Test BMW X1 sDrive18i 136 HP well used! (video)

When we talk about BMWAs a general rule, sports sedans come to mind; and in many cases skidding. However, the most important car for the brand in terms of volume is a compact SUV, the BMW X1. The third generation of this SUV has recently been put up for sale, so we have decided to take a closer look at it in this video test.

To assess it, we have opted for an access mechanism. The BMW X1 that we tested today is called sDrive18i due to its motorization, which means that it has front-wheel drive and that it is gasoline, in this case with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo that yields 136 CV. Your starting price is $42.700 and along all these lines we are going to value it.

This is the new BMW X1 on the outside

This unit has a very powerful visual presence. It is mainly because It has the M Sport package that you always saw a lot of BMW models, as well as various extras, such as the wheels of BMW Individual in 20 inches. This M pack incorporates a sportier design thanks to the sharp bumpers, the large air inlets and the marked side sills.

Aesthetically it is easy to recognize it as a BMW X1, because it does not suppose a brutal change with respect to the previous one, although the truth is that it modifies every detail. In it front we can highlight the active grid that grows in size, the new features of the matrix headlights sharp and delayed.

The exterior dimensions of the BMW X1 are 4,5 meters long, 1,84 wide and 1,64 high, with a wheelbase of 2,72 meters.

Meanwhile, in the rear zone The new LED optics, now thinner, as well as the lower part of the bumper in glossy black, attract attention. I think it looks cool, but I don't know if it will age well at all. Too bad we don't have real tailpipes in sight, but it's not a sports car either and can be forgiven.

Where it changes the most is inside

inside yeah there are much more notable and striking changes. We have a new steering wheel, new center console and a complete update to the main screens.

El steering wheel It doesn't have much of a mystery. Its design and buttons have changed, but it continues to offer a very pleasant touch and a generous thickness. On the subject of screensAs you can see they are practically united. He instrument panel It is 10,25-inch digital, customizable and shows the main information well. I'm not much of a fan of uphill rev counters because I like the classic circular style more, but hey, we quickly adapted.

La center screen I like it for its large size (10,7 inches) and for its good touch and speed, although it is true that requires sitting quietly for a while and fiddling with all the functions to have internalized each menu.

What is there not to like about this multimedia system? so what they have put everything on the screen, including the climate control, although it is true that we always have the temperature control at hand. I think that with roulette wheels or buttons it is always more accurate and safe.

Its new central console leaves the gaps fully visible

The other novelty that I was telling you about is the center console. The gear selector falls by hand, it is comfortable and leaves us a lot of space to put objects. But the counterpart is that almost all these holes are too visible and that doesn't finish convincing me. We have a hidden compartment in the armrest, but the truth is that it is a bit small.

This unit comes with optional leather seats with black and red upholstery, which are very comfortable and also have electric adjustments and heating. Regarding qualities and adjustments, the truth is that they are the best in this segment, from my point of view above a Listen Q3 and a Mercedes GLA, the main rivals of this BMW X1.

Some very correct rear seats for adults

All the rear seats of the BMW X1 are very good for two adults to travel with room to spare, as long as they are of a reasonable size, of course. There's good headroom and good knee room for the front seats, too. In addition, the glazed surface is wide, generating a very nice interior.

One aspect to note is that for just over 300 euros We have a very interesting option, that of the adjustable rear seats. We can slide the bench in about 15 centimeters and also vary the position of the backrest in three positions, distributing the space between the passenger compartment and the trunk depending on what is most convenient at all times.

For the rest, we have holes to leave some objects, hooks to hang a shirt, central air vents, USB sockets and an always practical armrest with cup holders. As you may already be imagining, the central square can be used on certain routes, but it is neither the most comfortable nor the most spacious.

This is your trunk

Moving on to the trunk, we can open it from the remote, with the button on the tailgate or by passing the foot under the bumper. Once deployed, we are greeted 540 liter capacity, which is a large volume. The floor is flush with the loading mouth, although there is a large lower compartment to hide other packages or objects. The shapes are regular and the upholstery quite nice.

I found it curious that, at least in this test unit, we do not have handles to fold down the rear seatbacks from the trunk.

Engines available in the BMW X1

Currently, the mechanical range of the BMW X1 is not completely complete because there are motorizations to arrive. Right now we have access to this version, the sDrive18i, which is from gasoline with 136 hp. Later I detail all its features. Also in gasoline but with microhybridization appears the X1 sDrive20i, which gives 170 CV and has an Eco label. Both are front-wheel drive.

Then in diesel we can opt for the sDrive18d and xDrive20d versions. The first gives 150 CV and has front-wheel drive, while the second develops 163 CV, has all-wheel drive and has electrical support, for which it receives the Eco badge from the DGT.

There are also two plug-in hybrids, with the Zero Emissions label. They are called X1 xDrive25e and xDrive30e, which offer 245 and 326 CV respectively. In addition, it will soon be incorporated an all-electric variant, the BMW iX1, with more than 400 km of approved autonomy.

Behind the wheel of the new BMW X1

The 18 hp sDrive136i engine is sufficient

We are already behind the wheel of the new X1 and first of all we are going to review the main technical data of this version. I remember, I'm testing access to the range, the sDrive18i. It has a 1.5 turbo petrol with three cylinders, although I know that many of you don't like three-cylinders, the truth is that in this case it works more than decently.

On paper, this BMW X1 sDrive18i develops 136 hp between 4.400 and 6.500 rpm, as well as 230 Nm of torque between 1.500 and 4.000 turns. Its top speed is 208 km/h and it can do 0 to 100 in 9,2 seconds. Meanwhile, the combined approved consumption stands at 6,7 l / 100 km. All this, according to official data.

Ok, it won't be the most high-performance engine in the world, but we all know that many SUVs, like this one, are used primarily for urban commutes like running errands, taking the kids to school, going to work, and then a long trip or two to the anus. Sincerely, the answer is correct for all this at normal rates and, furthermore, not especially loud or lazy.

If we like to drive cheerfully, then yes, we can jump to the 170 CV, although I report that it is also a three-cylinder, while if we make many trips and kilometers, the 150 CV diesel will be a very successful option for the lowest consumption and the highest torque.

Smooth operation and commitment to comfort

La gearbox is a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, known in the brand as Steptronic. Its performance is flawless, very smoothly both for slow maneuvers and for driving in the city or on the highway. In this case, we can manage it manually with the optional steering wheel paddles, although due to the car's approach, it will rarely be necessary to resort to them.

And speaking of the cams, if we leave the left cam pressed a “boost” function is activated. The car prepares the change and the response of the engine to offer us maximum performance for 10 seconds and, for example, facilitate an overtaking manoeuvre. Good idea!

For the rest, the BMW X1 offers a behavior pulling comfortable, taking care of the occupants when going through potholes and without allowing the body to lean too much in curves. Anyway, it is true that I expected a little more dynamismespecially when it comes to direction. I think a little faster steering and with more weight would have nailed it.

An important aspect is the Acoustic. Very little noise reaches the passenger compartment, especially aerodynamic and mechanical, which always improves driving pleasure, ride comfort and reduces fatigue at the wheel.

Consumption with the 18 hp sDrive136i gasoline engine

We end the driving section by talking about consumption. On the highway at legal speeds we will normally move around 6,4 l/100 km, while in the city it usually goes up to approximately 8 liters. Could you spend less? Well, it's relative, because if we take into account its size and weight, I think it's acceptable data. In the end, Consumption throughout this week has been at 7,2 l/100 km.

Conclusions after testing the BMW X1 sDrive18i

It's time to do a little summary. The BMW X1 has just been completely renewed, and this places it ahead of the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA, which have been on the market for a few years.

In section positivePersonally, I prefer its smooth driving in all aspects, with its remarkable interior qualities and with its spacious trunk. In it must improveWell, the center console so open, the touch control of the climate control and the price do not finish convincing me.

Let's see, the average price can be justified because it is a premium brand car and because all cars are very expensive lately. But pay 42.700 euros starting... This unit, which has a lot of optional equipment, exceeds 60.000 euros according to the configurator, which are already made ball for a car of 136 CV. The 1 hp X20 170i costs just 1.500 euros more and is a microhybrid, so I think it is worth going up that step for the greater power and, above all, for the Eco label.

BMW X1 Prices

Version	Motor	Change	Traction	Price
Version	Motor	Change	Traction	Price
x1 sDrive18i	1.5 petrol 136 hp	steptronic	Lead	42.700 €
x1 sDrive20i	1.5 petrol (48V) 170 HP	steptronic	Lead	44.200 €
x1 sDrive18d	2.0 diesel 150 hp	steptronic	Lead	42.700 €
x1 xDrive20d	2.0 diesel 163 hp	steptronic	Total Price	46.200 €
x1 xDrive25e	PHEV 245 hp	steptronic	Total Price	53.400 €
x1 xDrive30e	PHEV 326 hp	steptronic	Total Price	56.400 €