The 3 Series was actually launched at the same time as the X1. Read about the 3 Series launch here. At the media briefing before we had a chance to drive the cars, the difference between the segments and the vehicles themselves was pointed out to ensure that unfair comparisons between the X1 and 3 Series were not drawn. Obviously, the reason someone buys the X1 is very different to the reason another buys a 3 series.
The drive
The market launch line-up comprises the new BMW X1
sDrive18i powered by a 115 kW three-cylinder engine, and the BMW X1 sDrive18d whose four-cylinder diesel unit generates 110 kW. Bother driver and passenger comfort cannot be faulted and it makes for a confident and sound driver with excellent sound-proofing.
Right now, there are two internal combustion engines (ICE) available. You can choose between one petrol and one diesel engine, these models will be followed in early 2023 by the all-electric BMW iX1 xDrive30e. The X1 sDrive18i and sDrive18d are linked to a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch as standard, and their drive power channelled to the road via the front wheels.
The X1 is actually designed to reduce the coefficient and improve dynamics. The kidney space has been closed as well as the vent controls and aerodynamic wheels were added. This reduces the drag coefficient, consequently, lowering taxes as well.
A lightweight reduction is also made in the body work and a reduction in door carrier plates weight. All these changes culminate in approximately 20kg less than the predecessor. The claimed efficiency is between 5L/100km (sDrive18d) and 6.5L/100km (sDrive18i).
There are two trims available, the X Line which is the base model and then you have the option of the M Sport package which is approximately R40 000 over the and above the base.
Buyers of the X1 have plenty of options to select from even with integration of M features as standard. There are the official packages combined with packages from Germany. There is also a locally-orientated package that is designed for South Africa’s target market. There is also a handful of single options.
Exterior design
One of the first things you notice about the X1 is the
kidney grille. The design of the grille is meant to work in conjunction with the LED headlights. It also stretches the length of the silhouette which increases its stance. Another change is the square wheel arches. These are complemented by the embedded door handles which actually gives the new X1 and very robust and powerful stance.
An attempt is made to add to the ‘aggressiveness’ of its appearance with the narrow rear window that is complemented by LED three-dimensional taillights. The intention is to add to the width of the vehicle and give it a ‘more robust, prominent stance on the on the road.’
The interior
The compact SUV has grown in size from both the exterior and interior. There is definitely more legroom for all passengers. Many interior highlights are quite unique to the X1 within BMW and often within the 
segment as well. Size has increased – 53mm in the wheelbase, 22mm in the front and rear and various other increases too.
One improvement that makes the X1 ultra comfortable is the floating armrest. It is a decent size and allows you to rest your arm on it without removing it from the steering wheel – albeit perhaps not in quite the safest position, as can be expected.
The interior trim gives a very open, sensory spaciousness in the X1. An example is the boot capacity which is approximately 50 litres. Thus, in the entry level SUV segment, the X1 is big enough for your average family. The seat material is perforated SensaTec, as standard, which means it is more resistance to stains for families while being more environmentally sensitive. In August, BMW is expecting more colors.
Minimalism
BMW did not include iDrive controllers in the X1 and instead is very touch and voice orientated in its function and control. This is part of an approach where a lot of technologies that currently exist in other series’ have not faltered but are actually being introduced to the X Series overall. Ultimately, like many vehicles launched recently, X1 is actually designed to be much more minimalistic.
The curve display is available for the first time in your X1. The fully digital screen grouping is formed by the 10.25-inch information display and the control display with a screen diagonal of 10.7 inches. This is where touch and natural voice recognition functionality will be most prominent.
This is where the minimalistic experience comes in and is the reason for discontinuing some controls. According to BMW, almost everything in life is becoming voice and touch orientated and the path chosen for the X1 will likely be mirrored in the rest of the portfolio. Ideally, in the future, everything will be touch and voice controlled.
Even though a minimalist approach is taken, an X1 in South Africa still offers more than one from Germany. This is because of differences in the market. The local market has a greater demand for value from a functional perspective whereas the European market places more emphasis for value on safety. This is an interesting perspective provided by BMW because they have no skimped on safety features– at least not from a South African perspective. This is still affected by driver preference, the need to make cars as light as possible in Europe and more emphasis on money used to market safety than putting less safety features in South African cars for example.
Tech
From the Connected Drive perspective, as standard, you now receive Live Plus or you can optionally select the Professional System which has the data display. Ideally, the standard option is meant to be more customer-centric and BMW says they have ‘tried as much as possible to make sure they have the right offering for their market.’
Available for the first time in the X1 is the ability to actually orientate for yourself or make it more personalised. You can flip through the various options, like sports and efficient, and it changes the ambient lighting in the car. Thus, it’s integrated into your ambient lighting and gives your own sense and feel.
Driver functionalities have not faulted in the X1 and you can expect lane change warning, cruise control with brake function, front-collision warning assistant, active cruise control with stop-and-go function and speed limit recognition. Other functionalities include park assist with active park cameras so you can reverse automatically and is now available as standard. BMW aimed to make driver functionality meet expectations of their full portfolio whether from an autonomous perspective or not.
Traditionally, on a launch, you are given directions for a set route that the co-driver manages. This time, the route was pre-loaded into the navigation system which I liked because it gives you more time to focus on the car rather than directing. Until, it all went wrong.
At one-point loadshedding caused the navigation to ‘have a moment,’ shall we say, and sent us along one route only to turn us around send us back and then try to again send us along the route we had just been on. At this point we reloaded the final destination and skipped the set route. This, unfortunately, was a prime example of how the reliance on technology can go wrong.
I was very impressed with the X1. Its launch with the 3 Series may still have, in some ways, been an injustice to what the X1 has to offer its target audience. I imagined myself as a buyer in this category and it leaves you wanting for very little and getting much more than expected. Yes, there are downsides to the minimalist approach across the BMW range but, for me, it is not enough to deter from what the X1 has to offer especially if you are doing school runs or sitting in traffic quite a bit.
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