The current iteration of the BMW X1 arrived in South Africa late in 2019. The facelifted range replaced the first models that were introduced during 2015. The new range comes with a host of updates with the exterior styling being one of the main areas of improvement. Upfront BMW incorporated a new kidney grille design as well as revisions to the lower air intakes and offers new optional adaptive LED headlights.
Related: 5 extras you should specify on a new BMW X1
At the rear, the X1 sees the fitment of a new inlay into the lower rear bumper as well as larger exhaust outlets. A new design taillamp also features which is also full LED. Customers also now have access to additional body colours as well as 18- and 19-inch wheel options. But let us find out what happens under the bonnet.
Engines
Although in some global markets the X1 is offered with additional engine options including a plug-in hybrid, locally two diesel and two petrol options are provided. For this comparison, we will be focussing on the base models of each engine derivative.
| BMW X1 sDrive18i | BMW X1 sDrive18d | BMW X1 sDrive20i | BMW X1 sDrive20d | |
| Engine | 1.5-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged, 3-cylinder petrol | 2.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged, 4-cylinder diesel | 2.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol | 2.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged, 4-cylinder diesel |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | 8-speed automatic | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Power | 103 kW | 110 kW | 141 kW | 140 kW |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 330 Nm | 280 Nm | 400 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 9.6s | 9.2s | 7.6s | 7.8s |
| Top speed | 203 km/h | 205 km/h | 224 km/h | 222 km/h |
| Fuel consumption | 6.3 L / 100 km | 5.1 L / 100 km | 6.5 L / 100 km | 4.9 L / 100 km |
| CO2 emission | 138 g/km | 134 g/km | 149 g/km | 129 g/km |
*This table was compiled using information sourced from www.duoporta.co.za
Conclusion
When comparing the models, we not only look at what the fuel consumption is but also how much power and torque you get in return for burning fuel. While it might be easy to assume that the 1.5-litre model is the most efficient, the 2.0-litre diesel produces a similar amount of kW per CC. However, when it comes to the engine torque, it is a totally different story as for just 0.5-litre more in capacity the 2.0-litre diesel develops nearly double the amount of torque than in the 1.5-litre.
The larger diesel motor also manages to use less fuel on average than the smaller motors as drivers do not need to slam on the accelerator to pick up speed. It is undeniable that the most efficient engine in the range is the sDrive20d, even if it seems counter-intuitive.
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