BMW X1 2018

Body, cabin and cargo space

We class the BMW X1 as a luxury subcompact because it is considerably smaller than the X3, which qualifies as a compact. The X1 is close in format to the Hyundai Tucson, which slots between the smallest crossovers and “traditional” compacts like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. The X1 is slightly larger than its direct rivals, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

BMW has shortened the wheelbase by 9 cm relative to the first-generation X1, yet the cabin of the current version is more accommodating, especially in terms of rear legroom. Rather than the rear-wheel-drive and longitudinally mounted engine layout of the former X1, the current model uses a front-drive platform with a transversely mounted engine, which takes up less space between the two axles, to the benefit of the interior.

Overall, the cabin accommodates four average-sized adults without too much trouble. There is a middle seat in the back, but it is narrow and uncomfortable.

Tall people fit easily behind the wheel thanks to the range of the telescoping steering wheel and long seat sliders. By opting for Sport M trim or one of the two Premium packages, you can obtain front sport buckets with adjustable thigh support. The feature further upgrades the seating for tall individuals, but it was universally detested by our smaller test drivers because it dug in behind their legs. Otherwise, the rather firm padding ensures excellent support.

The cargo area is roomier than that of the GLA and Q3, particularly because the X1’s hatch is less slanted. Functionality features include a 40/20/40-split rear seatback, 12V outlet, multiple anchor hooks and a roomy underfloor compartment, with carpeted sides indicative of careful finish.

Finish and convenience

When you pay $40,000 or even $50,000 for a pocket-sized crossover, it has to show—and not just in the badges. In this respect, the X1 interior delivers with meticulous finish and high-quality materials. As for its more expensive models, BMW offers a host of colour and trim combinations. If you don’t fancy the genuine open-pore wood finish of our test model, you can opt instead for brushed aluminum that is just as authentic, at no extra charge.

And you should snap up the freebie, because all the other options are costly, in true German tradition. What’s more, certain popular features such as navigation and a heated steering wheel are packaged with other equipment that is superfluous for certain buyers. Apple CarPlay is a case in point: it will set you back $6,450 because the Smartphone Connectivity package requires that you first purchase the Premium package Enhanced!

At first glance, controls are not a model of simplicity, be it the pulse stalks on the steering column or the iDrive infotainment system. Still, with the help of the large control knob on the console and surrounding buttons, you soon feel in charge. BMW also made a point of incorporating actual buttons in the usual places on the dash, to facilitate access to the main functions.

Already perfectly clear, the traditional analog gauges on our test model were completed by a head-up display. Such systems project speed and other relevant information (GPS, cruise control, etc.) on the windshield in the driver’s line of sight. Once you’ve tried it, you won’t want to go without. Unfortunately, it is available only as part of the $5,750 Premium package Enhanced…

Safety features

• Antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and automatic brake drying
• Stability and traction control
• Hill hold control
• Hill descent control
• Front airbags
• Driver and passenger knee airbags
• Front side airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Front seatbelts with pretensioners
• Five adjustable head restraints
• Tire pressure monitor
• Rearview camera
• Blind-spot monitor
• Forward collision alert with automatic low-speed emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and front and rear parking sensors (included in Driver Assistance package)
• Adaptive cruise control (included in Driving Assistant Plus package)

Crash test results

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Overall score: 5 / 5
Frontal impact: 4 / 5
Side impact: 5 / 5
Rollover resistance: 4 / 5

Insurance Institute Highway Safety (IIHS)
Moderate overlap frontal impact: 4 / 4
Small overlap frontal impact: 4 / 4
Side impact: 4 / 4
Rear impact: 4 / 4
Roof strength: 4 / 4

Visibility

Compared to the BMW X3, its larger sibling, the BMW X1 provides rather limited side and rear visibility. The glass surface is reduced on the sides, the rear window is narrow and the thick roof pillars accentuate blind spots. The outside mirrors are too small to make a difference, and blind-spot monitoring is not available. A rearview camera is finally standard (since it’s required by law).

Headlights: All X1s sold in Canada come with adaptive LED headlights. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the headlights a Poor rating (2 out of 4) because luminosity is just adequate and in certain circumstances, insufficient. The automatic high-beam feature included in the Driver Assistance package compensates in part.

Engine and transmission

The second-generation BMW X1 uses a revised version of the turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder that has powered the vehicle from the beginning. The go-to engine for the majority of BMW vehicles, it displays a level of refinement and linearity that are rare for a small turbocharged unit. In other words, it hangs on to its verve right to the end of the tachometer, with an appealing sonority that tapers off appropriately at stable speeds.

With 258 lb-ft of maximum torque available at 1,450 rpm, the X1 motors along energetically in all circumstances. Its dynamics are bolstered by the quick-shifting, well-geared automatic transmission. Produced by the Japanese firm Aisin, this eight-speed gearbox is not as smooth as the ZF transmission equipping the BMW X3, 3 Series et al, but it ranks among today’s good, six-or-more-speed gearboxes.

As with several other BMW vehicles, Eco and Sport driving modes modify throttle, transmission and steering response. However, Eco slows performance too much, and Sport is too “aggressive” in normal driving. You therefore default to Comfort mode, all the while regretting that the X1, unlike other BMWs, does not allow you to customize the settings, for example, to firm up the steering without having to endure the delayed shifts of Sport mode.

In contrast to the other BMWs, the X1’s all-wheel-drive system sends the majority of power to the front wheels, redistributing it to the rear as required. We have not yet tested the system on slippery surfaces, but on dry pavement, the front wheels have time to slip for a fraction of a second in heavy acceleration before the transfer occurs.

Our test of the X1 yielded a fuel consumption of 8 L/100 km. That is slightly higher than Natural Resources Canada official rating of 7.5 L/100 km on the highway, where most of our evaluation took place. BMW recommends premium gasoline (91 octane) but tolerates mid-grade (89 octane) at the expense of a slight reduction in performance.

Ride and handling

The BMW X1 and its more stylized version, the BMW X2, are currently the only BMWs in North America built on a front-wheel-drive chassis. Power goes to the front wheels most of the time, despite the presence of all-wheel drive. Does that reduce the famous driving pleasure associated with a make that has always favoured rear-wheel drive, in accordance with an elementary motor sport principle?

Purists will no doubt reply in the affirmative, but most people won’t mind. There is, of course, a trace of additional understeer at the beginning of a sharp curve, but it is quickly corrected by the all-wheel drive when you reapply the throttle once the vehicle settled in the turn. It is imperceptible in normal driving, at least on a non-slippery surface.

In any event, handling is secure and very stable at all times. On the one hand, because of the well-tuned suspension that is firm but exempt of harshness on degraded surfaces. On the other, thanks to the wide, 19-in. tires included in the Sport Performance package. These tires are costly and will likely have to be replaced frequently. They are noisier than average, but they provide optimal grip.

However, it’s mostly the steering that lessens the enjoyment because it masks how those big tires are working. It’s unfortunate, because steering assistance and precision are beyond reproach.

Inspection

The following points were noted at a CAA-Quebec automotive inspection centre:

• Hood supported by telescoping hinges
• Tight engine compartment; access to basic mechanical components requires a good deal of disassembly
• No engine oil dipstick, preventing checks between scheduled oil changes, despite excessive oil consumption common to several BMW engines
• Trap doors for oil pan and oil filter access
• Windshield wiper fluid tank well located, on right side of engine compartment
• Plastic fuel tank, will not rust
• Generously applied rustproofing underneath vehicle
• Sturdy steel suspension, simpler to repair than in other BMWs
• Electric parking brake, usually requires less maintenance than a cable system
• Compact spare lodged under the trunk floor of models equipped with 18-in. tires only; the other models have a repair kit that makes it more complicated to repair a flat