BMW X1

Inspired by the more premium and expensive BMW offerings, the X1's cabin has become an extremely modern space, thanks to the introduction of newer design elements and tech-laden features. The sDrive18d variant of the Philippines-spec BMW X1 is being offered with dual-tone black and beige leather upholstery with premium-looking aluminium inserts at places.

The BMW X1 welcomes one with its large and wide full-TFT screen. Placed behind the multi-functional steering wheel, this wide and slightly curved screen extends towards the centre of the dashboard while housing the full-TFT instrument console and a touchscreen infotainment system. The minimalist-looking centre console accommodates sleek AC vents and a slanted wireless charging pad. The dashboard of the X1 also houses slim AC vents with silver accents on their lower part.

The BMW X1 has a floating lower centre console between its front seats, that has the transmission controller toggle, an electronic parking brake and a drive mode selector. Other features like a panoramic sunroof, powered front seats with a massaging function, dual-zone automatic climate control and a whole suite of connected car features further make the cabin of the X1 feel more desirable. However, given its positioning as a luxury vehicle, we would have loved to see more features in the cabin.

In this third-generation version, the BMW X1 has inched closer to the design concept of SUVs more than the crossover theme of its predecessors. The sharper lines and relatively more upright stance make the new BMW X1 feel more like a taller vehicle, eventually resulting in a better road presence.

Like all BMW models, the X1 also has a double-kidney grille at the front, which has satin chrome surrounds and vertical slats. The sweptback angular headlamps placed on the sides of the grille have dual inverted L-shaped daytime running LEDs and adaptive LED projectors. The front bumper has a stretched central air dam, a silver scuff plate at the bottom and U-shaped silver garnish on the sides.

The BMW X1's side profile looks sharper and more appealing, and its 18-inch light alloy wheels add more dynamism to its design. Flap-type door handles, chrome surrounds for the window panels, and body cladding over the slightly squared wheel arches also add to its appeal.

The BMW X1 now has a sharper-looking rear profile, with a smaller and more angular windscreen and sleeker L-shaped tail lamps with thin LED inserts within them. The bottom of the rear bumper is also covered with black body cladding.

The BMW X1 is one of the most dynamic-to-drive luxury compact SUVs, with it having Servotronic, Performance Control, and a sport-tuned suspension setup of Macpherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. The ‘Efficient’ and ‘Sport’ are two drive modes on offer, with the latter offering a slightly more thrilling driving experience. 

The sDrive18d X-Line variant of the BMW X1 on sale in the Philippines has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine under its hood. Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, this diesel engine produces 150 PS of maximum power and 360 Nm of maximum torque. This powertrain claims a fuel efficiency of 20.4 kmpl.

While the Philippines-spec BMW X1 lacks more modern ADAS features, it covers the basic ground by offering front, side, and overhead airbags, ABS with EBD, dynamic stability control, dynamic traction control, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, a reverse parking camera, and parking sensors. 

With all the swankiness in its exterior and interior, the new third-generation BMW X1 looks and feels like a proper luxury product despite its compact size. However, we do wish that it was richer in its equipment levels.