drive: There are only three and four cylinders with displacements of 1,5 and 2,0 liters and a power range from 85 kW/116 hp to 170 kW/231 hp. For easier differentiation, the models with front-wheel drive are called sDrive, those with All-wheel drive xDrive. The entry-level petrol engine is a 100 kW/136 hp three-cylinder with front-wheel drive (18i), the 141 kW/192 hp four-cylinder (20i) is also available with all-wheel drive. The standard consumption values read well on paper: BMW specifies between 5,1 liters for the s Drive 18i and 6,7 liters for the xDrive 20i. The smallest diesel (18d) has 110 kW/150 hp, the 20d has 140 kW/190 hp. Both are also available as xDrive. The top model is the xDrive25d with 231 hp. The standard consumptions vary between 4,1 and 5,2 liters.
Since the beginning of 2020, the X1 has also been available as a plug-in hybrid (xDrive25e) in combination with a 92 kW/125 hp three-cylinder and an electric motor with 70 kW/95 hp. The system output is 162 kW/220 hp. A purely electric range of almost 50 kilometers is possible.
Equipment and safety: The basic equipment, which was offered at market launch for around 30.000 euros, offers, among other things, a 6,5-inch color display, air conditioning, hands-free system, leather steering wheel and some assistance systems. There was a lot of room for extras such as the large infotainment system, navigation, head-up display or distance cruise control. Even LED had to be ordered for a surcharge until the facelift. The price list, which was very extensive at 70 pages, also included a electric tailgate, larger wheels than the standard 17-inch tires and many assistants. In 2015, the X1 passed the EuroNCAP crash test with five stars.
Quality: In the TÜV main inspections, the X1 shows few weaknesses, but with 92,4 percent of the 2 to 3 year old vehicles and 87,5 percent of the 4 to 5 year old vehicles without defects, it is a bit worse than the average of the cars examined (92,5% and 87,6%). This certainly does not correspond to the premium prices and buyers' expectations. The predecessor does a little better here. When it comes to the chassis, a typical weak point of an SUV, the TÜV inspectors have nothing to complain about with the Type48. The brakes and braking system are also inconspicuous. You have to take a closer look at the exhaust system, many test specimens fail the exhaust gas test.
And finally ... The BMW X1 offers plenty of space for luggage and passengers and is also suitable as a family vehicle. If you are looking for a used copy, you still have to dig deep into your pocket. Around 15.000 euros are still due for older models with quite high mileage.