BMW X1 sDrive 20d SE review

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BMW X1 sDrive 20d SE Road Test

Test date 25 November 2009 Price as tested £25,830

For Cruising ability, fuel economy and low emissions, composed ride and handling

Against Engine noise, some hard cabin materials, looks expensive against rivals

BMW would like us to believe that with the X1, it is taking the bold step of pioneering a new segment, that of the baby SUV crossover. But instead what we have here is the baby BMW SUV, the premature replacement for the X3. When that model gets bumped up in size next year, the X1 will stand alone as the firm’s entry-level model in this area of the market.

That doesn’t mean the X1 can feel cheap, mind. Indeed, you could argue that doubts about the X3’s premium tag, particularly when it comes to its interior quality, have done BMW’s image few favours since the model was launched in 2003.

So this latest offering needs to at least tread on the toes of its current bigger brother, if not in out-and-out size then in cabin materials, build quality and driving experience.

The X1 does have one unique selling point among BMW SUVs, though: some models are offered with rear-wheel drive. Have the company’s legendary engineers managed to use their most trusted layout to deliver a more car-like driving experience?