BMW X1 SUV - Engines, drive & performance

BMW’s SUV models have, for a long time, gone against the idea that large cars aren’t fun to drive. The latest BMW X1 is no different – despite its front-wheel drive setup. The finely-tuned chassis and strong engine range provide a driving experience that is much more involving than the equivalent Audi Q3 or Volvo XC40.

The X1’s lack of steering feel may not be exactly what drivers of BMW sports cars and saloons may have come to expect, but it remains direct and is nicely-weighted whenever the car is placed into its ‘Sport’ drive mode. It feels more like a hatchback to drive than an SUV, with a nose that quickly dives into corners, very little body lean and lots of grip. However, the trade-off is a firm ride, particularly in the M Sport version with large alloy wheels. While adaptive dampers are fitted, these react automatically and the driver can’t choose a softer setting.

BMW X1 SUV: diesel engines

The entry-level sDrive18d diesel is the only model in the X1 range that doesn’t come with any kind of mild-hybrid assistance, and is one of just two engines – the other being the 20i petrol – that doesn’t get xDrive all-wheel drive. Instead, the 18d (and 20i) send their power via the front wheels only, quite unlike rear-driven BMWs of old.

The 18d produces 148bhp from its 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine and is best suited for around-town driving; 0-62mph takes an uninspiring 8.9 seconds. This version, like all others, comes fitted with an automatic gearbox as standard.

Topping the diesel lineup is the xDrive23d. This uses a tuned version of the entry-level car’s engine, alongside 48-volt mild-hybrid technology – including a 19bhp electric motor – to produce a total of 222bhp. This cuts the 0-62mph time down to just 7.4 seconds, but it should feel even faster thanks to the instant torque from the electric motor.

16

Petrol engines

Those wanting a petrol X1 have two mild-hybrid engines to choose from since the 23i was joined by the entry-level 20i. The 20i is the cheapest route into X1 ownership, but the 168bhp three-cylinder engine isn’t as weedy as it sounds – 0-62mph takes just 8.3 seconds.

Those wanting a bit more poke and performance should look at the 215bhp xDrive23i. The 0-62mph sprint takes just 7.1 seconds, which not that long ago would have been the preserve of sports coupes and hot hatchbacks. Power arrives in a linear surge, and while the gearbox can hesitate slightly as you’re setting off, it’s more responsive once up to speed. 

There are shift paddles on the back of the steering wheel if you wish to change gears yourself, though it isn’t as smooth as BMW’s eight-speed units and sometimes has trouble juggling the power under harsh acceleration. The way the mild-hybrid system switches off and restarts the petrol engine is impressively seamless, however.

Midway through 2023 BMW also released a high-performance petrol M35i version of the X1 geared towards those after a sportier drive. We’re yet to drive it, but this version gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 296bhp and can get from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds with a 155mph top speed. 

It also has a limited-slip differential, larger brakes, adaptive M suspension, a 15mm-lower ride height and a sportier steering setup. An M Sport Boost function unique to the model also puts all power delivery and chassis settings into their sportiest configuration at the pull of a paddle shifter. An uprated M Sport twin-pipe exhaust also features, with BMW promising an improved soundtrack as you drive.

Plug-in hybrids

As well as a pure-electric iX1 which we’ve reviewed separately, BMW offers a pair of plug-in hybrid models – badged xDrive25e and xDrive30e. Both will utilise the three-cylinder petrol engine found in the 20i, alongside an electric motor to produce 242bhp and 322bhp respectively. 

That’s a lot of power for such a small car – the xDrive30e will reach 62mph in under six seconds – but the added weight of the batteries means the plug-in X1s won’t be as nimble on a twisty road as their petrol and diesel-powered siblings.