Used car check: BMW X1 - a small blemish clouds the picture

In contrast to its predecessor, the BMW X1 (F48) is a real SUV and also the first of its kind, which not only offered more interior space with a transversely installed engine, but was also available as a pure front-wheel drive vehicle.

Used car check: BMW X1 - a small blemish clouds the picture

In contrast to its predecessor, the BMW X1 (F48) is a real SUV and also the first of its kind, which not only offered more interior space with a transversely installed engine, but was also available as a pure front-wheel drive vehicle. The Bavarian cuts a good figure at TÜV. Except for one small flaw.

The new BMW X1 will start in autumn, a good opportunity to deal with the current, second generation of the SUV as a used car option. The compact model, which has been available since 2015, is well represented on the well-known online exchanges. The question remains what opinion the TÜV examiners have for the first X1 on a front-wheel drive platform.

While the first X1 was visually somewhere between a station wagon and an SUV, the current one is clearly an SUV. He looks like a Mini-Me of the X5. Unlike the first generation, which had the 3 Series Touring as a gene donor, the X1 (type F48) shares the base with the 2 Series Active Tourer. The modified technical layout, including with a transversely installed engine, means that the SUV generates significantly more space for the occupants than its predecessor, despite slightly reduced dimensions (4.44 meters in length).

The trunk volume is also impressive. Normally, the luggage compartment holds 500 liters, but if you fold down the rear seat backs, this increases to 1550 liters. If you buy a used model with the sliding rear seat, you can choose between more knee or luggage space. The interior is typical BMW, how dignified or noble depends on the willingness of the first buyer to invest in extras that are subject to a surcharge. In 2019, the X1 received a subtle facelift; you can tell by the modified radiator grille with a larger kidney grille, and LED lights have been standard ever since.

There are only three and four cylinders with 1.5 and 2.0 liter capacity and a power range from 116 hp to 231 hp. To make it easier to distinguish, the models with front-wheel drive are called sDrive, those with all-wheel drive xDrive. The entry-level petrol engine is a 136 hp three-cylinder with front-wheel drive (18i), the 192 hp four-cylinder (20i) is also available with all-wheel drive. The standard consumption values ​​read well on paper: BMW specifies between 5.1 liters for the s Drive 18i and 6.7 liters for the xDrive 20i. The smallest diesel (18d) has 150 hp, the 20d has 190 hp. Both are also available as xDrive. The top model is the xDrive25d with 231 hp. According to the manufacturer, the standard consumption varies between 4.1 and 5.2 liters.

Since the beginning of 2020, the X1 has also been available as a plug-in hybrid (xDrive25e) in combination with a 125 hp three-cylinder and a 95 hp electric motor. The system output is 220 hp. According to the data sheet, a purely electric range of almost 50 kilometers is possible.

The basic equipment, which was offered at market launch for around 30,000 euros, offers, among other things, a 6.5-inch color display, air conditioning, hands-free system, leather steering wheel and some assistance systems. There was a lot of room for extras such as the large infotainment system, navigation, head-up display or distance cruise control. Even LED had to be ordered for a surcharge until the facelift. The price list, which was very extensive at 70 pages, also included an electric tailgate, larger wheels than the standard 17-inch tires and many assistants. In 2015, the X1 passed the EuroNCAP crash test with five stars.

In the TÜV main inspections, the X1 showed few weaknesses, but with 92.4 percent of the two to three year old vehicles and 87.5 percent of the four to five year old vehicles without defects, it was a bit worse than the average of the cars examined (92.5 percent and 87.6 percent). This certainly does not correspond to the premium prices and buyers' expectations. The predecessor does a little better here. When it comes to the chassis, a typical weak point of an SUV, the TÜV inspectors have nothing to complain about with the Type48. The brakes and braking system are also inconspicuous. You have to take a closer look at the exhaust system, many test specimens fail the exhaust gas test.

Conclusion: The BMW X1 offers plenty of space for luggage and passengers and is also suitable as a family vehicle. If you are looking for a used copy, you still have to dig deep into your pocket. Around 15,000 euros are still due for older models with quite high mileage.