[Taboleo] Is It Really Entry-Level? The Larger and More Luxurious New BMW X1

Test Drive of New X1 and Electric iX1
Large, Angular Front Kidney Grille
Connected by a Single Curved Display
Harman Kardon Sound System Optional
Trunk Capacity Up to 1600ℓ Possible

BMW Compact SUV's First Pure Electric Vehicle iX1 xDrive30

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] BMW refers to its X series not as a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), but as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). This expression reflects the brand’s focus on dynamism (activity) rather than just utility. It is designed so that even when driving a large vehicle, one can fully enjoy the driving experience. Just as supercar brands have introduced SUVs, SUVs have recently become reliable profit drivers in the automotive market.

The BMW X series is no exception. It is said that the X series accounts for more than half of the total sales. In particular, the entry-level X1, first introduced in 2009, has sold 2.7 million units worldwide to date. I had a preview of the new X1 at the production plant in Regensburg, Germany. This is a completely redesigned model coming seven years after the second generation in 2015, featuring diesel and gasoline models as well as a pure electric vehicle lineup. It is scheduled to be launched in South Korea in the first half of next year.

BMW New X1 Interior Curved Display / Regensburg (Germany) Photo by Dae-Yeol Choi dychoi@

-Is it a compact SUV?

△It has grown compared to the previous model. The dimensions such as length, height, and wheelbase have increased by several tens of millimeters, but the design emphasizes volume and points of interest, giving the impression that it is even larger. The signature front kidney grille has been enlarged and sharpened, with the center part redesigned into a double-bar shape. The rear lamps have a distinctive convex, three-dimensional design.

The electric vehicle design is generally similar. The differences include the blue accents on the front emblem and grille outline, as well as blue parts on the air intake and lower sides and rear. The base model comes with 17-inch wheels, while the X Line and M Sport models have 18-inch wheels, with optional 19- and 20-inch wheels available.

-How has the interior changed?

△The exterior has changed a lot, but the interior changes are even more dramatic. Despite being an entry-level model, the interior space is sufficient for use as a family car. Like recent BMW models, it features a curved display that connects the driver’s instrument cluster and the central display into one. The driver’s side display is 10.25 inches, and the central display is 10.7 inches.

Physical buttons have been minimized, and major functions can be controlled via the screen. The right armrest on the driver’s side has a floating structure with various control buttons. The gear shift uses a toggle switch. The smartphone holder features indirect lighting and a support bracket to keep the phone securely in place, which is a notable design element.

BMW iX1 xDrive30 Interior

The rear seats can be folded or adjusted in a 40:20:40 split. Despite being an entry-level model, there is considerable knee room for adult passengers. The trunk capacity ranges from a basic 540 liters up to 1600 liters. Optional features include interior ambient lighting, a panoramic glass sunroof, and a Harman Kardon sound system.

BMW New X1 Interior / Regensburg (Germany) Photo by Dae-Yeol Choi dychoi@

Front-wheel drive with rear-wheel driving feel
Electric model zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds
Scheduled for release in South Korea in the first half of next year

BMW X1 sDrive18d

-How is the driving performance?

△The solid fundamentals remain intact. Despite its size, the handling is agile enough, and the suspension setup feels firm yet considerate of ride comfort. As an SUV, it is designed with long-distance and rough-road driving in mind. From the current second-generation model, front-wheel drive is standard instead of rear-wheel drive, but it still delivers the unique rear-wheel driving feel characteristic of BMW. A BMW representative at the site explained that this is because they aimed to provide driving pleasure regardless of the powertrain used.

Additionally, the standard actuator wheel slip limitation device enhances grip and steering stability. The adaptive M suspension is available as an option, featuring frequency-sensitive damping and sports steering, and lowers the vehicle height by 15 mm. The gasoline 23i produces a maximum output of 204 horsepower and a peak torque of 320 Nm (32.7 kg·m), while the diesel 18d delivers 150 horsepower and 360 Nm (36.7 kg·m) of torque.

BMW iX1 xDrive30 / Regensburg (Germany) - Photo by Choi Daeyeol dychoi@

The iX1, being an electric vehicle, accelerates briskly as you press the pedal. Using the boost mode behind the steering wheel provides extra power for about 10 seconds. It produces a maximum output of 313 horsepower and torque of 50.4 kg·m. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. Considering the added weight from the battery, the suspension seems to be set a bit firmer. The regenerative braking system, which takes surrounding traffic conditions into account, works as smoothly as cruise control.

BMW New X1 Augmented Reality Navigation in Operation. The arrow moves along with the vehicle's movement when changing direction at a turning section. / Regensburg, Germany Photo by Choi Dae-yeol dychoi@

-As an imported car, is the infotainment system usable?

△Infotainment has become an important factor for car buyers recently. It’s not just a bigger screen; the new model features BMW’s latest 8th generation iDrive system. The intuitive interface is impressive and easy to operate even for first-time users. Voice recognition allows simple controls and is quite accurate.

The navigation system offers an augmented reality view as an option. It not only provides directions but also changes in detail according to the vehicle’s position and turning radius, which is unique. Automatic smartphone connectivity without separate operation is also a convenient feature.

Regensburg (Germany) = Reporter Choi Dae-yeol dychoi@