The new BMW X1 is currently on sale in South Africa at a starting price of R753,045.
The X1 is the most affordable SUV in the blue-and-white badge’s catalogue, offering a choice of two trim levels and two powertrains for a total of four different models.
What you get
The entry-level model in the automaker’s SUV family is the X1 sDrive18i xLine, which is equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
This powerplant, which is capable of generating 115kW and 230Nm, is married to a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch gearbox, which transmits power to the front wheels.
Accelerating from 0-100km/h is handled in 9.0 seconds and its top speed maxes out at 215km/h. Fuel consumption, meanwhile, works out to 6.5l/100km on an average cycle.
This same engine can be found on the up-spec M Sport model, but buyers can also opt for a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel at an added cost of roughly R30,000.
This setup lowers the power count down slightly to 110kW, but significantly raises the torque to 360Nm; the result being a near-identical set of performance stats, but with a greater fuel saving of 5.0l/100km.
Shifting focus to its exterior, the base-spec X1 comes with adaptive LED headlights and daytime running lights, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, and rain-sensing wipers. The SUV’s body has also seen changes in the form of a more muscular front with the brand’s signature kidney grille and a set of new active air vents sending wind through to the wheel wells.
Upon opening the doors, you’ll be greeted by a redesigned centre console sporting the carmaker’s new curved dual-screen layout, which this time around makes use of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch infotainment monitor.
From here, drivers can access the on-board navigation, use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, engage the dual-zone automatic climate control, and even activate a feature that turns your smartphone into a keyless-entry device.
Other items worth noting include artificial Sensatec leather upholstery, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, a wireless charger, electric front seats, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, active park assist, lane-departure warning, and cruise control.
