BMW X1 M Sport (2022 - )

When BMW first launched its X1 back in 2009, it was difficult to work out its true target audience. It was not a proper SUV so to speak, but more like a beefed-up estate car. Generation two arrived in 2015 with a stronger, crossover styling and that remained on sale until 2022 with the first two models accounting for 119,000 UK sales.

But now we have the all-new third generation X1 and what a transformation. With more engine choice including two petrol and two diesel, two plug-in hybrids and the arrival of a fully electrified model just around the corner, there is an X1 to suit all tastes, requirements and budgets.

There is the option of all-wheel drive and customers can select from trim levels called Sport, xLine and M Sport.

With a modern new styling, practical interior space with good storage options, plus a wealth of high-end technology, the latest X1 really raises the bar in the sector.

The BMW X1 is a five-door SUV boasting a bold design that simply cannot be ignored. The new-look front end features ‘that’ large, almost square kidney grille that still divides opinion. It is surrounded by 3D chrome trim with grille bars finished in high gloss black for maximum impact. 

Other design cues include slim LED headlights, with distinctive daytime running lights, flared wheel arches, flush door handles, muscular shoulder lines and a long roofline flowing into a rear spoiler. 

Our M Sport car also featured large cooling air inlets, exclusive 19-inch M Light alloy wheels and adaptive M suspension. 

The interior is pure class with a new display that sees a 10.25-inch information display merging with a 10.7-inch control display behind a continuous glass screen that is curved towards the driver.

This is the nerve centre of the car which also features the latest BMW Operating System 8 with an advanced personal assistant that can be asked to open the sunroof, adjust the air con, plot sat nav routes and plenty more besides.

On-board tech is plentiful with a pitch perfect 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, powered and heated seats, a cloud-based navigation system, a heated steering wheel, full smartphone connectivity and over-the-air software updates.

Some controls take a little getting used to and I do miss the good old iDrive rotary controller, but generally, the minimalist approach works well.

We tested the X1 xDrive 23i M Sport model powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt mild hybrid technology delivering 218hp and 360Nm of torque. It could sprint from 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds and topped out at 145mph.
Despite its size, the X1 feels brisk out the blocks with a constant stream of power on tap at all times. It’s nicely balanced with good body control through tight bends and the excellent all-round driver visibility being another plus point.
A seven-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox with double clutch is fitted as standard, and this latest transmission system is more efficient while offering a widened gear ratio spread for more engaging performance. There are paddles for added fun, along with drive modes called Personal, Sport, Efficient and Expressive. 
There is also a Sport Boost function that’s activated by pulling the left-hand shift paddle for more than a second – this results in all powertrain and chassis settings being primed for maximum response.
The steering feel is fine, but the ride can be a little on the firm side, especially when the car is pushed hard. That said; bumps and dips are well smoothed out and the cabin refinement impresses too with barely a sound filtering through.
And for added reassurance, the xDrive (all-wheel drive) system intelligently controls the grip to all wheels to maximise traction and agility in more adverse weather and driving conditions.

The new X1 has had quite a growth spurt. It stretches 4,500mm in length (an increase of 53mm), is 1,845mm wide (plus 24mm) and 1,642mm high (plus 44mm). The wheelbase has also grown by 22mm to 2,692mm, while track widths have increased by 31mm at the front and rear too.

This all translates into a more spacious cabin with extra storage. There are three full-sized rear seats that can be split-folded in a 40:20;40 format. The boot can swallow 540 litres of kit, increasing to 1,600 litres with the seats dropped and there is also the option of a rear bench set-up with a sliding function that increases the boot capacity further.

Additional storage compartments include a practically-sized glovebox, an upright charging pad, seat back nets, door pockets with space for a water bottle, plus front and rear cup holders. There is a small compartment beneath the front armrest, although this opens out towards the passenger which is a tad awkward.

The wide-opening rear doors and elevated seats offer easy access to anyone with mobility issues. And there are Isofix anchor points to the outer seats to fit child seats.

The X1 can be fitted with an optional towbar and can pull a trailer or caravan weighing up to two tonnes.

The BMW X1 line-up costs from £33,775 for the entry-level rear-wheel drive sDrive 20i model and rises to £45,500 for the xDrive 30e version. The all-electric iX1 will cost from £52,255.

Our X1 xDrive 23i M Sport model cost £40,940, but as is the premium way, it featured a host of optional extras that saw the final price climb to £47,494.

These included the likes of a Technology Plus Pack (£1,150) that added a heated steering wheel, adaptive LED lights, comfort access, an interior camera and high beam assist. A Driving Assistant Professional (£1,500) introduced parking assistant plus, a head-up display, wireless charging and live cockpit professional. 

Electric memory seats cost an extra £1,050 while an upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system, sun protection glass, a panoramic glass roof and sliding rear seats all contributed to the price hike.

When it comes to the day-to-day running costs, our test car could deliver a combined 40.9 to 42.8mpg with carbon emissions of 154g/km. This CO2 figure would result in a first-year road tax bill of £585 dropping to the standard fee of £165 after 12 months. But, as the vehicle costs in excess of £40k there is a premium car levy to pay too. This is an additional £355 for five years from years two to six.

For business owners, the test car has a Benefit in Kind rating of 35 per cent and it sits in insurance group 31. 

The all-new, third-gen BMW X1 is a sharp-dressed family SUV that’s very big on style and performance. It looks powerful, has driving characteristics to match and is packed to the brim with high-end technology.
A good selection of engines and trim levels add further to its appeal as does the added safety that four-wheel drive brings to the table.