With a whopping 730,000 units sold worldwide since its nascency in 2009, you would expect that the second generation BMW X1 would stick to the success formula of its predecessor. Surprisingly, the Bavarians have opted to engineer the all new X1 on a completely clean slate.
Revisions go beyond a mere redesign that make it more 'X-ish,' the dimensions of the X1 have been tweaked to make it taller and it now has a longer wheelbase (despite being shorter than before).
Also, the 3 Series Touring rear-wheel driven platform of the old car has been retired and BMW's new front-wheel drive layout, shared with the 2 Series Active Tourer and the new MINI range has been called upon to take its place. With such extensive reforms in place, have the Germans succeeded in making the X1 bigger and better?
Exterior
Unlike the outgoing model, which had closer similarity in semblance to a 1 Series on stilts, the architecture of its successor is aligned closer to the rest of its X siblings, particularly the X3.
Revisions go beyond a mere redesign that make it more 'X-ish,' the dimensions of the X1 have been tweaked to make it taller and it now has a longer wheelbase (despite being shorter than before).
Also, the 3 Series Touring rear-wheel driven platform of the old car has been retired and BMW's new front-wheel drive layout, shared with the 2 Series Active Tourer and the new MINI range has been called upon to take its place. With such extensive reforms in place, have the Germans succeeded in making the X1 bigger and better?
Exterior
Unlike the outgoing model, which had closer similarity in semblance to a 1 Series on stilts, the architecture of its successor is aligned closer to the rest of its X siblings, particularly the X3.
If you found the old one to appear a little wimpy, BMW has answered your prayers and shaped the new X1 more adventurously.
Despite being the baby of the bunch, its new appearance is anything but meek. Revisions to the exterior include a more muscular-looking front bumper highlighted by angular kidney grilles, three-section lower air intakes and twin circular head lights and fog lamps.
These changes eliminate the droopy, slightly uninspiring face the outgoing model had, making the X1 look a whole lot tougher. At 1,598mm tall (53mm taller than before), the car here cuts a rather intimidating figure as well. Stylish LED daytime driving lights as well as full LED head lights come standard on the car.
Despite being the baby of the bunch, its new appearance is anything but meek. Revisions to the exterior include a more muscular-looking front bumper highlighted by angular kidney grilles, three-section lower air intakes and twin circular head lights and fog lamps.
These changes eliminate the droopy, slightly uninspiring face the outgoing model had, making the X1 look a whole lot tougher. At 1,598mm tall (53mm taller than before), the car here cuts a rather intimidating figure as well. Stylish LED daytime driving lights as well as full LED head lights come standard on the car.
Interior
Front-wheel drive platforms allow manufacturers to allocate extra space to occupants and storage capacity, making even small cars feel spacious from the interior - as seen in the 2 Series Active Tourer.
Similarly, despite having a 10mm shorter wheelbase than before, the cabin feels roomier with more than enough headroom to spare compared to rivals like the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
A by-product of the X1's ample headroom is the capacity for an elevated seating position, which gives you a clear view of the road ahead.
Front-wheel drive platforms allow manufacturers to allocate extra space to occupants and storage capacity, making even small cars feel spacious from the interior - as seen in the 2 Series Active Tourer.
Similarly, despite having a 10mm shorter wheelbase than before, the cabin feels roomier with more than enough headroom to spare compared to rivals like the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.
A by-product of the X1's ample headroom is the capacity for an elevated seating position, which gives you a clear view of the road ahead.
Buttons and knobs are easily within reach, fit and finish is fantastic and there are loads of useful spaces to stow your possessions. Amenities include a reduced 6.5-inch iDrive system with navigation and the handy BMW ConnectedDrive network of services.
Room in the second row is commendable as well. With a 37mm gain in knee room, passengers in the back have little to fuss about. The boost in capacity continues in the boot, which at 505 litres is a laudable 85 litres more than the first generation X1.
And with the 40:20:40 rear bench tucked down, storage capacity figures are more than tripled at 1,550 litres.
The Drive
The X1 sDrive20i is now powered by a chirpy 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, producing 189bhp and 280Nm of torque. In a slight hot hatch fashion, the X1 will hit the 100km/h mark in 7.7 seconds although it does feel a wee bit faster than the factory figures suggest.
Instead of the usual ZF-supplied transmission, the engine is now mated to an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission made by Japanese manufacturer Aisin. Our initial scepticisms were proven erroneous once we got behind the wheel as the gear shifts were quick and equally, if not smoother, than before.
Drivetrain and steering behaviour is altered using the Driving Experience Control switch on the centre console, offering three drive modes - Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro.
For an SUV, the X1 tackles even the most demanding of corners with little struggle. It's nice to know that even with such drastic changes to the car, the Bavarians have not forgotten to induce that sportiness that makes their cars fun.
This may be all fun and games for the driver but the stiffness of the suspension may irritate the passengers. Although it handles well, buyers looking to dip their fingers in the compact SUV market may not appreciate something that offers comfort levels comparable to a hot hatch.
Conclusion
The slight cutback on driving dynamics should not be a concern for the population at large who want a small, easy to drive and practical soft-roader. Compared to the last generation, the improvements to the X1's cabin space and boot capacity should be the biggest temptation to get one.
Besides, its strikingly good looks should seduce you even before you step inside. And with at a price of $191,800 (as of 23rd October 2015), it offers pretty good value over the competition.
