You're probably wondering why we chose to test this BMW X1. Well, X1 received a facelift
in 2012 and, beyond that, this car is a symbol of sophistication and performance from BMW.
Its configuration is the one that every passionate of compact SUVs dreams about.
Restyling brought to X1 new headlights with cold light angel eyes and an accent light
in the upper part of the headlight.
The interior received a new gearbox selector and even a new and modern courtesy light -
since we criticized the X5 and X6's cheap designed courtesy light.
With all these updates, X1 still doesn't have available full LED headlights -- as the bigger
brothers can optionally have -- and the instrument cluster is still classic - with many
gauges and a small area dedicated to the display of the trip computer.
This facelift doesn't solve the problem with the few storage places and the uninspired
positioned cup holders.
One cup holder can be covered by the armrest if this is sliding forward, and the
other cup holder either stays in the armrest, or hooked on the central console, in a position
that may disturb the passenger's knees.
The position of the air conditioning buttons was moved above the audio ones.
Until now they were positioned otherwise.
The minor adjustments brought by the facelift are underlined by new colors,
as this Valencia Orange paint on the car in the video.
In combination with the chromed ornaments of the windows the paint has a special effect
even if you are inside the car. The combination of orange and chrome look great
when you look in the side mirrors.
If your option is the XLine package, you get a special upholstery with X's engraved on the headrests.
And if the upholstery is beige and you tick in the option list for Fineline Bay wood trim,
then you will have a very friendly and warm interior.
The interesting part is that these Fineline Bay ornaments look more like wood
than other veneer parts offered by BMW on its models.
The navigation and multimedia system is the most expensive feature of this X1.
It costs 3,000 Euros as an option. A little too expensive, but besides the price you have nothing to criticize.
It works flawlessly and successfully manages all the car settings.
An A+ goes also to the engine. xDrive25d inscription on the front doors let you know
that under the hood is a bi-turbo 2 liter diesel engine. That is why this engine develops 218 PS/HP
and an impressive maximum torque of 450 Nm.
I would say it is the most performing and efficient diesel engine in the market, in its displacement category.
This power unit takes the X1 to 100 km/h in only 6.8 seconds.
This BMW X1 is almost as fast as a Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI (6.5 seconds).
The suspension and steering are incredibly well tuned so you can feel both comfort and sportiness.
It is a very agile and precise car that raises to an art level the handling of compact SUVs.
The transmission is an ZF 8-Speed Automatic Steptronic and plays an essential role in the
sportiness and comfort you feel behind the wheel.
As a conclusion, the BMW X1 xDrive25d is a compact SUV nearly flawless, but a bit expensive
in its top configurations. X1 starts at 28,000 Euros with VAT, and a flagship
diesel version as the tested one is about 55,600 Euros including VAT.