BMW X1 sDrive 20d SE review - verdict

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BMW X1 sDrive 20d SE Road Test

Test Date 25 November 2009 Price When New £25,830

Verdict

Last month we were forced to conclude that BMW’s 5-series GT is hard to put in context, and the same must be said for the X1. This is a car designed to (a) replace the current X3, (b) retain 3-series Touring owners and (c) get established before rivals from Audi (Q3) and Range Rover (LRX) arrive in 2011.

To that end, the X1 is a car that fulfils its brief. What we have here is a car that delivers a more rewarding drive than anything else in this area of the market. But it has also clearly been built to keep costs down, and the premium badge makes the grumbly engine and some iffy cabin materials harder to forgive.

Those who choose an X1 hoping to enjoy a BMW driving experience will be satisfied — just. Buyers looking for premium feel may be better served by better-value offerings from supposedly lesser brands.