The new 25d diesel engine in this lightly refreshed X1 is a good example of how incremental improvements can yield performance and economy pairings that look pleasingly unlikely, as demonstrated by the 215bhp and 51.4mpg combined achieved by the upgraded twin-turbo diesel 25d that replaces the 23d.
The improvement is not all down to the motor however, because it’s now optionally paired with an eight-speed transmission whose rangey upper ratios are one reason why this BMW can manage decent economy at 140mph.
The eight-speeder is available all X1s save for the sDrive18i, 16i and 20d Efficient Dynamics, and is the reason for useful economy gains across much of the line-up.
This eight speed auto – currently unique in the X1’s segment – and the new 25d engine are the most significant alterations to this lightly facelifted crossover, which is identified by a subtly classier exterior.
Extended bumper body colouring, redetailed lights, a revised air intake and extra faux aluminium for the sills and valances produce the upgrade, although you’ll probably need to be an owner to notice.
There’s more plastiminium detailing for the interior and a redesigned centre console too, although cabin craftsmanship is not to Audi standards. More important for many will be new trim finishes called x Line and Sport, whose detail finishes create slightly different ambiences inside and out.
As you might hope of a crossover with 215bhp, the xDrive25d gets about with pleasing effortlessness, an impression that would be stronger still were its 2.0 litre diesel slightly quieter. You wouldn’t call it noisy, but its diet is obvious.
The engine mellows at a cruise when wind noise invades, while at the moderate speeds that tempt the transmission into deploying top for 1200-1500rpm urban ramblings are confirmed by the engine’s faintly vibratory labouring felt in the footwell. But this is a small penalty for the exceptional economy, especially as the ‘box is admirably adept at selecting the right gear for the moment. Jinking the gearlever sideways for sport spurs the driveline into action still more readily, and with no surges or jerks.
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X-cess?
Sounds like an X-cellent engine ... but I would like to know where one can do 140mph on a public road in this country?
I think its about time BMW
I think its about time BMW stopped making cars and just concentrated on engines, because it makes fantastic engines wrapped in horrible clothes, if it was a baby the midwife would slap the mother..
Citytiger wrote: I think its
Have you seen a 4 door 6 Series - makes an XJ, Panamera or similar look distinctly second-rate, but they get way with it.
Personally I think the midwife at the birth of the XJ and Panamera should have drowned the b*stards at birth (won't even get to the Evoque or Cayenne)!
Still in your scenario Jaguar cannot even concentrate on making engines as they use others, and Porsche use VAG diesels so maybe BMW are way ahead of them already!
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I think this new '25d' engine is fantastic. But I don't like any of the cars it's being used in, and this X1 doesn't change that. Maybe we could have it in the MINI instead of the '18d' unit dubbed the 'Cooper SD'.
Patience, Fidji! :-)
You just know that an engine this good is going to start popping up all over the BMW range as time goes by.
Even taking the official MPG figures with the standard pinch of salt, the fuel economy that you'll be getting in the real world would have been unthinkable just a few years ago for an engine with this performance.