September 18, 2023

Review: BMW X1 sDrive18d XLine


You can tell how much a brand values its name by how much thought is put into the details of every product that is produced. Consistency is key, especially when it comes to the standard of quality, starting with design, engineering, and of course, the final make. Not only should the final output look great, the attention to detail regarding construction should be impeccable. This characteristic is what sets BMW apart from other luxury car brands.

The beauty of a BMW stems from the rigidity of German standards that allow it to meet the expectations of the most discerning car owner. Like any other car brand, it offers a full range of models at varying price points and at almost every vehicle class. What’s great is that it leaves nothing to chance. Whichever model or variant you choose, a BMW will always feel and drive like a BMW. From the structural solidity of the car’s construction to the driving performance, you will always know that you are behind the wheel of a top-notch German vehicle.


That being said, a car is meant to be driven and, personally, BMWs are created for the road, not the garage. One of our favorites this season is the BMW X1, the brand’s gorgeous crossover that ticks all the right boxes if you’re looking for a city slicker that does just as well on weekend highway runs.

The X1 is a performer that is designed to keep up with the grind, with a 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine that is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. Despite being a diesel, it is seamlessly responsive and decidedly quieter than most other cars that run on a similar engine. The acceleration is smooth and gradual, with an easy maneuverability that can complement any driving style and requirement. This means that you can count on the X1 to support your daily point-to-point travels, as well as for longer out-of-town journeys.


And speaking of longer out-of-town journeys, the X1 has impressive fuel economy figures—reaching up to 15.38 km/L during a weekend run (average speed 18 km/h). With diesel prices on the rise, it’s important to maximize every drop that’s available. Go with Petron Turbo Diesel—a fuel that has been proven to offer not just improved engine response, but an improvement of almost 12 percent in terms of mileage.

The BMW X1 is the epitome of understated elegance. Its unique in-between size allows it to fit into most traffic situations and makes it easy to park, even in spaces where you need to squeeze it in a little bit. Its stands proudly on 18-inch matte aluminum alloy wheels that create a distinctive frontage that is complemented only by the BMW signature square double kidney grille and slim-style adaptive LED headlights. The proportions of the angular design give the X1 a sporty image that allows it to remain functional, with a rounded sloped hood line at just the right length for better visibility from the driver’s seat, regardless if you’re tall or petite.


The inside cabin of a BMW defines what has been coined, “quiet luxury.” By this, we mean an interior that is kept classic and simple in its practicality, while having a finish that is distinctively plush. It’s all in the details, after all. The BMW X1 uses premium leather finishing for the ergonomic, power-adjust seats, steering wheel, and dashboard. This design is supported by subtle ambient lighting and a slim, one-piece, frameless Widescreen Display for both the full-color digital instrument cluster and infotainment system.

The BMW X1 has become more driver-centric, as well, with controls being more easily reachable by the driver, located in areas that are instinctively familiar — at least for those who have driven BMWs in the past. It is not overly crowded with switches and buttons that are unnecessarily for show, reducing confusion and minimizing the time needed to get familiar with the car.


Being a woman with so much on her plate every day, I appreciate the multitude of storage spaces, from the cupholders, to the discrete stowage below the modern-style center console. A personal favorite in the X1 that I admittedly overused was the wireless charging pad that allows you to charge your smartphone standing up, instead of laying down on a flat pad. In addition, the charging area has a retractable feature that securely holds your phone in place. This means less chances of your phone sliding around and more consistent charging.

The infotainment system also offers seamless connection to your devices. Whether it’s Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay, the BMW X1 will automatically detect your smartphone once you’re in the cabin and the functions are turned on. For safety, the X1 is equipped with key driver assist features, such as Lane Change Warning, Rear Collision Prevention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with braking intervention, Parking Assist, and Reversing Assist, among others.


Driver’s point of view aside, the BMW X1 offers the same comfort for passengers. It has generous legroom in the rear bench and a large cargo hold that further expands when the backseats are folded down. This, along with the technology and safety built into the car, is what makes the X1 one of the best options for a premium daily driver.

BMW has always held a high standard for craftsmanship and engineering. Moreover, it ensures its customers that they are not only getting the best of German technology, but they are also stepping into an experience that will leave a lasting impression for generations to come. Again, consistency is key, and BMW knows exactly how to do it right. The BMW X1 may be your starting point, but rest assured that you work your way up and through the ladder, you will get the same signature deal — only better.

Words and Photos by Gen Tiu

2023 BMW X1 sDrive18d xLine

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Bottom Line
Pros Same BMW quality and features for this entry-level model.
Cons Price gap to bigger X3 not that big.
TL;DR A great starting point to BMW ownership.
Ownership
Year Introduced 2023
Warranty 5 years / 200,000 kilometers
The Basics
Body Type Luxury SUV
Seating 5
Engine / Drive F/F
Under the Hood
Displacement (liters) 2.0
Aspiration Turbocharged
Fuel Delivery Common Rail
Layout / # of Cylinders I4
Maximum Output (PS @ rpm) 150 @ 3,750-4,000
Maximum Torque (Nm @ rpm) 350 @ 1,500-2,500
Fuel / Min. Octane Diesel
Transmission 7 DCT
Cruise Control Yes
Fuel Economy (km/L) @ Ave. Speed (km/h) 15.38 km/L @ 18 km/h
(fueled with Petron Turbo Diesel)
Fuel Tank Size (L) 45
Dimensions and Weights
Length (mm) 4,500
Width (mm) 1,845
Height (mm) 1,642
Wheelbase (mm) 2,692
Curb Weight (kg) 1,575
Suspension and Tires
Front Suspension Independent, MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Independent, Multi-link
Front Brakes Vented Disc
Rear Brakes Vented Disc
Parking Brake Electric, w/ Auto Hold
Tires Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 225/55 R18 Y (f & r)
Recommended Tire Pressure (PSI) 35 (all), partial load
35 (front) / 42 (rear), full load
Wheels Alloy
Safety Features
Airbags 8
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Yes, with EBD
Traction / Stability Control Yes
Parking Sensors Yes, Front & Rear
Parking Camera Yes, Rear
Front Seatbelts 3-pt ELR w/ pre-tensioners x 2
Rear Seatbelts 3-pt ELR w/ pre-tensioners x 3
ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor Yes
Other Safety Features Parking Assistant
Exterior Features
Headlights LED (Adaptive), w/ Auto High Beam
Fog Lamps Rear (LED)
Light Operation Automatic
Wiper Operation Rain-Sensing
Tailgate Power w/ Hands-Free
Interior Features
Steering Wheel Adjust Tilt/Telescopic
Steering Wheel Material Leather
Seating Adjustment (driver) Electric, 8-way, w/ Memory
Seating Adjustment (front passenger) Electric, 8-way
Seating Surface Synthetic Leather
2nd Row 40/20/40 Split-Fold, w/ Arm Rest
3rd Row None
Sunroof None
Multi-Information Display / Size Yes, 10.25-inch
Convenience Features
Power Steering Yes
Power Door Locks Yes
Power Windows Yes
Power Mirrors Yes, w/ Fold
Rear View Mirror Auto-dimming
Proximity Key Yes
Climate Control Dual Zone, w/ Rear Vents
Audio System Stereo
USB Type C
Bluetooth
Smartphone Connectivity Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
# of Speakers 6
Steering Controls Yes

1 comment:

  1. Can I ask for more details about the "parking assistant"? From what I know, these are the parking sensors. Or is it another separate system? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

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