BMW X1

USPs of BMW X1:

• The BMW X1 is now larger than before. In fact, it appears as big as the X3 from some angles. There’s a sharper design language, which also makes it look more attractive than before, while the proportions are well-balanced.
• The new cabin flaunts the floating curved display atop the dashboard. This display also runs the newest interface that BMW first introduced in the flagship 7 Series. The space has also gone up with the larger footprint.
• Not only is the diesel mill refined and powerful, but it is equally frugal as well. Helped by the mild-hybrid setup and the quick-shifting DCT, the X1 diesel can realistically achieve a mileage of over 20kmpl and a real-world range of over 1000km.
• With this generation, the cabin gets more features than before, giving you the impression that the X1 is far from an entry-level model in the BMW line-up.

Negatives:

• The cabin ergonomics have been altered heavily as the all-electric iX1 was developed alongside the standard X1. Also, the right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive versions have the same layout for the centre console, reducing its ergonomic forte.
• With the new touchscreen layout, BMW has eliminated their iconic iDrive controller.

• BMW X1 has scored five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests.
• You also get some level of advanced driver assist system (ADAS) with the X1 along with all the other standard safety features.

Positives:

• Compared to the outgoing X1, the cabin of the new one feels more spacious, thoroughly modern, and upmarket. With BMW’s new signature curved screen dominating the dashboard, it's paired with an all-digital MID run on the new OS8. However, we found this interface to be slightly complicated and the MID’s configuration isn’t as informative either.
• With the touchscreen, you get different modes transforming the entire cabin feel, including music, lights, massage functions, and even driving dynamics.
• The second row is pretty spacious to stretch your legs and offers ample headroom with surprisingly good visibility.
• Further, the backrest has a 40:20:40 split and it folds flat so that the cargo space can be expanded from 540 to 1,600 litres.

Negatives:

• Although the floating console is perfect as an armrest, the large space below it is inaccessible.
• Moreover, BMW has skipped the iconic and characteristic physical iDrive controller in the new interface.
• On the flip side, the quality of the plastic in the lower dashboard and panel joints isn’t up to the standard of the rest of the cabin either.