BMW X1 xDrive 18d xLine
BMW car review: PETER NUNN
What is it?
IT’S facelift time for the BMW X1, the compact at the foot of BMW’s hit crossover series.
This upgrade package brings a range of improvements to enhance both the quality and efficiency of the X1, at the same time tweaking the design a touch and refining the car’s oft-criticised ride.
Two new X1 grades have also joined the UK range: the X1 Sport and the model tested here, the X1 xLine. Alongside, the SE and M Sport derivatives now get an extra helping of standard equipment.
As with other X1s, the xLine centres around BMW’s acclaimed 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine rated here at 143 bhp. With standard six-speed transmission, combined economy is a tidy 51.4 mpg and C02 emissions are rated at 144 g/km.
Go for the optional new eight-speed automatic box and the X1 eco numbers are fractionally better, as in 52.3 mpg and 143 g/km.
As before, sDrive X1s are rear-wheel drive, while xDrive models have sophisticated full-time 4WD with variable torque split.
The X1 xDrive 18d xLine tried here has an OTR price of £28,150 and comes towards the top of the updated X1 range which spans £24,600-£31,860. 
What’s hot?
- While there are no sheet metal changes, a range of subtle updates including new headlamps and fog light surrounds, plus larger painted areas and new alloy wheels, make the X1 that much easier on the eye.
- There’s higher grade trim in the X1 cabin now to give the car a classier look and feel.
- Refined 2.0-litre Twin Power diesel gives smooth, torquey performance and decent eco numbers too.
- Beautifully judged and weighted steering gives the X1 a sporting edge. Handling is keen and precise
- Strong brakes
- Security plus traction of full-time 4WD
- Good cabin space for four passengers and luggage
- New eight-speed automatic box with Steptronic is a key X1 option
- Long standard equipment list includes 18-inch alloys, automatic air conditioning, Nevada leather upholstery and sport leather multifunction steering wheel.
- Ride quality thankfully less jolty than before, even on big 18-inch alloys
What’s not?
- The sDrive rear-drive model with the same engine is faster (9.6 secs for 0-62 mph), some £1500 cheaper and greener (56.5 mpg and 128 g/km for CO2). BIK is also 19% so unless you really need 4WD, the sDrive X1 18d xLine is definitely worth a look
- Ride quality still knobbly on some coarse and patchy surfaces
- Slight rubberiness to the 6-speed manual gearchange
- Still somewhat in the shadow of the ultra successful X3 and X5
Verdict
With this mid cycle update, BMW has addressed two of the main criticisms of the X1 to date: the harsh, unsettled ride and cabin trim quality that wasn’t always the most premium in the land. With some subtle front-end revisions, the X1 now looks sharper too. 
