How many dates do you need to fall in love with someone? I have been lucky enough to have two encounters with the new bmw x1 And I start to feel things. The first was static, simply to see how the compact SUV from the German brand had changed. In the second I put myself at the controls of the version of access to the range, which I was surprised by his good behavior.
Now come the electrified versions with ZERO label of the last X1, which are two plug-in hybrids that start from 55,050 euros and the expected electric iX1from 56,400 euros. It is not the first time that this model has plug-in hybrid versions, but the electric version is the first.
It is a logical movement if we take into account that it is the model entry to the SUV range and also that it is the best-selling X of all. take already more than 2.7 million units sold worldwide through its two previous generations and now the third is reinforced and offers unprecedented improvements to date. And now we are going to focus mainly on the cleanest models in the range.
Abroad
On an aesthetic level We are not going to discover anything new. We have already reviewed the appearance of the BMW X1 in previous contacts and the truth is that the electrified ones do not have too many differences. If we were with the iX1, we could say that it is distinguished by its blue accents or by specific wheels, but in the case of the top-of-the-range plug-in hybrid there is not so much differentiation. In fact, we can hardly tell that it is that version because of its charging socket on the left front wing and its credentials on the tailgate.
The keys in the design of the X1 would be its new kidney grill with a more square design to gain that verticality seen in other models of the brand. It has active aerodynamic technology and the openings integrated into the frame itself, which can be black or chrome depending on the finish. The headlights are also new, which can reach adaptive Matrix LED technology, or the bumpers that are more prominent and sharp. As a good SUV, we can see some protections on the bottom of the front and rear.
Although the BMW X1 also wants to be distinguished and that is why we see the flush door handles in the bodywork or wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches. The roof bars go into the background, while the rear stands out for its horizontality. It has a fairly marked roof spoiler and the LED taillights they adopt a new design that intrudes slightly on the side. As we said, in the plug-in hybrid we have access to the tank on the right side and the charging socket at the front, right on the left wing.
The dimensions of the X1 have grown a lot in all dimensions. We have one 4,500mm length (53 mm more than its predecessor), with a width of 1,845 mm (+24 mm) and a height of 1,642 mm (+44 mm). The wheelbase also increases by 22 mm to reach 2,690 mm and there is a greater track width of 31 mm. On the other hand, it is surprising that his drag coefficient has been reduced to a not inconsiderable 0.26 Cx.
Inside
I already said it the first time I saw it and now I reaffirm myself: the interior of the BMW X1 is one of the best in its segment. The reason is the generous update it has received in all aspects. If we start with technology, the truth is that all eyes are focused on the multimedia system BMW Curved Display. This is how this arrangement of the two screens in the same horizontal frame is known. The digital instrumentation is 10.25 inches, while the central touch screen is 10.7 inches, although what really stands out is its operation.
The speed of the system is enviable, as well as its outstanding graphics. It’s not the simplest, but the menus are easy to understand and the user will quickly become familiar with it. The downside is that it brings together too many functions, including air conditioning. It also has advantages such as outstanding connectivity thanks to Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s even a wireless charging surface in the center console where you can stand your mobile phone upright and secure it by a clip.
Another point where the BMW X1 differs from the competition is in the quality it offers. Here you can tell from a league away that it comes from a premium brand and it makes a lot of difference to generalist rivals. All the finishes are good, there is no Piano Black on the console, only around the screens. Nor do other bad-touch plastics appear that could be in other cars. On the contrary, stand out leather upholsterythat steering wheel so well resolved and even the illuminated moldings of this model.
The habitability of the BMW X1 is very good for a compact SUV. The front seats do not have any drawbacks, while the rear ones are outstanding. They present a good space for the legs and also for the head. The bench with longitudinal displacement was the highlight in this regard, as it offered the possibility of moving the seats forward up to 13 centimeters. a pity that can not be mounted in the electrified Luckily, it has air conditioning in these places and USB sockets.
Trunk
He trunk It was one of the points that grew the most in the third generation of the BMW X1. In the combustion versions it reaches 540 liters, which is 35 more than the previous one and helps it to be clearly above average. However, in the electrified versions the capacity is reduced by the position of the batteries. Both in the plug-in hybrid versions and in the electric iX1 it stays at 490 literswhich is not bad for cars with these characteristics.
Another issue that adds points to the trunk of the X1 is that it has lighting or hooks to fix the load. Not to mention the hole under the floor that is perfect to carry the cables charging both in electric and in plug-in hybrids. The seats can be folded in three parts (40:20:40) in this copy and would leave a flat surface up to 1,495 literssomething far from the 1,640 liters that the combustion ones have.
Engine
The mechanical range of the BMW X1 is more complete than ever. Above all, the arrival of the electric iX1 stands out with its 313 CV and more than 400 kilometers of autonomy thanks to its 64.7 kWh battery. We must also pay attention to plug-in hybrids, which are the xDrive25e and xDrive30e. Both share a configuration with a front three-cylinder engine linked to a rear electric block. In the first it reaches 245 CV, while the second is the top of the range thanks to its outstanding 326 CV of power. Using the 14.2 kWh battery, they achieve an electrical autonomy of up to 92 kilometers.
We have already reviewed the more traditional engines, consisting of two petrol and two diesel versions. The access to the range is provided by the sDrive18i with 136 CV, which is followed by the sDrive 20i with 170 CV. Both are front-wheel drive, although in the diesel we have one of each, with the sDrive18d with 150 CV and the xDrive20d with 163 CV. Curiously, there are no more manual versions of this model, since all of them are linked to automatic transmissions.
Behavior
Today we are making contact with all the electrified versions, but we are going to focus on the sensations that the most powerful plug-in hybrid has transmitted to us. We are at the wheel of X1 xDrive30e with its 326 hp and 477 Nm of torque. First of all, say that this power comes from the union of a three-cylinder combustion engine that we have under the hood and a 130 kW rear electric motor. with that setup all wheel drive is achieved, which is something common in all those labeled ZERO. So is the automatic transmission, in this case a seven-speed Steptronic.
From the first moment, the system refinement, in which the transitions between the mechanics are barely noticeable. Although the truth is that this depends to a great extent on the driving mode that is selected. As with other models, by default it starts with a Personal, which is customizable and alternates between gas and electric. There is also a Sport or an Efficiency, while others such as Digital Art surprise.
We’ve been driving it on quite a varied route and have realized how efficient it really is. It approves up to 88 kilometers of electric autonomy, although in practice a more realistic figure would be around 65 kilometers, which is nothing more for a plug-in hybrid with these characteristics. Then you could always recharge the battery, something that is done in two and a half hours on a 7.4 kW outlet. It is not too high a speed, one of the few drawbacks that this specimen has. Because the BMW X1 xDrive30e is a truly complete car that can adapt to all kinds of situations.
In most, emphasize convenience and comfort on going. It is seen that she has a plumb chassis and capable of withstanding what is thrown at her. Its behavior is very outstanding thanks to its suspension scheme, with a McPherson-type front axle and a deformable parallelogram rear. Even the steering looks more natural than in other cars, and that its degree of assistance is still high.
We finished the test of the top-of-the-range X1 surprised by its behavior and also surprised to see its technical sheet. We have already talked about how efficient it can be, but it is also a car that runs a lot. accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and surprised by their recoveries. In fact, due to its agility, there are many times when we forget that we are driving a car weighing almost two tons, specifically 1,935 kg of weight. After all, the brand has managed to transmit its values even in a plug-in hybrid SUV.
Opinion cars.com
The BMW X1 is one of the roundest cars we have tested in recent times. Seems to have everything a user could look for in the times that run. By that we mean that it is an SUV, something currently key, and also a really attractive one. It also has very advanced technology, coupled with above average quality. On top of that, the highly electrified versions with the ZERO label and very BMW driving. In fact, the top-of-the-range plug-in hybrid has left a very good taste in our mouths, the only drawback is that it is not available to everyone.
The prices of the plug-in hybrid and electric X1 are above 50,000 euros. In fact, on the xDrive30e that we have tested starts from 58,050 euros, which can become much more with a slightly worked configuration. It is true that they can receive aid from the Moves III Plan, but it is clear that they are premium models and that many will continue to sigh while they see them from afar. Others will be able to get a little closer thanks to the offers we have at Coches.com, where the best prices for VN, financing or renting are.
Photo gallery:
1/29Photos
