Big Motoring World Reviews 2016 BMW X1

Big Motoring World reviews the latest BMW X1, a quirky crossover that attempts to marry premium German motoring with practicality and versatility.

Design

Despite being 15mm shorter, the 2016 X1 is 23mm wider and 53mm higher than the previous model. Its new exterior dimensions make it much more imposing, with lots of sharp creases, flared arches and more aggressive styling. In its appearance it adopts a very similar styling to the very popular X5, with the larger grilles up front adding more depth to the body.

Engine Performance

There are four engines in the range, all 2.0-litre, offering one petrol and three diesels. The entry level 18d manages a solid 148bhp but if you want real power opt for the 20d or 25d, producing 187bhp and 228bhp respectively. The petrol 20i is no push over either, using a 189bhp four-cylinder turbo.

On the road

With four-wheel-drive to ensure good traction and a slick six-speed automatic gearbox the impressive performance is easy to exploit. It’s surprisingly capable on long winding roads despite its size. All the models send their power to the front wheels predominantly, but are able to switch up to 100% of torque to the rear when it senses slip. The steering is controlled and direct, and the body control is faultless.

Practicality

The inside is very spacious, with plenty of headroom, generous shoulder space and 37mm more legroom behind the front seats. This is by and large due to its switch to a more modern platform with the transverse engine up front. There’s even more space as you venture into the back, including the addition of a sliding rear seat. The boot is 85 litres bigger than the last model, now 505 litres, and if you fold the rear seats flat you’ll reveal a 1,550-litre load area - that’s 200 litres more than before.

Economy

Despite boasting stronger acceleration and top speed, BMW have remarkably improved the X1’s fuel consumption and emissions performance. For a compact SUV that is capable of 146mph, 56.5mpg and only 132g/km of CO2 emissions is superb feat for the German giants.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.