What is the BMW X1 competing against?

The BMW X1 competes with:Mini Countryman Pure - RM 228,888Volvo XC40 T5 - RM 255,888

What are the features of the BMW X1?

The BMW X1 comes with 6 airbags, ABS, stability and traction control systems, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and ADAS

How much is the BMW X1?

There are two variants of the BMW X1 available:sDrive18i - RM 208,368sDrive20i M Sport - RM 233,800

BMW X1 2022 - 2023 Price in Malaysia, News, Specs, Images, Reviews, Latest Updates

Overview
Exterior
Interior
Features
Powertrain
Driving Performance
Ride Comfort
Fuel Consumption
Conclusion

Overview
BMW X1 Series – Overview
The BMW X1 Series, as the model number suggests, is the entry model to the BMW X Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) family, slotting below the X3 Series.
The first generation E84 BMW X1 Series was not part of the BMW expansion plan of the SAV family, as the debuting BMW X1 was modified from an E90 BMW 3 Series wagon. It did look out of proportion unlike the BMW X5 and X3 models that were designed as SAV from group up. Similar to the product transformation of the BMW 1 Series, the new F48 BMW X1 series moved to front-wheel drive architecture after using rear-wheel drive in the first generation.
BMW Malaysia currently offers two variants of the F48 BMW X1 Series range in Malaysia, the BMW X1 sDrive18i and the X1 sDrive20i M Sport. Both the vehicles are locally-assembled by BMW Malaysia.
The BMW X1 is the lowest priced locally-assembled premium C-segment SUV in Malaysia, with its lower prices thanks to the EEV incentives. The BMW X1 sDrive18i (1.5-litre, 3-cylinder) is priced from RM208,368.48 and the larger engine (2.0-litre, 4-cylinder) BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport from RM230,410.37. Its closest competitor is the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 price from RM244,199.82, the Audi Q3 from RM285,900, the Lexus UX200 from RM236,443.50 and finally the Volvo XC40 Recharge from RM241,997 which is also locally-assembled.
Exterior
BMW X1 Series – Exterior
The front-wheel drive architecture and platform no longer require a long bonnet to position the engine and transmission lengthwise, as such, the F48 BMW X1 Series now looks like a typical crossover or SUV. The designers have also sculpted the second-generation X1 really well, looking like a junior BMW X5.
A facelift was introduced in 2019, featuring an enlarged single-frame kidney grille, new bumpers and lights. The facelift timing also introduced the M Sport package in Malaysia in the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine sDrive20i variant.
The M Sport package features a front and rear bumper with sportier sculptures with gloss black highlights. The window surround and roof rails are also in black, with the wheel arches and side skirts in body-colour. Larger 18-inch double-spoke 570 M Bicolour wheels wrapped with 225/50R18 tyres complete the M Sport package.
2021 BMW X1 Series F48 Dimensions
Length
4,447 mm
Width
1,821 mm
Height
1,598 mm
Wheelbase
2,670 mm
As the X1 sDrive20i has a more powerful 2.0-litre engine, the exhaust gases exit via dual outlets at each rear corner, as opposed to just a single tailpipe on the left in the 1.5-litre engine sDrive18i.
Both variants get LED headlights with high beam assistant, LED taillamps and handsfree opening and closing of the tailgate.
Interior
BMW X1 Series – Interior
Dashboard
While the front-wheel drive architecture is untraditional for a BMW, the driver-focused interior of the BMW X1 Series is familiar BMW territory. It is however starting to show its age, being a product launched in 2015, and continuing to use switches and controls from the previous generation F20 BMW 1 Series even with the 2019 facelift.
The higher-variant X1 sDrive20i M Sport is fitted with brushed aluminium trim and BMW M sports steering wheel with large shift paddles while the X1 sDrive20i is lined with simpler glass black trim and a regular steering wheel.
Instrument cluster
Both variants of the BMW X1 sold in Malaysia comes with the updated instrument cluster with black panel technology, analogue dials and a 5.7-inch TFT information display. The black panel technology provides better visibility as well as quality through incredibly high-contrast of white font over a black screen.
Space and practicality
Being developed as a true SUV or SAV from the ground up, the BMW X1 still provides plenty of space even though it is one generation behind the competitors. The storage space at the doors and lower console is large and even comes with a rotating central armrest.
The rear seats feature a 40-20-40 split and with the seats up, there are 505 litres of cargo space, increasing to 1,550 when all seats are folded down.
Features
BMW X1 Series – Features
Safety features
There are six airbags in the BMW X1 Series. Included in both variants of the facelifted BMW X1 is the Driving Assistance suite inclusive of the front collision warning with brake intervention and lane departure warning. The package, however, was only made available much later in 2020 for the xDrive20i M Sport variant.
A rear-view camera is also included as well as BMW’s Attentiveness Assistant, where a message will alert the driver if the system finds the driver exhibiting signs of fatigue from long continuous drives as well as unintentional lane departure.
Comfort features
Both variants are fitted with dual-zone automatic climate control with rear duct, electric adjustment of the front seats with memory function for the driver and rain-sensing wipers.
Sports seats and black headlining are fitted in the X1 sDrive20i M Sport as part of the sporty package.
Infotainment
The BMW X1 is perhaps the final BMW product that features the older iDrive Operating System 6.0. Nonetheless, it is still one of the easiest-to-use human-machine interfaces (HMI) in the automotive landscape and now comes with high-resolution graphics on a larger 8.8-inch central display. Included is also the BMW ConnectedDrive telematics service and support for Apple CarPlay.
The speaker count for the audio system is six, with a total output of 100 Watts.
Powertrain
BMW X1 Series – Powertrain
Engine
Here is where the bulk of the pricing separates the X1 sDrive18i and X1 sDrive20i variants. The sDrive18i is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine delivering 140 PS/220 Nm. It is the same unit as found in the BMW 218i Gran Coupe M Sport.
Meanwhile, the sDrive20i is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with outputs of 192 PS/280 Nm. This engine is also featured in the MINI Cooper S models.
Transmission
Power goes to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport has sports tuning on the transmission as part of the M Sport package.
Chassis
The biggest change when moving from the E84 BMW X1 Series to the new F48 BMW X1 Series is the layout of the engine, switching from the brand’s signature rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive. Even without the structural central hump, the bending and torsional stiffness of the bodyshell is better than the predecessor.
The BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport is fitted with M Sport suspension and 18-inch wheels while the lower-priced sDrive18i is fitted with 17-inch wheels. BMW has also included the Performance Control electronic assist that performs engine control and brake interventions for more agile driving while cornering.
Drivetrain
The F48 BMW X1 Series is now a front-wheel drive premium compact SUV or crossover. In Malaysia, both variants in the sDrive guise mean the drive is only sent to the front wheels.
Driving Performance
BMW X1 Series – Driving Performance
Engine performance
In the sDrive18i, performance is sufficient for most with good low-end torque for daily driving. The three-cylinder exhibits high levels of refinements with minimal vibrations. It feels more powerful and responsive than the figure of 140 PS suggests.
The additional 52 PS and 60 Nm of torque can be felt instantaneously in the sDrive20i, where the engine delivers a more urgent acceleration.
Transmission performance
The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts very well but not the fastest, a quality that Volkswagen still holds the title to. Nonetheless, the transmission is clever to select the right gear, hold the gear as well as downshift quickly according to the driver’s input.
The pricier sDrive20i M Sport comes with shift paddles for a more involving drive.
Steering and handling
BMW did not skim things here, so, apart from the MINI Countryman which shares the same chassis as the BMW X1, the SAV handles with much better precision and body control compared to the rivals. An ageing product, but the BMW X1 still drives and handles much better than its newer rivals.
Ride Comfort
BMW X1 Series – Ride Comfort
Soundproofing
Sound insulation is again class-leading levels, only beaten by the Volvo XC40 thanks to partial electric drive. Tyre noise is also well isolated in both 17-inch and 18-inch wheels.
Passenger comfort
In the pursuit of appealing to a wide variety of customers as well as new owners to the brand, BMW made the suspension in the X1 to be comfort-biased. Hardcore BMW owners used to the rear-wheel drive sedan and X5 generation might find the X1 too soft or unsettling, but comfort and a non-busy ride are exactly what many are looking for.
In the sDrive20i, the M Suspension does increase the harshness but is still very much acceptable thanks to the basic appeal and target usage of the X1.
Fuel Consumption
BMW X1 Series – Fuel Economy
The X1 sDrive18i is rated at 6.3 litres per 100 km (15.9 km/L) while the larger-engine X1 sDrive20i M Sport returns 6.5 litres per 100 km (15.3 km/L).
Conclusion
BMW X1 Series – Conclusion
The F48 BMW X1 Series easily shows its age among the sea of new rivals in the segment. Looks are very important in this segment as these vehicles and prices are deliberate to be an entry to the brand and as such, first impressions as well as impressing others are incredibly important.
The facelift and M Sport package might have helped ease things a little, but ultimately, the target market will be swayed away due to the sombre mood of the cabin and little wow factor.
There is little fault to find with the BMW X1 even with the lowest power output in the segment. The drive is still very much a BMW and premium levels of refinement.