A new-generation BMW X1 has arrived in South Africa to invigorate the premium small crossover segment. Does the new BMW X1 represent a significant improvement over its predecessor? We attended the model’s local launch in Johannesburg to find out.
Since the introduction of the 1st-gen X1 in 2009, BMW has sold more than 2.7 million units of its “baby SUV” worldwide. The previous (2nd-gen) model had a few drawbacks, however: in terms of passenger/ luggage space, it was a bit cramped and its driving experience was unremarkable. The outgoing “cousin of the Mini Countryman” left room for improvement, so what has BMW come up with for the new model?
ICYMI: BMW X1 (2023) Price & Specs
First of all, with the new 3rd-generation BMW X1 (codenamed U11), the Munich-based firm has increased the premium small crossover’s footprint – in an effort to improve the model’s cabin space/practicality – while also emboldening the X1’s road presence with enhanced styling.
As such, the new X1 is 53 mm longer (4 500 mm), 44 mm taller (1 642 mm) and 24 mm wider (1 845 mm) than before, but importantly, its wheelbase has been stretched by 22 mm (2 692 mm) while both front- and rear track widths have been extended (by 33 mm) to sweeten the X1’s handling balance.
In the metal, the new X1 looks impressive; its large upright kidney grille, heavily sculpted bonnet and slim LED headlights combine to create a strong visual presence. Has BMW nailed the X1 styling this time?!
The new BMW X1 has some stiff competition, such as the Volvo XC40, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Lexus UX and Jaguar E-Pace (to name a few rivals). Suffice it to say, BMW hopes the U11 model will claim a larger share of its segment, which is becoming increasingly important overall – not only due to “the SUV craze”, but because rapidly increasing new-car prices are forcing consumers to “buy down”.
What’s the new BMW X1 interior like?
The new BMW X1’s redesigned interior is not only aesthetically pleasing but, importantly, it feels more upmarket and substantial in terms of onboard technology and perceived build quality. A major highlight is the standard BMW Curved Display, which comprises a smart 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as a 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, which is powered by BMW’s latest Operating System 8.
The infotainment system can be operated via voice control, incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and has nice-to-have features such as Augmented View (which can be added as an option to the integrated navigation system), as well as convenient wireless smartphone charging.
The new X1 also features a nifty floating centre console, which offers a central storage area, as well as easy-to-reach controls (ahead of the armrest). We like the stubby, minimalist gear selector, which frees up space on the console, the knurled metallic volume-control barrel and the subtle “skip track” buttons.
The redesigned seats offer high levels of comfort with sufficient bolstering (a big improvement on the last model). All of the elements create a cabin environment that facilitates a pleasing driving experience.
Prospective buyers should note that the new BMW X1 offers better rear legroom than before; while the space is not quite as generous as in the X3 and X5, the roomier accommodation represents a welcome improvement over the preceding X1. Moreover, the load capacity has increased by 50 litres to a claimed 540 litres and, when you fold the split 40:20:40 split rear seats, utility space increases to 1 600 litres!
What’s the new BMW X1 like to drive?
BMW South Africa offers the new X1 with 2 trim lines (x Line and M Sport) and a choice of a turbopetrol or -diesel engine. An all-electric iX1 is expected to join the lineup in the second quarter of 2023.
Our first taste of the new X1 came courtesy of the sDrive18i, which has a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine (115 kW/230 Nm of torque) that drives the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
As we departed from BMW SA’s headquarters in Midrand, the X1’s improved occupant comfort became apparent. The BMW’s on-road refinement is impressive: very little engine- and road noise entered the cabin and the ride quality was pliant and forgiving on Gauteng’s (ubiquitously pothole-riddled) roads.
The turbopetrol engine’s performance is best described as workmanlike – it doesn’t deliver particularly urgent acceleration when you stomp on the accelerator pedal. You can switch to Sport mode to extract a bit more overtaking punch (it makes the X1 hold onto gears a while longer), but overall, the sDrive 18i’s overall performance is quite acceptable, considering its core target market isn’t driving enthusiasts…
BMW claims an average fuel consumption of 6.5 L/100 km for the X1 sDrive18i and, during our brief test drive, the car indicated 8.1 L/100 km. Don’t read too much into that figure though; you’re likely to achieve better fuel efficiency if you adopt a more considered (as in non-motoring-journalist) driving approach.
After lunch, we switched to the X1 sDrive18d – its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivers 110 kW and 360 Nm. With more torque on tap, this X1 derivative is much punchier than its petrol-powered sibling.
That extra wad of torque is a boon on the highway, where you can execute quick overtaking manoeuvres with ease. Fuel efficiency is a major advantage if you opt for the diesel X1 and, while BMW claims 5 L/100 km, we got pretty darn close to that on our test drive. The car indicated a figure of 5.1 L/100 km, which was admirable! Better still, this isn’t a clattery diesel motor either; engine noise was surprisingly muted.
It’s also worth mentioning that the new BMW X1 offers much improved handling characteristics than its predecessor. The steering is nicely weighted and responsive; it has a direct, semi-communicative feel.
This improvement can be attributed (in part) to the X1’s larger footprint and wider tracks, which means that the X1 feels more planted on the road (even if not sporty), which benefits stability and dynamism.
Summary
Our brief driving stint in the new BMW X1 was a very positive one. We are happy to report that the new U11-generation model seems to be a more rounded offering that feels like, well, “a lot more car”.
Not only does the newcomer score highly in terms of kerb appeal, but its interior execution does not shout: “You’re in BMW’s cheapest SUV”. Buyers will appreciate the space and comfort improvements, while the technology-infused cockpit brings the X1 in line with – and perhaps even ahead of – its rivals.
While the petrol-powered X1 will be sufficient for most needs, we think that the X1 sDrive18d is the pick of the range. Not only does it offer stronger performance, but its real-world efficiency is commendable.
We will have the new BMW X1 on test soon so look out for a thorough evaluation on Cars.co.za.
