The BMW X1 is one of the most important models in the Bavarian carmaker’s lineup.
In 2018 it was the brand’s best selling model worldwide and after four years on the market it was time for a facelift.The face-lifted X1 has a dominant front bumper with bigger air-intakes. The whole front end was redesigned with a bigger grille (the BMW kidneys) and new LED headlights were installed.

Inside the cabin, the X1 brings style and technology together. Three versions are offered on top of the base equipment: Sport Line, xLine and M Sport. The X1’s focus is on comfort for all the seats. The rear bench can be split in a 60:40 scheme and the seat surface can slide independently by up to 13 cm (5.1 in).

For the engine compartment, BMW offers three and four cylinder engines, turbodiesel or gasoline, plus a PHEV. The base model has a 1.5-liter turbodiesel unit with three cylinders, which can be fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The base model comes as FWD and it is badged as sDrive. The top spec version is the BMW X1 xDrive25i, which offers 231 hp from a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. It can sprint from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 6.5 seconds.

The most economical version is the xDrive25e Plug-in Hybrid. It uses a 1.5-liter gasoline turbocharged three-cylinder engine and an electric motor with 70kW. The combined total output is 224 hp.

For 2016, BMW started from scratch with the X1 compact crossover.
The new model rides on another platform, looks more menacing and offers more space.

Design wise, you can clearly see the 2016 X1 got in line with the rest of the Xs in BMW’s stable. Different grille, frowned headlights and a gaping trapezoidal lower air intake help create that virtual X the automaker uses on all its SUVs. The greenhouse is taller now and seems a bit longer too while the rear comes with LED taillamps and twin tailpipes.

For the interior you get the same instrument as on the 2 Series Active Tourer, as well as the same steering wheel and gear shifter, while the standard feature list will contain air conditioning, audio system with multiple connectivity, auto wipers, Servotronic and the 6.5-inch iDrive system with Driving Experience Control switch.

Mechanically, you should know that the 2016 BMW X1 shares its platform with the 2 Series Active Tourer, which means it comes either in FWD or AWD, while being motivated by a number of all-new engines.

The newest and the smallest member of the lineup, the X1 was the missing piece in the BMW’s X range.
The exterior design of the X1 got us thinking about its bigger brother, the X3. However, the taillights and the headlights were given the aspect of the 7-Series released in 2008.

The X1 was based on the 3 Series platform, thus provided plenty of cabin space and great cargo room.

The interior was nicely finished, with high quality materials and lots of technology included. Headroom and legroom were good for both the front and the rear passengers.

The luggage compartment could be increased from 420 L to 1,350 L with the rear seats folded.

Safety wise, the X1 was equipped with Dynamic Stability Control, an optional Performance Control and frontal and side airbags. Optionally, buyers could add xenon headlights, adaptive headlights and a high-beam assistant.

The X1 came with the latest generation of the BMW iDrive system combined with the optional Business and Professional navigation.

The X1 had a great handling with a precise steering, and, even if the steering was a bit heavy at lower speeds, it offered great feedback at higher speeds.

The X1’s starting price was at $43,000, however, the optional features were not the cheapest to add.